We have been asked to take over the running of the 33rd annual Doncaster Congress.
We intend to continue to run this event generally in the traditional style of Doncaster Congress events, but with a few minor changes. Our standard Terms & Conditions are at the bottom of our About page.
Date: February 20th-22nd 2026.
Venue: XP East School, Middle Bank, Doncaster, DN4 5NG, which was used for the recent South Yorkshire Rapidplay.
Sections: FIDE Open, U2000 (ECF), U1800 (ECF), U1600 (ECF).
Entry to the U2000/U1800/U1600 is based upon Players with an ECF rating under 2000/1800/1600 may enter the U2000/U1800/U1600 irrespective of whether or not they have
Main changes:
a) New venue
b) The Open Section for the 2026 Doncaster Congress will be FIDE-rated*.
c) For organisational reasons, the time control will be 1hr30 + 10 seconds per move, not 1hr40 + 10 seconds per move.
* – games involving any player with a FIDE rating of over 2400 will not be rated.
What level of ECF membership do I need? Gold.
What is the time control? 1 hour 30 minutes per player plus a 10-second increment from move 1
What are the round times?
Round 1 (Friday): 7pm-10.20pm
Round 2 (Saturday): 10am – 1.20pm
Round 3 (Saturday): 2.15pm-5.35pm
Round 4 (Sunday): 10.00am-1.20pm
Round 5 (Sunday): 2.15pm-5.35pm*
Prizes in each section: £400, £200, £100 (no ceremony) plus two rating prizes per section of £50.
Prizes will be paid out, in cash or by bank transfer, as soon as possible after the event.
To enter the event, use the following tab or click here.
Sheffield Chess Centre - Events Site 