Chola Chess invites a foreign Grandmaster for the GM norm tournament in Chennai
Chola Chess is inviting applications from one foreign Grandmaster for the 1st Chola Chess International Grandmasters Norm Round Robin Tournament, to be held from February 3 to 11, 2026, in Chennai, India. The selected player will receive full hospitality, including travel, accommodation, and food, along with an appearance fee. The tournament will be played in classical format over nine rounds with strong opposition. Grandmasters rated 2500+ except for the players from France, Kazakhstan, and India. The current average rating of the field is approximately 2475. Read the article to know more. Photo: Sagar Shah
Invitation to foreign Grandmasters
Chola chess is inviting applications from one foreign Grandmaster to participate in the Chola Chess International Grandmasters Round Robin Tournament, scheduled from February 3 to 11, 2026, in Chennai, India. Chola Chess is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, launched in July 2025. The program is dedicated to identifying and nurturing India’s young chess talent through free, world-class training and holistic development. Under the guidance of Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh and Chess Gurukul, Chola Chess provides residential camps and online training for promising players (FIDE rated 1400+), focusing not only on chess excellence but also on mental strength, fitness, and nutrition. The long-term vision is to create future Indian Grandmasters and build a sustainable chess ecosystem in India.
Tournament details
Date: 3-11th February 2026
Format: Classical
Rounds: 9
Time control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move no.1
Default time: 15 Minutes
Venue: Chola Chess, B Block, 4th Floor, Mena Kampala Arcade Complex,113, Sir Thyagaraya Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600017
Benefits for the GM
The selected Grandmaster will receive full hospitality, including:
International flight bookings
Accommodation and food for the entire duration
An appearance fee of Rs. 50,000 (taxes applicable)
Any Grandmaster with a rating of 2500 or above is eligible to participate in the tournament, except players from France, Kazakhstan, and India. The current average rating of the confirmed participants is approximately 2475.
For participation and further details, interested Grandmasters may contact: +91 89259 84477 or info@cholachess.com
Prize fund
The total prize fund is Rs. 2,50,000, distributed as follows (Indian tax regulations will apply):
1st Prize: Rs. 1,00,000
2nd Prize: Rs. 75,000
3rd Prize: Rs. 50,000
4th Prize: Rs. 25,000
Tie-Break Rules
In the event of a tie, the following criteria will be applied in order:
Direct Encounter between tied players
Sonneborn–Berger score
Greater number of victories (including forfeit points)
Number of games won with Black pieces
General rules
Players are not allowed to agree to a draw before completing 30 moves each.
All electronic devices, including wristwatches of any type, are strictly prohibited during games to ensure fair play.
Important links
Chess Gurukul official website