4th ACO in the Apollohal

There are just 36 days left until the fourth edition of the Amsterdam Chess Open. The tournament takes place October 23-25, 2026, and preparations are in full swing. In this article, we update you on the latest developments.

Nieuwe locatie: Apollohal

Let’s start with the venue, which is new this year. The tournament is taking place at the Apollohal in Amsterdam. It is a large sports complex with modern facilities and a long sporting tradition. Did you know that the 1954 Chess Olympiad was held at the Apollohal?

Mikhail Botvinnik chased by young fans back in 1954 in the Apollohal.

The address of the Apollohal is Apollolaan 4, Amsterdam. The venue is easily accessible by public transport: tram 12 (Van Hillegaertstraat stop), trams 5, 24, and 25 (Gerrit van der Veenstraat stop), and bus 246 (Apollolaan stop). For cyclists, there is an uncovered bicycle parking area next to the building.

Car: There is a small parking area next to the building with a total of 12 spaces: 8 standard spaces, 2 spaces for electric vehicles, and 2 accessible parking spaces. Standard paid parking rates apply.

Wheelchair accessible: There is a step-free entrance and an elevator in the entrance hall.

GMs Van Wely, Warmerdam, Bagrationi top seeds

Among the participants so far, we have three grandmasters, five masters, and a total of 31 title-holders. GMs Loek van Wely, Max Warmerdam, and Alexander Bagrationi currently top the entry list.

If you haven't registered yet, you can do so here. At the moment, 330 participants have already signed up but we have space for 750, so you can definitely still participate.

There will be four sub groups:

• A group: accessible to players with a rating of at least 2050

• B group: accessible to players with a rating between 1850 and 2100

• C group: accessible to players with a rating between 1650 and 1900

• D group: accessible to players with a rating of up to 1700

  
  

Chess training sessions

Do you know someone who wants to learn chess but doesn't feel ready to join Group D yet? The Amsterdam Chess Campus is a new initiative by the Amsterdam Chess Open Foundation that helps beginner and recreational players find suitable chess training or activities.

On our website, you will find an overview of chess training sessions for beginners and players with a rating of up to approximately 1500, held at various locations across the Greater Amsterdam area. Browse the options, choose a training session that suits your needs, and contact the provider directly!

New ACO sweater

Observant chess players will likely have noticed that we have sold Amsterdam Chess Open merchandise in various colors over the past two years, and this year brings a new sweater color. The organizers were already sporting these vibrant pink sweaters last year, but now they are available to all participants! These 100% cotton sweaters from Stanley Stella are made from a blend of 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled cotton. Pre-order your sweater when registering for the Amsterdam Chess Open, or pick one up at our merchandise stand during the tournament.

Note that on the registration form, you can choose to pre-order a pink sweater with the ACO logo. In this photo, you can see the organizing team wearing it.

Become a Friend of ACO

Would you like to give the Amsterdam Chess Open an extra boost? Become a Friend of ACO and help us with a contribution—whether in cash, in kind, or by volunteering for the tournament. Together, we can make this wonderful weekend tournament even better.