Jönköping to Host Swedish Chess Championship 2026
Destination Jönköping has signed an agreement with the Swedish Chess Federation to host the Swedish Chess Championship in 2026. The tournament will take place from June 26 to July 5, 2026, at Idrottshuset and is expected to attract many young chess enthusiasts to Jönköping.
Daniel Tidstrand, event developer at Destination Jönköping, commented:
“The competitors in the Swedish Chess Championship range from ten years old and up. We expect around 700-800 chess players to come to Jönköping to compete in over 20 categories, including seven Swedish Championship classes for different age groups from juniors to seniors, in the summer of 2026. This aligns perfectly with our goals – a national event that attracts many participants over an extended period. The fact that it’s a sport we haven’t worked with much before also helps us diversify the event offerings in Jönköping.”
Local Co-organizer
The Swedish Chess Federation is organizing the tournament with the assistance of the local chess club, Jönköping Schacksällskap.
Håkan Jalling, chairman of the Swedish Chess Federation, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are already looking forward to the Swedish Championship in Jönköping 2026. Jönköping’s geographical location in Sweden is perfect for national events, and Idrottshuset is well-situated in the city center, close to numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. It will be an ideal setting for the 2026 Swedish Championship.”
Experiencing Jönköping
This marks the first time the Swedish Chess Championship will be held in Jönköping since it became a tournament in 1939. The competitions will take place in the Arena and D-hall of Idrottshuset, with matches occurring throughout the day.
Daniel Tidstrand added:
“Our ambition is for participants and their companions to take the opportunity to experience Jönköping and its surroundings during the event. The Swedish Chess Federation’s annual congress will also be organized in conjunction with the event, bringing even more visitors to Jönköping for the 2026 Swedish Chess Championship. We look forward to welcoming both participants and their companions.”
About the Swedish Chess Federation
The Swedish Chess Federation boasts 43,500 members, with 88% under the age of 25. The federation organizes competitions for both elite and amateur players of all ages. Perhaps their most well-known event is “Schackfyran,” aimed at all Swedish fourth-graders. With over 9,000 participants, it’s considered the world’s largest chess competition.
For more information, visit the Swedish Chess Federation’s website or contact Håkan Jalling, chairman of the Swedish Chess Federation, at 072-974 72 06.
