Chessfestival 'ad Gredine' – International Chess Tournament
The major international chess tournament returns to Val Gardena, in Ortisei
About Chess 'ad Gredine'
Chess returns to Ortisei
The Chessfestival 'ad Gredine' is the international chess tournament of Ortisei (known as St. Ulrich in German), the main town of Val Gardena in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Organized by the Gardena Chess Association, the event returns in 2026 after an eight-year break: the last edition, the fourth, took place in 2018 and became famous for the young Indian prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa earning his Grandmaster title there at just 12 years old.
The meaning of the name 'ad Gredine'
The festival's name is no coincidence: 'ad Gredine' refers to a historical document from the year 999 where this term was cited for the first time, serving as the root of the very name of Val Gardena. It is a bond that connects modern competitive chess to the millenary history of this Ladin valley, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
A tournament open to the world
The event attracts chess players from across the globe: past editions have seen Grandmasters and International Masters from over 20 countries and five continents. The format features three simultaneous tournaments, divided by skill level (Elo rating), allowing titled players, amateurs, and young talents to compete side by side.
Venue
The competition takes place at the Luis Trenker Cultural Centre, in Piazza Durich, in the heart of Ortisei, just a stone's throw from the pedestrian zone. Ortisei, at an altitude of 1,236 metres, is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the Dolomites: participants can combine their passion for chess with a few days in the mountains of Val Gardena, an ideal starting point for excursions towards the Alpe di Siusi, Sassolungo, and the Sella group.
Chess 'ad Gredine' — edition 2026
The fifth edition, after eight years
Following the last edition in 2018, the 'ad Gredine' international tournament returns to Ortisei from September 11 to 13, 2026, for its fifth edition. Three days of chess at the Luis Trenker Cultural Centre, in Piazza Durich, with players expected from numerous countries. The organization guarantees a spot for the first 170 registered participants in chronological order; beyond this number, a waiting list will be formed.
Programme Chess 'ad Gredine' 2026
Tournament format
The festival consists of three simultaneous tournaments, divided by Elo rating:
- Open A — reserved for players with an Elo rating above 1800
- Open B — reserved for players with an Elo rating below 1900
- Open C — reserved for players with an Elo rating below 1700
The time control is 90 minutes to finish the game, plus a 30-second increment per move starting from the first move.
Schedule
Friday, September 11
- 14:00-14:45 — On-site registration confirmation
- 15:00 — Round 1
Saturday, September 12
- 09:00 — Round 2
- 14:30 — Round 3
Sunday, September 13
- 09:00 — Round 4
- 14:30 — Round 5
- to follow — Award ceremony
Highlights Chess 'ad Gredine' 2026
International tournament over five rounds with participants from all over the world; three tournaments by Elo category allowing titled players, amateurs, and youth to compete simultaneously; total prize pool of 2,500 euros with trophies for the podiums.
Prices Chess 'ad Gredine' 2026
Practical information — Chess 'ad Gredine'
Location
Luis Trenker Cultural Centre, Piazza Durich, 39046 Ortisei/St. Ulrich (BZ), Val Gardena, Trentino-Alto Adige.
Getting there
Ortisei can be reached by car from the Chiusa/Klausen motorway exit (A22 Brenner Motorway) by driving up into Val Gardena. The nearest train station is Bressanone, which is connected to Ortisei by regular bus services.
Registration and information
Online registration via the official tournament platform. For information, contact the Gardena Chess Association via email at [email protected] or visit the website server24chess.com. For accommodation, we recommend contacting the Ortisei Tourist Board.
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Where does it take place — Chess 'ad Gredine'
Casa di Cultura Luis Trenker
Piazza Durich, 39046 Ortisei/St. Ulrich