The Montenegro Chess Federation and the European Chess Union have invited national federations to the European Junior U20 Chess Championship 2026, set to take place in Cetinje, Montenegro. The event will feature open and girls categories for players born in 2006 or later. It includes a 15,000 EUR prize fund and qualifications for the FIDE World Junior U20 Championship.
The European Junior U20 Chess Championship 2026 will occur from August 5 to August 16 at Hotel Grand in Cetinje, Montenegro. Organized by the Montenegro Chess Federation (MCF) and the European Chess Union (ECU), the tournament invites players from ECU member national federations.
Competitions will run in two categories: Open U20 and Girls U20. Each will consist of nine Swiss-system rounds. The time control is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one.
Eligibility is limited to players born on or after January 1, 2006. Each ECU member federation may register one invited player per category. Players finishing 1st to 3rd in the 2025 European Open and Girls Youth U18 Chess Championships qualify as invited participants. Federations can also send an unlimited number of additional players.
Registrations must be submitted through national federations by June 5, 2026. Late entries will incur penalties as outlined in the official regulations.
Hotel Grand Cetinje serves as both the playing venue and official hotel. Organizers will provide free transfers for players and accredited persons from Podgorica or Tivat airports on arrival (August 5) and departure (August 16) days. Additional transportation, including from Dubrovnik or Tirana airports or on other days, is available for a fee upon request.
The total prize fund stands at 15,000 EUR, with prizes including direct titles and spots in the FIDE World Junior U20 Chess Championship. Detailed regulations and further information are available on the official website.
Contact details include email at eurojunioru20@gmail.com, tournament director Milovic Jovan (IO) at +382 67 600 471, and the organizing committee at +382 67 237 360. The event website is www.sahcg.me/ejcc26.
