Guide for international players

Play chess in Slovakia

Chess Slovak Open® is an international chess festival in Skalica, western Slovakia – in the heart of Central Europe.

2027 21–29 August 2027Venue House of Culture, SkalicaRegistration not open yet
2026 in numbers

Why international players come to Skalica

For nine days the festival brings together grandmasters, titled players, club players and juniors from many countries. Skalica lies right by the Czech border and within reach of Vienna, Bratislava and Brno.

The strongest chess tournament ever held in Slovakia — the 2026 Masters had an average rating of 2603.

2026
140+ players
across all tournaments
2026
19 countries
players’ federations
2026
9 days
22–30 August 2026
2026
7 tournaments
in one festival
Confirmed for 2027

Chess Slovak Open 2027

The 9th edition takes place on 21–29 August 2027 at the House of Culture, Skalica. The tournaments, conditions, entry fees and prizes for 2027 will be published in the 2027 regulations.

Registration is not open yet – leave your e-mail on the registration page and we will let you know when it opens.

Tournaments (2026 format)

The overview shows the format of the 2026 edition; the 2027 programme will be announced in the 2027 regulations.

In 2026 the Masters and Queen Masters were invitation-only; the open tournaments were open to registration.

Practical information for your trip

  • Getting here: airports Vienna, Bratislava and Brno; rail and bus via Hodonín, Kúty or Bratislava – travel guide.
  • Where to stay: hotels and guesthouses in the centre and quieter options nearby – accommodation in Skalica.
  • Venue: the Art Nouveau House of Culture in the town centre.
  • Entry: Slovakia is in the Schengen Area – EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID card. If you need a Schengen visa, check the requirements in good time and contact us.
  • Currency: euro (€).
  • Questions in English: info@chessslovakopen.sk · contact page