♟️ Victorian Women’s Championship 2026

Hobsons Bay Chess Club, in partnership with Geelong Chess Club, is proud to host the Victorian Women’s Championship 2026 — a premier classical event celebrating female chess talent across Victoria.

Under the Patronage of Chess Victoria (FIDE & ACF Rated Classical Event)

📅 Dates:

• • Saturday 12 September 2026
  • Saturday 19 September 2026

📍 Venue:

• • Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen St, Altona VIC

🏆 Event Details

• • Format: 5 Round Swiss
  • Time Control: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment (from move 1)
  • Rated: FIDE Classical & ACF Standard Rated
  • Tie-breaks: Buchholz Cut 1 (BH-C1), Buchholz (BH), Sonneborn-Berger (SB)

👩 Sections

• • Open Women’s Championship
  • Junior Girls Section (subject to sufficient entries)
  • Additional sections may be introduced subject to entries and Chess Victoria approval

🗓️ Schedule

Week 1 – Saturday 12 September 2026

• • 8:45 – 9:30 Registration
  • 9:30 – 9:45 Opening Ceremony
  • 9:45 – 12:45 Round 1
  • 12:45 – 1:30 Lunch Break
  • 1:30 – 4:30 Round 2

Week 2 – Saturday 19 September 2026

• • 9:00 – 12:00 Round 3
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Lunch Break
  • 12:45 – 3:45 Round 4
  • 4:00 – 7:00 Round 5
  • 7:15 – 7:45 Prize Presentation

💰 Prizes

• • Total Cash Prize Pool: $1500
  • Trophies for Top 3 Overall (official title)
  • Best Age Group (number of age groups depends on players registered)
  • Best Unrated (Unofficial title)
  • Best Upset (both players must be rated)
  • Best Geelong Chess Club/ Hobsons Bay Chess Club player

🚆 Getting There

• • Ample street parking available
  • Walking distance to Altona Train Station and local bus routes

⏰ Registration

• Early Bird closes: 1st September
• Final Registration: 11 September 2026
• Final Date for Withdrawal Request (eligible for refund): 4th September 2026

Early Bird (Seniors)	$97.85
Early Bird (Juniors)	$87.55
Early Bird FM/ WFM	$66.95
Early Bird WIM/IM/GM/WGM	$0.00
Late Entry (All categories)	$113.30

Tournament Rules

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rloaKWMKFEQ1rtShkFxQ27I2nQ5lVK2u&usp=drive_fs

Spots are limited — secure your place early for this flagship women’s event!

🌟 Why Play?

• • Official Victorian Women’s Championship title
  • Dual rated (FIDE & ACF)
  • Plenty of prizes including total cash prizes $1500
  • High-quality playing conditions
  • Welcoming and supportive competitive environment
  • DGT Boards
  • Live Twitch coverage

Any questions, please email us major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com