About Janus Open

Janus Open is an annual memorial chess tournament, organized in honor of Janus í Løðuni.

Janus was a passionate advocate for chess and a vital part of the chess club Rókur. With his cheerful spirit, dedication, and loyalty to the club and the chess community, he left a lasting mark — both as a player and as a person.

He was taken from us far too soon — on July 6, 2024, only 46 years old.

With Janus Open, we wish each year to remember Janus and his significant role in Faroese chess — and at the same time bring together chess players in his spirit:

Joy of competition – to enjoy the game and the contest itself, just as Janus did.
Community – to come together around a shared passion and support one another, just as Janus did in the club.
Respect for the game – to show respect for both opponents and the game itself, and to play in the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Focus on Girls’ and Women’s Chess

An important part of the work surrounding Janus Open is to strengthen girls’ and women’s chess in the Faroe Islands. We aim to create supportive and positive conditions where young girls have the opportunity to develop their skills, gain tournament experience, and feel like a natural and valued part of the Faroese chess community.

Through this, we seek to increase female participation in competitions and work towards the goal of establishing a strong and active Faroese women’s national team in the future.