Honoring the legacy of World Chess Champion Alexander Alekhine, Tshwane Chess presents the 2026 Alekhine Open. This tournament is the final opportunity to earn points for the September 2025 – August 2026 Merit Point cycle, with the time control being 60:60 +30 sipm.

Please note that all entries close on 27 August 2026 at 20:00.
Section E and F will only be playing on Saturday 29 August 2026. The section requirements are as follows:

Section A: Highest of Chess SA or FIDE Rating >= 1650
Section B: Highest of Chess SA or FIDE Rating 1500 – 1670
Section C: Highest of Chess SA or FIDE Rating 1400 – 1520 (Older players included here if rating above 1350 or unrated)
Section D: Highest of Chess SA or FIDE Rating 0 – 1420
Section E: Born 2017 or 2018; Rating < 1350 & < 5 tourneys played in Section E
Section F: Born 2019 & Rating < 1350 & < 5 tourneys played in Section F

All sections are Chess SA rated, and Sections A-C are also FIDE Rated. Sign up now!