World Junior
U20 Championships 2026
About the Championships
The World Junior Chess Championship is the most important event in the FIDE calendar for players under 20. Future world champions such as Boris Spassky, Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand have played on its boards.
In 2026 it is organised by the Venezuelan Chess Federation, together with the Ministry of People's Power for Sport and under the auspices of FIDE. Two tournaments are played, Open and Girls, over 11 rounds (Swiss system, classical time control) from 18 to 27 November. The best players win medals, prizes, and FIDE norms and titles.
Read the regulations →Venue: Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, lies in a valley about 900 metres above sea level, at the foot of Waraira Repano (El Ávila). Its mild climate all year round and its cultural life make it a warm host for delegations from all over the world.
The tournament is played at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas, in Chuao, which is also the official hotel: players and delegations stay and play in the same place. The official package includes transfers from Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía).
About the venue →Schedule
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17 Tuesday
Nov- All dayOfficial arrival & accreditation
- 22:00Technical Meeting
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18 Wednesday
Nov- 10:00Opening Ceremony
- 16:00Round 1
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19 Thursday
Nov- 15:00Round 2
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20 Friday
Nov- 15:00Round 3
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21 Saturday
Nov- 10:00Round 4
- 17:00Round 5
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22 Sunday
Nov- 15:00Round 6
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23 Monday
Nov- Free day
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24 Tuesday
Nov- 10:00Round 7
- 17:00Round 8
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25 Wednesday
Nov- 15:00Round 9
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26 Thursday
Nov- 15:00Round 10
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27 Friday
Nov- 10:00Round 11
- 16:00Closing & Prize-Giving
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28 Saturday
Nov- All dayOfficial departure
Caracas time (UTC−4) · Full schedule →
Free day: discover Venezuela
Monday 23 November. Tours for the delegations — details and prices to be announced.
Galipán
A mountain village on El Ávila, above Caracas: flowers, strawberries and views over the valley and the Caribbean Sea.
Los Roques
An archipelago of white sand and turquoise water in the Caribbean, a national park a short flight from Caracas.
Historic Centre of Caracas
A walking tour of colonial Caracas: Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, the birthplace of Simón Bolívar and more.
Canaima
Tepuis, rainforest and waterfalls in a World Heritage park, home to Angel Falls.
News
Caracas is set to become the world capital of Under-20 youth chess
The future legends of the international chess scene are set to make history. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the
FIDE U20 World Junior Chess Championship in Venezuela: Registration deadline extended.
FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Popular Power for Sport, invite
FIDE U20 World Youth Chess Championship in Venezuela: Registration now open
FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Popular Power for Sport, have
