42nd Annual
St Albans Chess Congress 2026
Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th April
Entry deadline: 9pm Thursday 9th April
St. Columba's College
King Harry Lane, St Albans AL3 4AW
£4,250 in Prizes
Across all sections with rating prizes
ECF Congress of the Year
Award winner 2016
240 Competitors
Massive playing hall capacity
Schedule
Time Control
90 minutes + 10 seconds per move
Saturday
Round 1 10:00
Round 2 14:30
Round 3 18:30
Sunday
Round 4 10:00
Round 5 14:30
Sections & Prizes
Entry Fee £40 (GM, IM, WGM, WIM free)
Open
Max: No limit
£350 / £180 / £100
Rating: <2300, <2200, <2100
Challengers
Max: 2050
£350 / £180 / £100
Rating: <1950
Major
Max: 1900
£350 / £180 / £100
Rating: <1800
Intermediate
Max: 1750
£350 / £180 / £100
Rating: <1650
Minor
Max: 1600
£350 / £180 / £100
Rating: <1500, <1400, <1300
Rating prizes: £100 each
Eligibility determined by rating on 1st March 2026
Special Prizes
£100
Best Junior
Under 14 on 1 Jan 2026
£100
Best Veteran
Over 65 on 1 Jan 2026
SCCU Championship
Glenroy Trophy
British Championship
Qualifying place
Venue
St. Columba's College
King Harry Lane, St Albans AL3 4AW
Close to M1 & M25
Ample free parking
Thameslink & Watford Junction
Food & drink available
Also at the Congress
Bookstall by Chess and Bridge
stalbanscongress@yahoo.co.uk
07746 317979 (11-12 April only)