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ESSF EUROPEAN OPEN
SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP U15/U18

Chess online 2025
essf-logo
Join schoolboys and schoolgirls from across Europe and compete for valuable prizes. Showcase your skills, connect with fellow young chess players, and experience the excitement of a European online championship!
15 October
13:00 CEST
Qualification U15
→
16 October
13:00 CEST
Qualification U18
→
17 October
13:00 CEST
FINAL U15
→
17 October
17:00 CEST
FINAL U18
→
Combined Shape

ESSF European Open School
Championship U15/U18

The championship is open to all full-time students under 15 and under 18 who represent a school providing general education in their country. Organized by the European School Sports Federation (ESSF), the event celebrates not only competitive excellence in chess but also values of teamwork, respect, and cultural exchange.

Through this online format, students from across Europe can connect, compete, and create lasting friendships while showcasing their skills on an international stage.
Find out more here

Championship details

3+2 BLITZ
Swiss system
Prizes from
World Chess
15-16 October
13:00 CEST
17 October
13:00 and 17:00 CEST
15 October • 13:00 CEST
Qualification tournament U15
Register
16 October • 13:00 CEST
Qualification tournament U18
Register
17 October • 13:00 CEST
Final tournament U15
17 October • 17:00 CEST
Final tournament U18

Awards and Recognition
for All Participants

All participants
will receive:
Digital 
Participation Certificate
Top 5 participants in each
category will be awarded:
Diploma for each participant
1-year World Chess Premium Membership
3-month 
subscription to the World Chess Masterclasses program
Participants ranked 1st
in each category will receive in addition:
World Chess Academy Set
6-month subscription to the World Chess Masterclasses program

To qualify for the Final
place in the top 24

To secure a spot in the Final, participants must finish among the top 24 in their qualifying
tournament. Ready to join the action?
Sign up now and play against the best young chess players across Europe!
Useful info
Rules & Regulations

Rules and Regulations for the championship can be found here

How can I register?

All members/schools who intend to participate in the event should fill in a Registration Form, which can be found here. Registration Form is to be filled in with Latin letters - English version. Information to be filled in excel form.

  • Country
  • Name
  • Last Name of Participant
  • Date of Birth
  • E-mail address
  • Phone number
  • FIDE ID number (if applicable)
  • Name of School
  • School E-mail
  • Upload of duly filled and signed Consent Form
Event format

There is no limitation on the number of participants per school per category. The Tournament will be held in 2 different categories:

  • U15 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
  • U18 (2007, 2008, 2009)

Event format - Individual Competition

Time control and number of rounds

Qualification tournaments will be played in a Swiss System format of 11 rounds, with time control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. Each of the 2 categories will be played individually.

Finals will be played by 24 best ranked participants in a Swiss System format of 9 rounds, with time control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. Each of the 2 categories will be played individually.

How to qualify for the Final tournament?

The top 24 players from each qualifier will secure a spot in the Final.

Schedule of the tournaments

15 October Qualification tournament U15 13:00

16 October Qualification tournament U18 13:00

17 October 2025 Final tournament U15 13:00

17 October 2025 Final tournament U18 17:00

How does the Pairing work?

Pairings will be done automatically by the World Chess playing platform https://worldchess.com/ according to the FIDE Swiss Rules.

How are scores calculated?

A win has a base score of 1 point, a draw 0.5 point, and a loss is worth no points. This is a Swiss tournament, so you will be paired with the opponent based on your previous round's results. If you don't have an opponent for one round (if the number of participants is odd), you will be awarded a point.

How is the winner decided?

The player(s) with the most points at the end of the tournament will be announced winner.

When two or more players have the same amount of points, the Buchholz Tie Break is used.

Still have some questions. How can I contact the organisers?

Feel free to contact us at info@europeanschoolsport.com