I’m pleased to share an update on one of Chess PEI’s major events for 2026.
The PEI Open Chess Championship is being expanded and rebranded as the PEI Chess Festival, to be held July 24-26, 2026 at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown.
The Festival format builds on the long-running PEI Open Chess weekend and will now feature five events over three full days, including:
• ANVO PEI Open Championship (now with a FIDE-rated top section)
• Rapid Championship (new)
• Amateur Championship
• Junior Championship
• Blitz Championship
Full event details are available here:
https://mcc.devastation.ca/peifest26.html
I’m also very happy to announce that International Master Rohan Talukdar has confirmed his participation in the Festival. Rohan competed in the 2024 Maritime Chess Festival, where he tied for first place in the Maritime Open, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlottetown in 2026. Depending on budgetary constraints, we may be able to being in one additional featured player. Stay tuned.
More information on IM Rohan Talukdar:
https://mcc.devastation.ca/IM%20Rohan%20Talukdar.pdf
Why July in PEI
Late July is one of the most popular times of year to visit Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown offers a walkable downtown, waterfront activities, festivals, dining, and beaches all within easy reach. For many players and accompanying family members, the PEI Chess Festival provides an opportunity to combine competitive chess with a summer vacation in one of Atlantic Canada’s most attractive destinations.
Accommodations
As in past years, UPEI will be our host venue, with affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom residence suites available on campus. In addition, we are exploring the option of a featured local hotel to provide an alternative accommodation choice for players who prefer traditional hotel lodging. Details will be shared once confirmed.
This expanded festival format is intended to emulate the success of the Maritime Chess Festival in Summerside, while continuing the PEI Open’s long tradition in Charlottetown. Further announcements will follow in the coming months. Registration details are now available for each event and early bird pricing will be in effect for several months.
Please feel free to share this information with players who may be interested, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Fred
The PEI Open Chess Championship is being expanded and rebranded as the PEI Chess Festival, to be held July 24-26, 2026 at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown.
The Festival format builds on the long-running PEI Open Chess weekend and will now feature five events over three full days, including:
• ANVO PEI Open Championship (now with a FIDE-rated top section)
• Rapid Championship (new)
• Amateur Championship
• Junior Championship
• Blitz Championship
Full event details are available here:
https://mcc.devastation.ca/peifest26.html
I’m also very happy to announce that International Master Rohan Talukdar has confirmed his participation in the Festival. Rohan competed in the 2024 Maritime Chess Festival, where he tied for first place in the Maritime Open, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlottetown in 2026. Depending on budgetary constraints, we may be able to being in one additional featured player. Stay tuned.
More information on IM Rohan Talukdar:
https://mcc.devastation.ca/IM%20Rohan%20Talukdar.pdf
Why July in PEI
Late July is one of the most popular times of year to visit Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown offers a walkable downtown, waterfront activities, festivals, dining, and beaches all within easy reach. For many players and accompanying family members, the PEI Chess Festival provides an opportunity to combine competitive chess with a summer vacation in one of Atlantic Canada’s most attractive destinations.
Accommodations
As in past years, UPEI will be our host venue, with affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom residence suites available on campus. In addition, we are exploring the option of a featured local hotel to provide an alternative accommodation choice for players who prefer traditional hotel lodging. Details will be shared once confirmed.
This expanded festival format is intended to emulate the success of the Maritime Chess Festival in Summerside, while continuing the PEI Open’s long tradition in Charlottetown. Further announcements will follow in the coming months. Registration details are now available for each event and early bird pricing will be in effect for several months.
Please feel free to share this information with players who may be interested, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Fred

