4th SRM International FIDE Rapid Rating Open Chess Tournament 2026 — Chairman Trophy, Chennai

Chennai’s chess calendar just got bigger. The 4th SRM International FIDE Rapid Rating Open Chess Tournament 2026 — played for the prestigious Chairman Trophy — brings a ₹3,00,000 total prize fund, 80 cash prizes and 80 trophies to one of South India’s premier venues. Organised by Golden Knights Chess Academy and Master Mind Chess Academy, in association with the Directorate of Sports, SRM IST, this single-day FIDE rated rapid open is one of the most rewarding chess events in Tamil Nadu this season.

Whether you are a rated player chasing the ₹25,000 first prize, a junior aiming for an age-category trophy, or a club player entering your first FIDE rated event, this tournament has a prize bracket for you. Here is everything you need to know — schedule, prizes, venue and registration.

Tournament At a Glance

Round Schedule — 12 July 2026 (Sunday)

Prize List

Open Category — Cash Prizes

Rating Category Prizes

Veteran (55+), Women (15+) & Divyang Category Prizes

Age Category Prizes (Boys & Girls)

Venue Details

Key Rules & Regulations

• System of Play: Latest FIDE Rules in force; Swiss system followed.
• Rounds: A total of 9 rounds will be played.
• Time Control: 10 minutes each with 5 seconds increment from move 1.
• Tie-Break: Decided by the latest FIDE rules; cash prizes are not shared.
• Wrist Watches: Not allowed during play, as per FIDE rated event regulations.
• AICF Registration: Mandatory — ₹300 for 2026–2027 (online only via aicf.in).
• TNSCA Registration: Compulsory for all Tamil Nadu players — ₹150 for 2026–2027 (registration.tamilchess.com).
• Chengalpattu (CGDCA) Registration: ₹75 for 2026–27, mandatory for Chengalpattu district players.
• Protests: In writing within 15 minutes of game completion, with a ₹1,000 fee (refunded if appeal is upheld).
• Withdrawals: Permitted at any stage after informing the Chief Arbiter in writing.

Contact Details

Entry fee can be paid through: www.easypaychess.com | www.signinchess.com | www.chessentry.in

Chess Events in Chennai: Why This Tournament Matters

Chennai is widely regarded as the chess capital of India — home to Grandmasters, thriving academies and a packed calendar of FIDE rated events throughout the year. The 4th SRM International FIDE Rapid Rating Open continues this tradition, giving players from across Tamil Nadu, and indeed all over India, a chance to earn FIDE rapid rating points, compete for substantial cash prizes, and play in a world-class indoor stadium at SRM IST, Kattankulathur.

With dedicated brackets for rating bands, age groups, women, veterans and Divyang players, the event is genuinely inclusive — first-time rated players have the same shot at a trophy as seasoned tournament regulars. If you are searching for FIDE rated chess tournaments in Chennai, rapid rating open chess events in Tamil Nadu, or AICF rated competitions near Chengalpattu, this is a flagship event to add to your calendar.

How to Register

1. Complete your AICF registration (₹300) at aicf.in if not already valid for 2026–27.
2. Tamil Nadu players: complete TNSCA registration (₹150) at registration.tamilchess.com.
3. Chengalpattu district players: complete CGDCA registration (₹75).
4. Pay the ₹1,500 entry fee via easypaychess.com, signinchess.com or chessentry.in.
5. Register before 6:00 PM on 10 July 2026 — entries close strictly on this date.