The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), together with the Kuala Lumpur Chess Association (KLCA), and Malaysia are set to organize and host the first-ever Commonwealth Schools Chess Championship 2026 to be held from the 4th to the 12th of October 2026. With CitiTel Hotel MidValley acting as the event’s main venue and accommodation for the participants, the 8-day event will have the potential to attract many upcoming junior players from Commonwealth Nations from all around the world.
The Commonwealth Schools is limited only to junior, youth, and children players, divided by odd-age group brackets, in contrast to the Commonwealth Chess Championship where an Open category for adults and veterans is offered, with the younger players divided into even-age group brackets.
The inaugural schools event was proposed by Commonwealth Chess President, Bharat Singh Chauhan, during his visit to Malaysia last year, and he later confirmed the award to Malaysia during MCF’s hosting of the Commonwealth Chess Championship in November.
Malaysians interested in participating in the inaugural event must ensure that they have a FIDE ID and have registered for an MCF ID, as both IDs are required to complete registration. Categories on offer are for Under 19, Under 17, Under 15, Under 13, Under 11, Under 9 and Under 7 for both Open/Boys and Girls events.
MCF is offering discounts between RM100 and RM1,000 depending on the package that a player is signing up for, if the registration is completed before 15th August 2026. Whilst Malaysians are allowed to stay on their own away from the hotel, only those staying at the hotel will be able to join the final Closing and Prize Giving Ceremony to be held on 11th October 2026. Tickets to join the Closing and Prize Giving Ceremony (at RM150 per person) will be made available once the event starts, but for those who signed up before 15th August 2026, a complimentary entrance shall be given to the player
As with any international event, a registration fee of USD 110 is required from all participants, with an additional USD 120 (discounted from USD 150) for those taking the option to stay at CitiTel Hotel using the MCF package offering, and USD 200 for those who decide to stay away from the hotel and be on their own.
The championship is open to all Malaysians as long as they fit into the respective age groups. Those opting for the discounts must complete their payments before 15th August (for discounts), and all other entries must complete the same before the 4th of September 2026. While entries can still be accepted after this date (plus additional fees as penalties), no more entries shall be entertained after the 18th of September 2026.
Players (and parents) who are interested in signing up for the event are requested to CLICK HERE. However, players and parents are advised to download the event brochure before signing up to understand the event Rules and Regulations and the cost for participating in this international event.
The Malaysian Chess Federation welcomes all aspiring and young Malaysian chess players to the inaugural Commonwealth School Chess Championship as we continue to produce and invigorate the growth of chess as a sport of choice in Malaysia.
Thank you for your support!