Portugal and Mozambique host major chess events in July 2026

On 14 July 2026 the Academia de Xadrez da Maia in Portugal will hold the “Xadrez na Escola” congress, marking the launch of the IX International Chess Festival of Maia. The day‑long event includes theoretical sessions, practical workshops and a presentation by Italian chess‑in‑schools expert Gianluca Melino, as well as discussion of the EU‑funded “Gioco a Scacchi con il Mondo” project that promotes chess‑based learning.

From 10 to 12 July 2026 Maputo, Mozambique, will host the VI Open Chess Championship, organised by the Mozambican Chess Federation. Over 300 players from about eight Southern African nations, plus Portugal and India, will compete at two venues – the Gallery Hotel in Katembe for the senior category and the BCI headquarters for the development event. The tournament aims to boost chess participation locally, raise the nation’s regional profile and provide young players with international competition experience.