For another consecutive year, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is proud to cooperate with the Women’s Chess Festival in Wrocław, Poland, an event that has firmly established itself as a highlight on the European women’s chess calendar. Year after year, the Festival attracts outstanding players, dedicated organisers, and a growing community united by a shared passion for women’s chess.
At the heart of the Festival stands the Women’s Grandmasters’ Match, where leading Polish players – internationally recognised for their exceptional chess strength anc current European Team Champions! – face a team representing the rest of the world.
This encounter places women’s champions firmly in the spotlight – a position that is still too rare in the chess world – and year after year proves just how exciting, dynamic, and inspiring women’s top-level chess is.
This Festival is not only about fierce chess battles – it is also about celebrating women in chess. Every year organisers prepare a special photo shoot for the participants, above you can see photos from the previous edition: Eline Roebers, Teodora Injac and Dinara Wagner.
A Tournament for All Women and Girls
Among the Festival’s many events, the 5th Rapid Women’s Chess Tournament – Apolonia Litwińska Memorial holds a special place for the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. The Commission has been particularly engaged in supporting this tournament, as it beautifully reflects our core values: inclusivity, opportunity, and development.
This is a tournament for all women and girls – titled grandmasters, experienced competitive players, ambitious young talents, and passionate amateurs alike. Thanks to its carefully designed format, every participant competes for something meaningful: qualification to finals, prizes within rating and age categories, personal progress, or simply the joy of competing in a supportive, festival-like atmosphere.
Creating such spaces matters. Women-only tournaments not only offer fair and motivating competitive conditions, but also encourage participation, confidence, and long-term involvement in chess – especially for girls and women who are still finding their place in the competitive chess world.
Young stars are also celebrated in Wroclaw!
Honouring Apolonia Litwińska
The tournament commemorates Apolonia Litwińska, a distinguished chess player from Wrocław, whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of women in chess. Holding the Memorial in her home city adds special meaning to the event, connecting history, tradition, and the future of women’s chess in Poland.
Tournament Details
The 5th Rapid Women’s Chess Tournament – Apolonia Litwińska Memorial will take place on 14–15 February 2026 in Wrocław, Poland, at the Centrum Kreatywności TALENT.
Key information:
- Prize fund: 7,600 PLN
- Gifts for every participant, including prizes sponsored by Dr Irena Eris
- Coffee buffet provided by MOKATE
- Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds per move
- Maximum number of players: 120
Format:
- Saturday (14 February): Swiss system, 7 rounds (qualifications)
- Sunday (15 February): Knockout finals and a consolation tournament
Finals categories:
- A: Main Final
- B: Players rated up to 2000
- C: Players aged 40+ (born 1986 or earlier)
- D: Players under 16 (born 2010 or later)
A consolation tournament (7 rounds) will be organised for players who do not qualify for the finals or who did not play on Saturday.
Thanks to cooperation with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, junior players will also benefit from individual 1-on-1 training sessions with a Woman Grandmaster and European Team Champion, scheduled for 16–20 February 2026. In addition, a special training session for parents, led by Woman Grandmaster Iweta Rajlich, will take place on Sunday.
Join Us in Wrocław
We warmly invite women and girls of all ages and playing levels to take part in this unique chess celebration – whether you are competing for top prizes, gaining your first tournament experience, or simply enjoying the inspiring atmosphere of women’s chess at its best.
Words of Thanks
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess extends its sincere thanks to the organisers of the Women’s Chess Festival in Wrocław for their continued commitment, professionalism, and passion in creating such a meaningful and welcoming celebration of women’s chess. Together, we are building spaces where women and girls can compete, learn, and feel truly at home in the chess world.
You can find more about the Festival on:
