Arzum Turkish Women’s Chess Championship set to begin in Balikesir
One of the most important events in Turkish women’s chess, the 2026 Arzum Turkish Women’s Chess Championship, will be held on 9-15 May 2026 at the Balikesir Yasemin Adar Sports Complex Chess Hall. Demonstrating the value of long-term corporate support in sports, the championship will once again bring together the strongest names in women’s chess with the 18-year contribution of the Arzum family.
The tournament is more than just a race for the national title; it is also a major platform for female players to prove themselves in a competitive environment, gain experience at the national level, and write new success stories. The championship will be open to all female players holding a federation license with a valid 2025-2026 season visa. This means both titled, experienced competitors and promising young players will have the chance to make their moves at the same boards. From the opening preparations to the critical pairings of the final round, the event promises a high level of competition.
One of the standout aspects of the organization is the comprehensive support package offered to participants. All players will be provided with free accommodation and meals in KYK dormitories, while various gifts from Arzum will also be presented to every participant. A total of 840,000 TL in cash prizes will be distributed, further enhancing the prestige of the tournament. Such support allows players to focus solely on their performance at the board and makes the event more accessible, especially for competitors traveling from different provinces.
From the perspective of developing women’s chess, this championship serves as an important showcase that strengthens the foundation of Turkish chess. The event is expected to feature high-level battles in opening preparation, middlegame planning, tactical calculation, and endgame technique in every round, while also giving young players the opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition. Application details and technical information are available at kadinlar.tsf.org.tr. The chess community is now eagerly waiting to see which player will emerge in Balikesir as the new national champion through the strength of her moves.