The Chess Festival Munich is an annual event featuring multiple chess tournaments and other activities for players of all levels and for all those interested in chess. The 2026 edition will be the fourth and very special. It will take place from May 10th to May 29th, with different tournaments including the Munich Norm tournaments, the Wolfgang Unzicker Memorial tournaments and the International Whitsun Open with its Youth Open. Besides of this we will have the Wolfgang Unzicker Blitz and a Freestyle tournament. There will be a a Philidor Memorial and Chess and Education conference with concerts in Castle Nymphenburg. The Munich Chess Festival aims to bring together all chess enthusiasts.
The tournaments are open to various categories of players based on their ratings. For instance, the International Whitsun Open includes an “A” section for players rated 2000 Elo and above, and a “B” section for those below 2100
Our first tournaments this year.
In these tournaments ten will compete with each other.
This is the main Open of the 3rd Munich Chess Festival.
Year after year we are better, we don’t loose the goal out of sight. Thanks to all those who helped that the Chess Festival became an evolving succes.
Our vision is to establish Chess Festival Munich as a premier international chess event that not only elevates the competitive spirit of the game but also inspires lifelong learning, critical thinking, and camaraderie through chess.
We aim to promote the intellectual and social benefits of chess, nurturing talent through tournaments, camps, and workshops, while offering opportunities for players to achieve ratings and titles in a friendly, yet challenging environment.
A focus on uniting chess players from all backgrounds and skill levels.
