Chess players and fans across Africa and beyond are preparing for the prestigious 2025 South African Open Chess Championships, set to be held from June 28 to July 5, 2025, at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
This FIDE and Chess South Africa (CSA) rated event features multiple competitive sections including Championship A, B Section, Ladies Section, Juniors (U8–U16), and a high-paced Blitz Tournament.
Total Prize Fund: R106,000
Free entry for GM, IM, WGM, and WIM players!
Tournament Format
- Championship, B, and Ladies: 11-Round Swiss, 90+90 minutes with 30-sec increment
- Blitz: 9-Round Swiss, 3+2 blitz format
- Juniors: 5 Rounds, Swiss, 90+90 with 30-sec increment
How to Register
- Online Registration: https://sachessopen.co.za
- Deadline: 22 June 2025
- Late entries accepted until 25 June with a R150 penalty
- Blitz registrations close on 1 July 2025 @ 09:00
Venue & Accommodation
University of Johannesburg
Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Office D Ring 4, Johannesburg, South Africa
International Relevance
While this is the national championship of South Africa, it attracts internationally rated players, making it a key event for FIDE ranking updates. Sri Lankan players aiming to participate or follow results can find updates on chess-results.com.