Compete in your level
Rating-group events designed for fair pairings and meaningful progress.
Chess association · Chefchaouen · since 1977
Festival 2026 · 22nd editionAlwanFannia
جمعية ألوان فنية للشطرنج
On 18 October, the Blue Pearl becomes a chessboard again. Nine rounds, 120,000 MAD at stake, grandmasters from afar — and one question: who will succeed the 2025 champion?
18 — 25 October 2026
Chefchaouen · Morocco
1977 — 2026
01About
Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs — Chefchaouen
Since March 1977, the Association has built a legacy of titles, hosted national finals, and connected generations through chess—today carrying that spirit into the Chefchaouen International Chess Festival 2026.
Youth training
Official tournaments
International festival
Since
1977
Chefchaouen · The blue city
Art & chess
The Grand simultaneous
A word from our president
Mouad BEN EL AMIN ALAMI
Association President
Leads the Association vision, partnerships, and program growth — with a premium touch and authentic hospitality.
Meet the team“Chess brings generations together and showcases the beauty of Chefchaouen.”
0222nd Edition · October 2026
International Chess Festival of Chefchaouen
18–25
October 2026
Youth Center — Chefchaouen
October 18-25, 2026 at the Chefchaouen Youth Center — FIDE-rated 9-round classical Open, 11-round Blitz Marathon and a Grand simultaneous open to players of all ages. 120,000 MAD in prizes, limited to 120 players.
- Classical rounds
- 9
- Blitz rounds
- 11
- Players maximum
- 120
Opening in
Sunday 18 October · 10:00 · Youth Center
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Days
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Hours
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Minutes
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Seconds
03Results & Palmarès
A history played on the board.
- Founded
- 1977
- Festival editions
- 22
- Tournaments archived
- 170+
- Grandmasters hosted
- 10+
Four decades of tournaments
From Chefchaouen to Tangier, Marrakesh and Abu Dhabi — the archive of the association's results, from 1983 to 2025.
1983 — 2025
2025
21ᵉ Festival International d’Échecs de Chefchaouen — Simultanée
Anish Giri (GM, Pays-Bas) — 50/50
Simultaneous
2025
31ˢᵗ Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival — Open A <2300
Baghdasaryan Vahe (GM, ARM)
Standard
2025
7ᵉ Trophée National Abderrahmane Nejjar
Le Roux, Jean-Pierre (GM, FRA)
Blitz
2025
Coupe du Trône 2024-2025 — Section Open
Alwan Fannia Chefchaouen — parcours R2/R3
Knockout
04Why join us
Chess. Culture. Connection.
Events organized by professionals
Clear rounds, premium venues, and a smooth tournament experience.
Familial atmosphere & friendships
A festival spirit: chess, culture, and connections that last.
A community for everyone
Activities for all ages, from beginners to experienced players.
05In the media
The festival on film
2M's report from the first day of the festival in Chefchaouen.
First-day report
2M coverage
First-day report
Watch 2M's report on the festival opening and the highlights from its first day in Chefchaouen.
Click to play
06Moments
Gallery
Festival moments — explore the full day-by-day albums.
29 albums · 1526+ photos
Photo archive
Explore the full archive
1526+ photos across 29 albums — the festival, day by day.
07Special guests
The people behind the memories
We’re delighted to launch the 21st edition of the International Chess Festival in Chefchaouen. Alwan Fannia Chess Association has a strong history — including consecutive championship titles — which is why the municipal council supports the association and its activities. This edition comes with a fresh look and a high-end standard.
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor of Chefchaouen
Morocco
08FAQ
International Chess Festival in Chefchaouen
Key answers about the festival, registration, and taking part in the next edition.
The 22nd edition takes place October 18-25, 2026 in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Registration is completed online through our website. You will find a dedicated registration form where you can provide your personal information and choose the tournaments you want to enter.
Yes, registration fees are required to participate in the tournaments. Fees vary by category (youth, adults, professionals, etc.). Full details are available on our registration page.
09Our partners
Partners who support the festival
Institutions, companies and guest houses that trust the association and help the festival succeed every year.
10The Alwan Fannia spirit
Community
Chess brings generations together. Join the AlwanFannia spirit in the Blue Pearl.
Chefchaouen · Alwan Fannia