Upcoming TLDs / .chess
Can you register a .chess domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .chess would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
The applied-for string "CHESS" is the English word for the internationally recognized strategic board game played on a 64-square board. It is governed internationally by FIDE and played competitively and recreationally worldwide.
Who applied for .chess
Chess Domains Limited
GB, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing, Community application
The .chess gTLD will provide a secure, trusted, community-governed Internet namespace dedicated to the global chess community and operated for its benefit under FIDE's continuing institutional stewardship. Please see the separately uploaded response to Question 133 for the complete description of the mission and purpose of .chess, its intended registrants and users, activities supporting that mission, governance framework, and long-term sustainability.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .chess be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .chess and its registry announces launch dates.