FIDE World Cadets Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026: Event Announcement and Details

FIDE Announces Exciting World Cadets Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 in Serbia

Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia – The World Chess Federation (FIDE), in collaboration with the Chess Federation of Serbia, has officially announced that the FIDE World Cadets Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 will take place from April 14 to 21, 2026, at the luxurious Hotel Zepter 4** in Vrnjacka Banja**. This prestigious event promises to be a thrilling showcase of young chess talent from around the globe.

Tournament Format and Categories

The championships will feature twelve sections divided into Open and Girls categories across various age groups: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18. Players’ eligibility will be determined by their age as of January 1, 2026.

• Under 18: Players born on or after January 1, 2008
• Under 16: Players born on or after January 1, 2010
• Under 14: Players born on or after January 1, 2012
• Under 12: Players born on or after January 1, 2014
• Under 10: Players born on or after January 1, 2016
• Under 8: Players born on or after January 1, 2018

Each section will consist of an 11-round Swiss System tournament, with the Rapid games played at a time control of 15 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move, and the Blitz games at 5 minutes plus a 3-second increment per move.

Accommodation and Travel Arrangements

Participants are required to stay at the official event hotel, Hotel Fontana**, located just 200 meters from the playing hall. Accommodation options include:

• Single Room: $133/night
• Double Room: $105/night/person
• Triple Suite: $95/night/person
• Four-Person Suite: $95/night/person

To ensure a smooth experience, the organizers will provide complimentary transfer services from major airports in Belgrade, Nis, and Kraljevo on April 14 and for departures on April 21.

Registration Details

U.S. players interested in participating must register by February 27, 2026, with a registration fee of $120 and a FIDE entry fee of $85. Additional fees apply for accompanying persons and administrative costs. A current US Chess membership is required for all participants.

For registration, players can fill out the form here.

Important Deadlines

• Registration Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Payment Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Refund Requests: Must be made by March 6, 2026

Travel Waivers and Safety

All participants will need to sign a waiver prior to confirmation of their entry. For the latest travel advisories, players are encouraged to visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact Brian Yang, US Chess FIDE Events Manager.

This championship is set to be a remarkable gathering of young chess enthusiasts, fostering international camaraderie and showcasing the next generation of chess talent. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event in beautiful Serbia!