Helsingør Chess Club is thrilled to announce that Swedish Grandmaster Jonny Hector will participate in the Kronborg Chess Open for the very first time – and it will happen in 2026!
Jonny Hector has been a close friend of the club for many years and currently resides in Helsingør, just a few kilometers from the tournament venue at Comwell Borupgaard in Snekkersten. His participation has long been a wish of the organizers, but until now, it has been prevented by his regular participation in a Swedish Grand Prix tournament, which for over 20 years took place at the same time as the Kronborg Chess Open. With recent changes to the Swedish tournament calendar, it is finally possible.
A Living Legend in Nordic Chess
Jonny Hector is one of Sweden’s most experienced and colorful chess players. He became a Grandmaster in 1991 and has since had a long and impressive career, both over the board and in correspondence chess, where he has also earned the GM title. He is known for his aggressive playing style and his fondness for unconventional openings that often throw his opponents off balance.
He has won the Swedish Championship twice – in 2002 and again in 2022, when he triumphed in Uppsala at the age of 58. In 2024 and 2025, he continued to play at a high level, achieving strong results in tournaments such as the Faaborg CC 100th Anniversary Tournament, the Copenhagen Chess Challenge, and the 2025 Swedish Championship, where he notably defeated Tiger GM Hillarp Persson and GM Erik Blomqvist.
Kronborg Chess Open 2026 – A Special Occasion
The tournament will take place from May 13 to 17, 2026, marking the 53rd edition of the Kronborg Chess Open. The GM and IM groups will play a 9-round Round Robin, and the winner of the top group will be awarded the title of Kronborg Master 2026.
We look forward to welcoming Jonny Hector and anticipate a tournament filled with high intensity, strong games, and plenty of attacking chess.
Photo – Jesper Simonsen