Enjoy the Chess Festival

With a total prize fund of LKR 2.52 million, a dedicated IM Norm round-robin event, classical rating opens, and side blitz and rapid competitions, JICC 2026 offers an ideal battleground for title chasers, seasoned campaigners, and emerging juniors alike.

Tournament Structure & Categories

The festival features three primary pathways suited for every competitive tier:

  1. IM Norm Round Robin: An elite 10-player closed tournament featuring invited international and national players hunting for International Master norms.

  2. Masters Category (Classical): Open to all players rated 1600 and above.

  3. Challengers Category (Classical): Designed for players rated below 1600 and unrated players.

In addition to the classical events, players can compete in standalone Rapid and Blitz tournaments scheduled alongside the main rounds.

Hospitality & Conditions for Titled/Rated Players

The organizers have put together an attractive support package for visiting players:

  • Travel Grant: A grant of 200 USD will be provided to GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs rated above 2300 ELO (2100 ELO for women) competing in the open/masters format (not applicable to the closed IM tournament).

  • Free Accommodation & Board: Players rated above 2200 ELO will receive air-conditioned double-sharing accommodation with three meals on a full-board basis.

  • Free Accommodation (Room Only): Players rated above 2000 ELO receive free air-conditioned double-sharing accommodation.

  • Airport Transfers: Foreign players can coordinate directly with tournament officials for assistance with transfers to and from Jaffna International Airport and local transport.

Prize Fund

Entry Fees & Registration Details

  • Masters: Free for all titled players (GM, WGM, IM, WIM, FM, WFM) and players rated 2100+.

    • Rated 1900–2099: LKR 5,000

    • Rated 1750–1899: LKR 6,000

    • Rated 1600–1749: LKR 7,000

  • Challengers: Rated below 1600: LKR 5,000 | Unrated: LKR 6,000

  • Side Events: Rapid: LKR 2,000 (Rated) / LKR 2,500 (Unrated) | Blitz: LKR 2,000 (Rated) / LKR 2,500 (Unrated)

Registration Deadline: November 15, 2026 (A late fee of LKR 500 applies after November 18, 2026). Total participation is strictly capped at 300 players on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Bank Details for Entry Fees:

    • Bank: Hatton National Bank, Chunnakam Branch

    • Account Name: Jaffna District Chess Association

    • Account Number: 117020247594

Online Registration Portal: Register Here

Come and visit Jaffna

Key Contacts & Inquiries

  • Foreign Player Coordinators:

    • Eng. S. Sutharsan: +94 77 312 6616

    • Mr. S. Sivathanujan: +94 76 479 5443

    • Mr. V. Umaibalan: +94 77 858 3759

  • Local Player Coordinators:

    • Mr. G. Gajanthiran: +94 75 373 4674

    • Mr. S. Vimaleshan: +94 76 759 7954

  • JDCA President: Dr. J. Nalayini (jdcanew@gmail.com | +94 77 480 8331)

  • CFSL & JDCA Executive Member: Eng. N. Nantharupan (jiccnew02@gmail.com | +94 77 388 0590)

  • CFSL President: Mr. Malinda Seneviratne (malindadocs@gmail.com | +94 77 780 7556)