AAFEC
Chefchaouen Chess
Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs — Chefchaouen
A chess association dedicated to promoting and developing chess locally and internationally — in the heart of Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs — Chefchaouen
Since March 1977, the Association has built a legacy of titles, hosted national finals, and connected generations through chess—today carrying that spirit into the Chefchaouen International Chess Festival 2026.
Youth training
Official tournaments
International festival
Mouad BEN EL AMIN ALAMI
President
Association President
Mouad BEN EL AMIN ALAMI
Leads the Association vision, partnerships, and program growth — with a premium touch and authentic hospitality.
“Chess brings generations together and showcases the beauty of Chefchaouen.”
— Mouad BEN EL AMIN ALAMI
International Chess Festival of Chefchaouen
October 18-25, 2026 at the Chefchaouen Youth Center — FIDE-rated 9-round classical Open, 11-round Blitz Marathon and a Grand simultaneous open to players of all ages. 120,000 MAD in prizes, limited to 120 players.
22
Edition
120
Players max
120K DH
Prizes
Countdown
1977
Founded
22
Festival editions
170+
Tournaments archived
10+
Grandmasters hosted
Four decades of tournaments
From Chefchaouen to Tangier, Marrakesh and Abu Dhabi — the archive of the association's results, from 1983 to 2025.
170+ · 1983–2025
21ᵉ Festival International d’Échecs de Chefchaouen — Simultanée
Anish Giri (GM, Pays-Bas) — 50/50
Simultaneous
31ˢᵗ Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival — Open A <2300
Baghdasaryan Vahe (GM, ARM)
Standard
7ᵉ Trophée National Abderrahmane Nejjar
Le Roux, Jean-Pierre (GM, FRA)
Blitz
Coupe du Trône 2024-2025 — Section Open
Alwan Fannia Chefchaouen — parcours R2/R3
Knockout
Why join us
Compete in your level
Rating-group events designed for fair pairings and meaningful progress.
Events organized by professionals
Clear rounds, premium venues, and a smooth tournament experience.
Familial atmosphere & friendships
A festival spirit: chess, culture, and connections that last.
In the media
The festival on film
2M's report from the first day of the festival in Chefchaouen.
First-day report
First-day report
Watch 2M's report on the festival opening and the highlights from its first day in Chefchaouen.
Click to play
Moments
Gallery
Festival moments — explore the full day-by-day albums.
29 albums · 1526+ photos
Explore the full archive
1526+ photos across 29 albums — the festival, day by day.
Events
Upcoming events
Chefchaouen International Chess Festival — 22nd Edition
The 22nd edition, October 18–25, 2026: FIDE classical Open, Blitz Marathon and Grand simultaneous open to all.
- 9 classical rounds
- 11 blitz rounds
- 120,000 MAD prizes
Special guests
We’re delighted to launch the 21st edition of the International Chess Festival in Chefchaouen. Alwan Fannia Chess Association has a strong history — including consecutive championship titles — which is why the municipal council supports the association and its activities. This edition comes with a fresh look and a high-end standard.
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor of Chefchaouen
Morocco
The 22nd edition takes place October 18-25, 2026 in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Registration is completed online through our website. You will find a dedicated registration form where you can provide your personal information and choose the tournaments you want to enter.
Yes, registration fees are required to participate in the tournaments. Fees vary by category (youth, adults, professionals, etc.). Full details are available on our registration page.
Our partners
Partners who support the festival
Institutions, companies and guest houses that trust the association and help the festival succeed every year.
Community
Community
Chess brings generations together. Join the AlwanFannia spirit in the Blue Pearl.
