last update 1st Feb 2026 17:07
WCU Spring Chess Congress 2026
Sat 7th- Sun 8th March 2026
featuring the
WCU Spring 2026 Open, combined with
the Welsh U18 and U16 Championships
and the
WCU Spring 2026 Major (U1850)
and the
2026 Welsh Under 13, and 11 Championships
also the
2026 Welsh Under 9 Championships
Sun 8th March 2026
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
Circle Way East,
Llanedeyrn,
Cardiff CF23 9XF
Tournament Director: Kevin Staveley
57, Treharne St., Cwmparc, Rhondda, CF42 6LH
kevin.staveley@btinternet.com
(01443) 772750
| Entry Fee Open, Major and U18/16 | |
|---|---|
| Before 25th February 2026 | £30 Under 18, born 2008 or later £20 Under 16, born 2010 or later £20 |
| 25th February 2026 or later | £40 Under 18, born 2008 or later £30 Under 16, born 2010 or later £30 |
| Entry Fee U13, U11 and U9 | |
|---|---|
| Before 25th February 2026 | £15 Under 13, born 2013 or later Under 11, born 2015 or later Under 9, born 2017 or later |
| 25th February 2026 or later | £20 |
| Prizes | |
|---|---|
| Open | 1st £150 2nd £100 3rd £50 |
| Major | 1st £150 2nd £100 3rd £50 |
| U16/U18 | Highest placed U18 and U16 £40 |
| U13/11/9 | Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd |
| News |
|---|
| Players who need a Welsh FIDE ID should contact David Norris by email: internationalratingofficer@welshchessunion.uk Please include your date of birth. |
| The rate of play in the Open and Major sections is all moves in 60 minutes, with a 30 second increment from move 1. Under 13/11: All moves in 60 minutes with a 10 second increment from move 1. Under 9: All moves in 20 minutes with a 10 second increment from move 1 |
| Timetable Open, Major and U18/16 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Saturday 7th Mar | 09:45 |
| Round 2 | Saturday 7th Mar | 13:30 |
| Round 3 | Saturday 7th Mar | 17:15 |
| Round 4 | Sunday 8th Mar | 09:45 |
| Round 5 | Sunday 8th Mar | 13:30 |
| Timetable U13/11 |
|---|
| There will be three rounds on Saturday, 7th Mar with round one starting at 10 am. There will be a further two rounds on Sunday, 8th Mar with round 4 starting at 10 am. The times of rounds 2, 3 and 5 will be announced at the event. |
| Timetable U9 |
|---|
| There will be five rounds on Sunday, 8th Mar with round one starting at 10:30 am. |