Weekender
The Weekender is a five-round, FIDE- and ICU-rated classical tournament played across five rating sections at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. All games are played at a time control of 90+30.
Want to make a full Bank Holiday weekend of your trip? Explore The Chess Weekender Plus →
Dates & Venue
Friday, 29 January – Sunday, 31 January 2027
Radisson Blu Hotel
Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
F91 XW7Y, Ireland
Tournament Format
5 rounds · 90+30 · FIDE rated · ICU rated
Round Schedule
| Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 29 January | 7:00pm | Round 1 |
| Saturday, 30 January | 9:30am | Round 2 |
| Saturday, 30 January | 3:00pm | Round 3 |
| Sunday, 31 January | 9:30am | Round 4 |
| Sunday, 31 January | 3:00pm | Round 5 |
Sections
If you have a FIDE rating, we will use your FIDE rating to determine your section. If you don’t have a FIDE rating, we will use your national rating. If your national rating is not from Ireland, please tell us where we can find your national rating (e.g. ECF, USCF) online at info@sligochessfestival.com.
| Section | Rating |
|---|---|
| Master | 1900+ |
| Expert | 1750–1899 |
| Championship | 1600–1749 |
| Major | 1450–1599 |
| Challenger | ≤1449 |
Entry Fee Schedule
| Registration Period | Entry Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early | €65 | 30 November 2026 |
| Standard | €75 | 31 December 2026 |
| Final | €85 | 28 January 2027, 8:00pm |
Prizes*
| Section | Open 1st | Open 2nd | Open 3rd | Women 1st | Women 2nd | Women 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | €825 | €530 | €300 | €330 | €200 | €130 |
| Expert | €310 | €200 | €115 | €125 | €75 | €50 |
| Championship | €235 | €150 | €85 | €95 | €55 | €40 |
| Major | €180 | €115 | €70 | €75 | €45 | €30 |
| Challenger | €125 | €80 | €40 | €50 | €30 | €20 |
*Chess.com Diamond Membership Prizes
All 1st-place winners receive a 3-month Diamond membership, 2nd-place winners receive 2 months, and 3rd-place winners receive 1 month.
* Prizes are subject to change based on registrations
* Players are eligible to receive one prize only.
Rules & Player Information
Regulations →
Code of Conduct →
Make a Bank Holiday Weekend of It
The Weekender is only the beginning. Stay in Sligo through Bank Holiday Monday for the Blitz Open and enjoy the wider programme of chess, social and festival activities.
Explore The Chess Weekender Plus →
View the Full Festival Schedule →