Birmingham FIDE Rapid 15+5 & Blitz 5+3

The Birmingham FIDE Rapid 15+5 and Blitz 5+3 takes place on Saturday 29 August 2026 at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, Shirley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7XY.

This one-day chess event gives players the opportunity to compete in both rapid and blitz chess. Players can enter the rapid, the blitz, or both events.

The rapid tournament features 4 rounds with a time control of 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per move. The blitz tournament features 8 rounds with a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment per move.

With rapid and blitz chess available on the same day, this is a great opportunity for players in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Nuneaton and the wider West Midlands to enjoy competitive over-the-board chess in a rated tournament setting.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 29 August 2026
Venue: Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, Shirley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7XY
Event Type: Rapidplay and Blitz chess tournament
Membership: Gold or higher for Rapid (otherwise a £17 surcharge applies), not necessary for Blitz
Rapid Time Control: 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per move
Blitz Time Control: 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment per move
Rapid Rounds: 4 rounds
Blitz Rounds: 8 rounds
Rating: FIDE and ECF rated, except the U1300 rapid section which is ECF rated only
Prize Fund: £350, plus bonuses and/or rating prizes depending on entries
Entry Fee: Rapid £15, Blitz £15, or both events for £25

Rapid Tournament

The rapidplay event consists of 4 rounds using a 15+5 time control. Round 1 starts at 10:00.

The rapid event includes the following sections:

• Open
• Under 1600
• Under 1300

All rapid games are FIDE and ECF rated, except for the Under 1300 section, which is ECF rated only. Sections may be merged if required, depending on entries.

Blitz Tournament

The blitz event is an 8-round Swiss tournament using a 5+3 time control. Round 1 starts at 13:45.

The blitz tournament has one Open section only. All players will compete in the same section.

Entry Fees

• Rapid only: £15
• Blitz only: £15
• Rapid and blitz: £25

Players who enter on the day will incur an additional £5 charge. Players are encouraged to register in advance.

Free entry is available for Grandmasters and International Masters. FIDE Masters receive half-price entry.

Venue

The event will be held at:

Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School
Shirley Road
Acocks Green
Birmingham
B27 7XY

The entrance is from Shirley Road, opposite Victoria Road.

Register for the Birmingham FIDE Rapid and Blitz

Entries are open for the Birmingham FIDE Rapid 15+5 and Blitz 5+3. Players can enter the rapid tournament, the blitz tournament, or both events for a discounted combined entry fee.

Early registration is recommended to avoid the additional on-the-day entry charge.