The Riga Technical University Open has been held since 2011, with the exception of the year 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently the 10th jubilee edition followed in summer 2021.
The founder and tournament director is IO (International Organizer) Egons Lavendelis from Latvia, who, as a player, is also an FM.
The current venue where the festival is held is the Ķīpsala exhibition hall in Riga, the capital of Latvia.
Additional events include GM lectures, excursions, simuls, as well as Bughouse (tandem) and Dice Chess are offered, too.
The first three international chess festivals (2011–2013) were held in the main building of the Riga Technical University.