The 17th edition of the Africa Youth Chess Championship is starting soon at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda. Scheduled from May 15 to May 21, 2026, the event has attracted a massive field of 943 participants across all age categories, marking a significant turnout for continental youth chess.
Organized by the Uganda Chess Federation, the championship is overseen by Tournament Director AO Okas Walter and Chief Arbiter Gunther van den Bergh. The event utilizes a 9-round Swiss-system format, with games played under a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. All games are officially rated for both national and international FIDE rankings.
This year’s championship offers substantial incentives for the top performers, particularly in the U18 Open and Girls sections. The breakdown for the U18 titles is as follows:
Gold Medalists: Awarded IM (International Master) or WIM (Woman International Master) titles, along with the corresponding norms.
Silver and Bronze Medalists: Awarded FM (FIDE Master) or WFM (Woman FIDE Master) titles.
In addition to these title opportunities, medalists and winners in their respective categories secure a coveted qualification spot for the 2027 FIDE World Youth Championship, covering the U14, U16, and U18 age groups.
The event continues through May 21, with participants from across the continent competing for trophies, medals, and the chance to represent Africa on the world stage.
