Participation
Who can play?
Players from ECU federations in 12 separate sections: U8, G8, U10, G10, U12, G12, U14, G14, U16, G16, U18 and G18.
Important announcement
Registration deadline extended until 13 June 2026
A preliminary list of registered participants has been published. Accommodation information will be sent over the coming days.
Rzeszów, Poland • 6–10 July 2026
25th European Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship
Official website of the championship in 12 separate sections: U8, G8, U10, G10, U12, G12, U14, G14, U16, G16, U18 and G18.
6–10 July 2026Arrival, competition and departure
Podpromie HallOfficial playing venue
12 SectionsU8, G8, U10, G10, U12, G12, U14, G14, U16, G16, U18, G18
13 June 2026Registration deadline extended
Organizers and partners
About the championship
The event is open to players representing European National Chess Federations and includes official ECU titles in both Rapid and Blitz in all 12 sections: U8, G8, U10, G10, U12, G12, U14, G14, U16, G16, U18 and G18.
Titles
Official ECU titles
Winners receive official ECU titles in both Rapid and Blitz, in every age category.
Awards
Prizes and medals
Top three players in each category receive trophies, medals and prizes in kind.
Certificates
Participation certificate
All participants receive an official ECU Certificate of Participation.
Age categories
The championship is played in 12 separate sections: U8, G8, U10, G10, U12, G12, U14, G14, U16, G16, U18 and G18. Each card can link directly to the current start list of the selected section.
U8Open — born on or after 1 January 2018Open start list →
G8Girls — born on or after 1 January 2018Girls start list →
U10Open — born on or after 1 January 2016Open start list →
G10Girls — born on or after 1 January 2016Girls start list →
U12Open — born on or after 1 January 2014Open start list →
G12Girls — born on or after 1 January 2014Girls start list →
U14Open — born on or after 1 January 2012Open start list →
G14Girls — born on or after 1 January 2012Girls start list →
U16Open — born on or after 1 January 2010Open start list →
G16Girls — born on or after 1 January 2010Girls start list →
U18Open — born on or after 1 January 2008Open start list →
G18Girls — born on or after 1 January 2008Girls start list →
Competition format
Two official championships will be played during the event, both using the Swiss system.
Rapid
Rapid Championship
9 rounds, Swiss system, one game per round.
Time control: 15 minutes + 10 seconds per move from move 1.
Blitz
Blitz Championship
9 rounds, Swiss system, two games per round.
Time control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move from move 1.
Event schedule
The official program includes arrival, Rapid, an optional city tour, Blitz and the awarding ceremony.
| Date | Time | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 6 July | All day | Participants arrival | Official hotels |
| Monday, 6 July | 21:00 | Technical meeting | Playing hall |
| Tuesday, 7 July | 10:30 | Opening ceremony | Playing hall |
| Tuesday, 7 July | 11:00–13:00 | Rapid rounds 1–2 | Playing hall |
| Tuesday, 7 July | 17:00–20:00 | Rapid rounds 3–5 | Playing hall |
| Wednesday, 8 July | 10:00–13:00 | Rzeszów City Tour / Underground Route (optional) | Organized in groups |
| Wednesday, 8 July | 17:00–21:00 | Rapid rounds 6–9 | Playing hall |
| Thursday, 9 July | 10:00–13:00 | Blitz rounds 1–5 | Playing hall |
| Thursday, 9 July | 17:00–20:00 | Blitz rounds 6–9 | Playing hall |
| Thursday, 9 July | 21:00 | Awarding ceremony | Official venue |
| Friday, 10 July | By 11:00 | Participants departure | Hotel check-out |
Accommodation packages, transfers and payments
All participants and accompanying persons must stay in official hotels designated by the Organizer. The official package covers 4 nights, full board and organizational and accreditation-related costs, including ECU fees where applicable.
3★ Hotel
€406 2-person room
3-person room: €406 per person
1-person room: €526 per person
4★ Hotel
€486 2-person room
3-person room: €486 per person
1-person room: €646 per person
4★+ Hotel
€526 2-person room
3-person room: €526 per person
1-person room: €686 per person
Official package includes
- Accommodation in an official hotel for 4 nights: 6–10 July 2026
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Organizational and accreditation-related costs, including ECU fees where applicable
- Free shuttle transport for official hotels located more than 2 km from the venue
- Extra nights may be arranged upon request and subject to availability
- For junior players, 2-person and 3-person rooms are expected to be the standard option
Transfers and payment terms
Deposit: €200 per person by 13 June 2026
Transfers: Rzeszów Airport (RZE) €10 / Kraków Airport (KRK) €30 one way
The remaining balance must be paid before arrival, according to the invoice deadline. All payments are made by bank transfer and bank charges are borne by the sender.
Hotel booking and accreditation are confirmed only after the required payment has been received.
Registration
Entries must be submitted no later than 13 June 2026 by the National Federation or with Federation approval.
How to register
- Complete the entry form for the whole delegation.
- Include player details, FIDE ID, rating, arrival and departure dates, and passport number if needed for visa purposes.
- Clearly indicate the Chief of Delegation with name, telephone number and e-mail address. The Chief of Delegation must be an adult.
- Send registration and booking exclusively to the local organizer by e-mail.
Travel and transfers
Transfers are arranged between the official hotels and Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (RZE) or Kraków Airport (KRK), upon prior request.
Transfer fees: RZE €10 one way per person, KRK €30 one way per person.
Regulations
This section collects the event documents and the most important official ECU and FIDE regulations relevant to the championship. The downloadable regulations PDF and the Excel entry form should match the final version of the official communication.
Downloads
Event documents
Official rules
ECU and FIDE regulations
Need an invitation letter for visa purposes?
Participants who require a visa should contact the Organizer before the registration deadline. Invitation letters are issued after the necessary payments are received.