Sept. 5, 2026, 10:47 AM
– Sept. 6, 2026, 6:00 PM
Sports View Hotel, Kireka
ABACUS OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026
Abacus Open Chess Championship 2026: Kampala's Holiday Wake-Up Chess Battle Returns
If you've been waiting for a reason to dust off your chess clock this September, here it is. The Abacus Open Chess Championship 2026 — proudly FIDE rated — is set for 5th–6th September 2026 at Sports View Hotel, Kireka, and it promises two days of serious over-the-board action for players of every level.
Dubbed the "Holiday wake up chess battle," the tournament is sponsored by Abacus Pharmaceuticals and brings together open-section contenders, ladies, juniors, and rated underdogs all chasing a share of the prize fund — and FIDE rating points to go with it.
What's at Stake
The prize pool rewards depth across the board:
Open Section
1st place: UGX 700,000
2nd place: UGX 400,000
3rd place: UGX 200,000
Ladies Section
1st place: UGX 500,000
2nd place: UGX 300,000
3rd place: UGX 200,000
Rating Category Prizes
Best U1900: UGX 100,000
Best U1800: UGX 100,000
So even if the top boards feel out of reach, there's real money on the line for club-level players punching above their rating.
Juniors: TVs, Music Systems, and Trophies
Young players get their own stage with junior categories in U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, and U20. The overall junior winners — boys and girls alike — walk away with serious hardware:
1st place: Smart TV
2nd place: Music system
3rd place: Speaker
On top of that, all gold medal winners receive trophies, and the organisers have promised surprise cash prizes throughout the event. If you coach juniors or have a young player at home, this is the tournament to circle on the calendar.
Format and Time Control
The event runs as a 6-round classical tournament with a time control of 1 hour + 2 seconds increment per player. That's enough time for real chess — deep middlegame plans, proper endgame technique — while keeping the schedule tight across the two days. And because the event is FIDE rated, every game counts toward your international rating.
Registration Details
Getting in is straightforward:
Registration (without lunch): UGX 40,000
Registration (lunch inclusive for both days): UGX 60,000
Payments should be made to 0705118819, and the deadline is 3rd September 2026 — don't leave it to the last minute, as late entries and pairing headaches go hand in hand.
Inquiries
For any questions about registration, categories, or logistics, contact:
Mrs. Swarna Garikapati — +256 707018352
See You in Kireka
Whether you're an experienced tournament player hunting the top prize, a junior chasing your first trophy, or a club player looking to test yourself in a rated event, the Abacus Open Chess Championship 2026 has a board waiting for you. Register early, sharpen your openings, and come make your move this September at Sports View Hotel, Kireka.
Sponsored by Abacus Pharmaceuticals.
If you've been waiting for a reason to dust off your chess clock this September, here it is. The Abacus Open Chess Championship 2026 — proudly FIDE rated — is set for 5th–6th September 2026 at Sports View Hotel, Kireka, and it promises two days of serious over-the-board action for players of every level.
Dubbed the "Holiday wake up chess battle," the tournament is sponsored by Abacus Pharmaceuticals and brings together open-section contenders, ladies, juniors, and rated underdogs all chasing a share of the prize fund — and FIDE rating points to go with it.
What's at Stake
The prize pool rewards depth across the board:
Open Section
1st place: UGX 700,000
2nd place: UGX 400,000
3rd place: UGX 200,000
Ladies Section
1st place: UGX 500,000
2nd place: UGX 300,000
3rd place: UGX 200,000
Rating Category Prizes
Best U1900: UGX 100,000
Best U1800: UGX 100,000
So even if the top boards feel out of reach, there's real money on the line for club-level players punching above their rating.
Juniors: TVs, Music Systems, and Trophies
Young players get their own stage with junior categories in U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, and U20. The overall junior winners — boys and girls alike — walk away with serious hardware:
1st place: Smart TV
2nd place: Music system
3rd place: Speaker
On top of that, all gold medal winners receive trophies, and the organisers have promised surprise cash prizes throughout the event. If you coach juniors or have a young player at home, this is the tournament to circle on the calendar.
Format and Time Control
The event runs as a 6-round classical tournament with a time control of 1 hour + 2 seconds increment per player. That's enough time for real chess — deep middlegame plans, proper endgame technique — while keeping the schedule tight across the two days. And because the event is FIDE rated, every game counts toward your international rating.
Registration Details
Getting in is straightforward:
Registration (without lunch): UGX 40,000
Registration (lunch inclusive for both days): UGX 60,000
Payments should be made to 0705118819, and the deadline is 3rd September 2026 — don't leave it to the last minute, as late entries and pairing headaches go hand in hand.
Inquiries
For any questions about registration, categories, or logistics, contact:
Mrs. Swarna Garikapati — +256 707018352
See You in Kireka
Whether you're an experienced tournament player hunting the top prize, a junior chasing your first trophy, or a club player looking to test yourself in a rated event, the Abacus Open Chess Championship 2026 has a board waiting for you. Register early, sharpen your openings, and come make your move this September at Sports View Hotel, Kireka.
Sponsored by Abacus Pharmaceuticals.