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Location: University of Warwick, Westwood Teaching Centre, Kirby Corner Rd, Coventry CV4 8EJ
The University of Warwick 1st Congress BCC Qualifier is an official ECF and FIDE-rated chess tournament located at the University of Warwick, taking place over two days - Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March. It is open to all - students and members of the public alike. The winner of the Open section will qualify for the 2026 British Championship (official regulations).
It is a 5-round Swiss tournament played over two days with a time control of 60+30 (60 min each plus 30s increment per move from move one). There are 3 sections: Minor (U1500), Major (U1850), and the Open. DGT boards will be available. There will be an analysis room with chess sets provided.
In the Tournament Rules & Supporting Information document, you can find more information on tournament regulations, signing up as a non-student, getting to the venue & parking, and food & refreshments. Do not hesitate to contact us at warwickunichess@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Entry
The entry fee for a regular entrant is £30, and £25 for Warwick Chess members. Players with a title of GM, WGM, IM, WIM will be exempt from paying the entry fee; FM, WFM receive a 50% discount. Please email us at warwickunichess@gmail.com if you are a titled player eligible for a discount, or if you are unable to purchase a ticket online.
To enter, please purchase a ticket through this page and complete the entry form. If you have any technical issues with the ticketing system, please contact us. Unfortunately, we cannot accept entries on the day. If you do not get added to the entries form within 3 days, please contact us.
You must be an English Chess Federation member (GOLD) or above to enter. Otherwise, you will have to pay a £16 surcharge before you can play. The membership can be bought on the ECF website: Membership rates & joining details – English Chess Federation. University students who have not been members of the ECF can get a free gold membership for one year. Find more information here: Tournament Rules & Supporting Information.
Schedule
Saturday
Round 1: 10:00
Round 2: 14:00
Round 3: 17:30
Sunday
Round 4: 10:00
Round 5: 14:00
Up to one half-point bye may be requested for any round, excluding the last one; let us know in advance by emailing warwickunichess@gmail.com.
Prizes
The prize pool consists of £1,325.
Prize money will be shared equally in case of a tie. Only current University of Warwick students will be eligible for the Warwick prize.
The Winner of the Open Section will qualify for the 2026 British Chess Championship, taking place at the University of Warwick in August.
Organisers & Arbiters
Tournament organised by the University of Warwick Chess Society.
Organisers: Andrii Boiechko, David Cebolla Ruiz.
Chief Arbiter: FA Jorel Ali.
Liveboard Technician: IA Matthew Carr.
Arbiters: NA Samuel Foster, NA David Cebolla Ruiz.
Partner
If you’re looking to improve your chess, our partner ChessPick makes booking 1-to-1 lessons with titled coaches simple. Use code IMPROVE at chesspick.com for 50% off your first lesson.
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