Autumn 2026 Blitz Tournament

Stroud Chess Club is delighted to announce the Autumn 2026 Blitz Chess Tournament, comprising 15 rounds and open to all.

This ECF-rated, one-day tournament will be held on Saturday, 5th of September 2026, with lots of monetary prizes across different rating ranges, including a junior prize. 

Details

Date: Saturday, 5th of September 2026

Venue: St Matthew's Church Hall, St Matthews Church, Stroud GL5 4JE
The venue can be reached by entering the church gates, walking down the path and turning right at the end. The hall is straight ahead. 

Entry: Limited to 72 players. First come, first served.

Entry Fee: £18.50 (Additional £15 if not an ECF Gold member or above)

Competition Format: Single Open Section, 15 Rounds, ECF Rated

Time Control: 3 minutes + 2 second per move increment

Playing Schedule:

- Round 1: 10:20
- Round 2: 10:40
- Round 3: 11:00
- Round 4: 11:20
- Round 5: 11:40

Lunch Break

- Round 6: 13:10
- Round 7: 13:30
- Round 8: 13:50
- Round 9:  14:10
- Round 10:  14:30

Break

- Round 11: 15:10
- Round 12: 15:30
- Round 13: 15:50
- Round 14: 16:10
- Round 15: 16:30

Rating: ECF September 2026 blitz ratings

Unranked Players: Ratings where possible determined by the Organiser.

Prizes: Monetary awards based on entrant numbers. Includes 1st £120, 2nd £90, 3rd £60, junior £30 and many rating prizes of £30 each.

Parking: Limited on-site; nearby street parking suggested. There is also a small car park at Victory Park round the corner.

Venue: The hall is wheelchair friendly and a disabled toilet is available.

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and squash available for a 50p each donation, so please remember to bring some change. Please bring a refillable water bottle where possible to reduce waste. Local eateries are within easy walking distance.

Smoking/Vaping: Strictly prohibited within the venue and grounds.

Tournament Conditions:

-  Prize Fund Adjustment: May be reduced for fewer than 40 players.

-  Decision Finality: Organiser’s and Arbiter’s decisions are final.

-  Entry Refusal: The Organiser reserves the right to refuse entry without giving a reason.

-  Cancellation Policy: Refunds paid if replacement found.

-  Mobile Devices: Must be off and unreachable during games. Non-compliance may result in expulsion for that round.

-  Data Use: For tournament administration; opt-out option for photo use and/or publishing.

-  Liability: Organiser not responsible for personal items or accidents.

-  Child Supervision: Responsibility of parent/guardian.

-  Data Handling: Players' details held electronically for administration and future events; deletion or update upon request.

-  Penalties: Non-compliance with tournament rules may result in penalties including disqualification or expulsion.