Dear Chess Friends,

You are very welcome to take part in the 2026 Northumbria Masters Chess Congress, held at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre from Wednesday to Monday 26-31 August.

Entries are invited for the following tournaments:

I) Three FIDE-rated 9-round Swiss tournaments:

1) OPEN Super-Swiss

Prize Fund: £3,000

Eligible for title norms.

2) CHALLENGERS (U-2000 FIDE)

Prize Fund: £1,175

For players rated under 2000 FIDE or no FIDE rating.

3) MAJOR (U-1700 FIDE)

Prize Fund: £900

For players rated under 1700 FIDE or no FIDE rating.

II) FIDE-rated BLITZ

Prize Fund: £300

The BLITZ tournament will take place on Thursday 27 August at 8 pm.

III) IM INVITATIONAL

Expressions of interest from players rated 2250+ FIDE are also welcome for the IM INVITATIONAL ROUND ROBIN (10 players).

Seven norm seekers will join three International Masters for an all-play-all tournament.

Players scoring the required number of points will make an IM norm. To apply to enter the IM INVITATIONAL, please write in confidence to: info@northumbriamasters.com.

Please check the Event Information page for more details about the tournaments and the playing schedule.

DARLINGTON CHESSFEST!

This year again, our Chess Congress will be accompanied by another fantastic event – the Darlington ChessFest – chess fun & games for all in the Marquee on Darlington’s Horse Market Square.

I look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Northumbria Masters Chess Congress and Darlington ChessFest.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Wall

Director
Darlington Chess Festival & Northumbria Masters Chess Congress