The 17th Continental Women's Chess Championship of the Americas will take place from March 30 to April 6, 2026, in Lima, Peru. Organized by the Chess Confederation of the Americas and the Peruvian Sports Chess Federation, the event is open to women players from all American chess federations. The winner will qualify for the FIDE World Cup.
The tournament will be held at the Delfines Hotel & Convention Center in San Isidro, Lima, Peru. It features a nine-round format with a time control of 90 minutes per game plus a 30-second increment from the first move. A prize fund of $8,000 will be distributed among the top 10 finishers.
For American players, registrations must be submitted through national federations, with a $200 entry fee and a $300 non-refundable administrative fee. US Chess requires participants to have a current membership through May 2026 and a USA-flagged FIDE ID. Interested US players should complete the Google Form by February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CDT, with payment due by February 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CDT.
US Chess will nominate three official players—the top three according to the February 2026 FIDE Standard Rating List—who register and pay on time. These players will receive shared double-room accommodation and full meals from March 30 dinner to April 6 breakfast, covered by the organizers. Their entry fees, accommodation, and partial admin fees will be refunded post-event.
Accommodation at the official hotel is recommended, with rates of $120 per night per person for a double room including full board, or $85 with breakfast only. Staying off-site incurs a $200 penalty. Participants assume all risks related to international travel, as outlined in the US Chess waiver.
For inquiries, contact Brian Yang, US Chess FIDE Events Manager. Full regulations are available in a downloadable PDF.