2026 Zina Koodrin Memorial Checkmate Chess Tournaments

Updated July 13th, 2026

Zina Koodrin

The Adelaide Checkmate Tournaments hold a special place in the SA Chess Calendar – they are often used to mark a Memorial event for those chess players or friends of chess who have passed away in the previous year. The first Checkmate event took place in August 2000 and marked the passing of Garry Koshnitsky who, along with his wife Evelyn, played a huge role in promoting chess both in SA and Australia – the couple devoted their lives to the game. Garry’s last word was appropriately ‘Checkmate’ and hence the overall title for the tournaments.

This year we are acknowledging the passing of Zina Koodrin who was the Chess Centre Manager for over 25 years, but her association with chess was much longer than that. Zina always loved chess, and despite many hardships and struggles never let them show with her dedication and passion for the game and her behind the scenes involvement.

The Zina Koodrin Memorial Checkmate Chess Tournaments

The 10th – 12th of July, 2026

Chess Centre of South Australia, 10 Ranelagh St Adelaide 5000

$2,500 cash in prizes across both events

The Checkmate Open

Format:
6 Round Swiss

Time Control:
90 minutes + 30 Sec increment per move for each player.

Rounds:
Friday: 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am & 2:00pm

The games will be ACF and FIDE rated

Entry Fee: $100 Adult, $90 Concession & Juniors

The Checkmate Challengers

Format:
6 Round Swiss for players U1600 ACF or U1750 FIDE

Time Control:
60 minutes + 30 seconds per move for each player

Rounds:
Saturday: 9:00am, 12.30pm and 4:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am, 12.30pm and 4:00pm

The games will be ACF and FIDE rated

Entry Fee: $80 Adult, $70 Concession & Juniors

To enter:

Register Online

Registered Players, Pairings and Results

You can also email your details to tournaments@sachess.org.au

Entries will be accepted at the door 15 minutes before the first round.

Players have the option to take up to two (2) half-point byes. Forfeit time in both events is thirty (30) minutes from start of play.