The Jonathan Odega Memorial Chess Tournament is a special one-day blitz event that has been set up in memory of late Engr Jonathan Odega, the pioneer of Orchid Group of companies; a patron and icon of Nigerian chess; co-founder and chairman of Orchid-Lekki Chess Club (OLCC) and member of the board of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).
During his life time, Jonathan Odega was a passionate lover and player of blitz. He was of the opinion that blitz, with its quick decision making, speed and psychological nuances requirements, has a lot to teach us about the real world. The Jonathan Odega Memorial Chess Tournament has been certified by the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) as the official national blitz championship of Nigeria and its winner will hold the title of Nigeria National Blitz Champion.
The inaugural edition of the tournament will serve as the first event of the Nigeria National Chess Championship 2024.
Below are the regulations.
| Date: | 6th December, 2024 |
| Venue | Orchid-Lekki Chess Club Orchid Road, Plot 3, Chevron Toll Gate, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. |
| Format | Swiss System (Dutch); 11 Rounds (Rated) |
| Time Control | (G/3+2): 3 minutes for the game with an addition of 2 seconds (increment) per move starting from move one. |
| Deadline | Registration Deadline is 4th December, 2024 |
| Tie- Breaks |
Tie-break Criteria 1. Direct Encounter 2. Greater number of victories 3. Buchholz 4. Sonneborn Berger *FIDE Fair Play & Anti-cheating Rules Apply |
| Start Time |
8am - 10am: Accreditation of players 12 (Noon): Round 1 |
| Registration Fee |
₦ 5,000.00 |
| Prize Categories | 1st – 10th & Best Female |
| Total Prize Fund | ₦750,000 |