Skalica – The international chess festival Chess Slovak Open® 2026 is among the open tournaments financially supported by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) through its FIDE Open Aid project. The backing comes in a year when the festival plays for a record prize fund and expects one of the strongest fields in its history.
What the FIDE Open Aid project is
FIDE Open Aid (originally the FIDE Aid Package to Open Tournaments) was launched during the pandemic as a tool for direct financial assistance to classical open tournaments at a time when the calendar was under threat. Over several editions it has become one of FIDE’s most consistent forms of direct support for the open circuit. FIDE announced the project’s return for 2026 on 4 May 2026.
The project’s conditions also strengthen fairness of play: at least 10% of the total prize fund must be allocated to women’s prizes and at least 5% to veterans’ prizes. These rules make the supported tournaments more attractive to a broader range of players.
What it means for Skalica
For Chess Slovak Open® 2026, taking place 22–30 August 2026 in Skalica, FIDE’s support confirms the event’s international standing. The festival joins the respected open tournaments under the FIDE umbrella and strengthens its position as one of the most significant chess events in the region.
The organisers are preparing a record prize fund and a rich supporting programme in the historic centre of Skalica. Registration is open.
More about the project: FIDE Open Aid Project returns in 2026 (fide.com).