Field Size, Requirements & Conditions
Total Participants: Strictly capped at 80 players.
Foreign Players Requirement: 25 foreign players are required, out of whom at least 15 must be Grandmasters (GMs) and 10 International Masters.
Grandmasters Invitation: Grandmasters rated above 2250 are invited to participate.
Special Conditions for Women Players: We offer conditions to women players holding a WIM title or above, with an official FIDE rating of 2250 or higher as of 1st October 2026.
Hospitality & Conditions Inquiries: Complimentary accommodation in a 5-star hotel along with food will be provided for invited players. For detailed conditions and invitation letters, please write to info@cholachess.com.
Tournament Overview & Key Dates
Event Dates: 30th October – 7th November 2026
Venue: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600 086
Total Prize Fund: ₹50,00,000 (Fifty Lakhs INR)
First Prize: ₹10,00,000
Eligibility: Players with an official FIDE Rating of 2250 or above as on the 1st October 2026 FIDE rating list.
Prize Fund
Venue: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road
Schedule
Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
30th October 2026 | Inauguration Ceremony | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
30th October 2026 | Round 1 | 2:00 PM |
31st October 2026 | Round 2 | 2:00 PM |
1st November 2026 | Round 3 | 2:00 PM |
2nd November 2026 | Round 4 | 2:00 PM |
3rd November 2026 | Round 5 | 2:00 PM |
4th November 2026 | Round 6 | 2:00 PM |
5th November 2026 | Round 7 | 2:00 PM |
6th November 2026 | Round 8 | 2:00 PM |
7th November 2026 | Round 9 | 10:00 AM |
7th November 2026 | Closing & Prize Distribution Ceremony | 5:00 PM |
Registration, Entry Fees & Contact Details
Entry Fee: ₹10,000
Free Entry: Grandmasters (GMs) and Woman Grandmasters (WGMs).
AICF / TNSCA Registration: All Indian players must possess active AICF registration for 2026–2027. Tamil Nadu players must also hold active TNSCA registration for 2026–2027.
Registration Deadline: Applications must be submitted via email by 5th October 2026.
How to Register: Send player profile and entry details to info@cholachess.com.
Foreign Titled Players & Women Players Inquiries: Players requesting conditions, invitation letters, or hotel bookings should write to info@cholachess.com or call +91 89259 84477.
Impact on Indian Chess
Chola Chess was launched in July 2025 with a clear vision to nurture young talent in India. Even before its launch, the initiative had already begun conducting training camps from January 2025. Since then, it has conducted 100 camps and trained over 1300 players. It provides a space for promising players to train under experienced coaches. On 1st April, they conducted their 100th camp, marking an important milestone in their journey. Read the article to know how Chola Chess is making a difference.
A glimpse of previous tournaments
Read more about previous events:
2nd Chola Chess GM and 1st IM Norm
