Northampton FIDE Congresses 2026!
University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Dr, Northampton NN1 5PH
We are pleased to announce that organisers Adam Raoof & Rob Hammond will be continuing the excellent work of Joshua Morris in continuing to grow this series of weekend chess tournaments. GUARANTEED PRIZES!
Join us at the Northampton FIDE Congress (formerly East Midlands) - now in 4 sections, Under 2400, Under 1900, Under 1600 and ECF Under 1400. University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Drive, Northampton NN1 5PH - ground floor of the Learning Hub. The what3words address for the entrance to the Learning Hub at the University of Northampton Waterside Campus is ///rinse.bigger.advice.
If you have played here before, you already know that the venue is really excellent and the facilities some of the best for any chess tournament.
DATES for 2026 (all Saturday and Sunday)
24-25 January (in the room LH017)
28 February and 1 March (in LH013 & LH014)
28-29 March (this event will be in the Town Hall at the Creative Hub, we'll keep you posted)
2-3 May (Bank Holiday Weekend) (in LH013 & LH014)
Sign up and some more details are here -
https://form.jotform.com/231114495377963
FIDE-Rated and ECF rated Tournaments:
The Northampton University Chess Tournament is a FIDE and ECF-rated event, meaning that your performance will be officially recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE - top three sections) and the English Chess Federation (all sections). This presents an excellent chance to improve your FIDE and ECF ratings.
Hosted by the University of Northampton
Parking on site for just ~£1 or via the RingGo app, and it’s easy to get to by rail too
Warm, spacious lobby area for parents! See below for a pic.
Many power points and seating available whilst waiting to work
Corner shop within throwing distance and Morrisons or town centre 10 minute walk
Hotel on site with reduced rates for participants (https://www.sunleyhotel.com/) (Mention the chess tournament). So £70.00 a night for a room (single or double occupancy) excluding breakfast, for instance.
Virtual Tour Available - https://tour.northampton.ac.uk/just-explore/nene-square-2
Rooms are subject to change, details will be sent prior to event day
Canalside location, beautiful campus with lots of space
TIME CONTROL
The time control is all moves in 60 minutes per player PLUS 30 seconds added per move throughout. This means that we have to restrict the top section to players with FIDE ratings Under 2400, but apart from that…
However, whether you're just starting or have years of experience, this tournament provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for you to enjoy the game of chess.
ROUND TIMES (you can take a bye on the entry form)
Saturday
(1) 10.30am to 1.30pm
(2) 2.00pm to 5.00pm
(3) 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Sunday
(4) 11.00am to 2pm
(5) 2.30pm to 5.30pm
GUARANTEED PRIZES
In the U2400 and Under 1900
1st - £200 / 2nd £100 / 3rd £50
Under 1600
1st - £160 / 2nd - £80 / 3rd - £40
Under 1400 ECF (if you have a FIDE standard 1400 or above please enter the Under 1600)
1st - £160 / 2nd - £80 / 3rd - £40
Prizes will be shared in the results of a tie on points.
Sign up and more details are here -