A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema”

♟️ About A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema”

A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema” is an active chess club and tournament organizer based in Crema, Lombardy, Italy. The association is affiliated with the Federazione Scacchistica Italiana (FSI) and provides regular club chess, competitive tournaments, junior instruction, rapid events, and team competition for players in Crema and the surrounding area. Its regular club meetings take place at Sala Spazio Città, Via Kennedy 3/A, where members meet on Friday evenings. The club runs a varied calendar that combines classical, rapid, youth, internal, and community chess. Its activities include the traditional Torneo di Carnevale, the new Campionato Cremasco Rapid, junior competitions, weekly club play, participation in the Italian Team Championship, and a structured Scuola Scacchi per Ragazzi. In addition, the association organizes public chess initiatives designed to attract new players outside the traditional club environment. Gianluca Distratis is the current President of A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema”, while Aldo Rovida is a key tournament contact and handles registrations for the club’s flagship international open. The association’s most important upcoming event is the 26th Open Internazionale di Scacchi “Città di Crema” – Memorial Ottavio Ravaschietto, scheduled for September 4–6, 2026 at Sala Agello in central Crema.

📜 Club Development and Local Chess

Scacchi “Città di Crema” has maintained an established presence in the local chess community for many years. Its online archive documents continuous club activity from at least 2008, including internal championships, tournaments, training, and participation in chess events throughout Lombardy. Over time, the club has developed a balance between serious competitive chess and a welcoming local-club environment. Friday-evening meetings provide opportunities for social games and tournament preparation, while larger events bring players from outside the Cremasco area to the city. The association also works with local institutions and public venues. Consequently, chess activity is not limited to the club headquarters but regularly reaches broader audiences through tournaments and promotional events around Crema.

🎓 Youth Chess and Chess School

Junior development is a central part of the club’s current program. Its Scuola Scacchi per Ragazzi normally runs on Saturdays and combines chess instruction with practical play. The 2025–2026 training season concluded in June 2026 with a traditional final tournament involving 18 young students. Players competed in a friendly but structured environment and received medals and chess-related awards at the closing ceremony. The club’s instructors use these sessions to introduce children to calculation, strategy, tournament behavior, and sportsmanship. Moreover, junior membership can include registration with the Italian Chess Federation, giving young players a route toward official federation competition. The association also organizes events specifically designed for beginners. In May 2026, it staged an Under-16 tournament for non-classified players, giving children with limited competitive experience an accessible first tournament.

⚡ Rapid and Community Chess

During 2026, Scacchi “Città di Crema” expanded its rapid-chess program with the 1st Campionato Cremasco Rapid. The tournament took place on May 17, 2026 at the Gran Rondò shopping center in Crema. It used seven rounds at 12 minutes plus a 3-second increment and was open even to players who were not federation members. Participation was free, while prizes were provided through the host venue. The previous day, the club also organized chess activities aimed specifically at younger visitors. This initiative illustrates the association’s wider approach to chess promotion. By staging competitions in busy public locations, the club introduces organized chess to people who may not yet be familiar with traditional chess clubs.

🏆 Memorial Ottavio Ravaschietto

The Open Internazionale di Scacchi “Città di Crema” – Memorial Ottavio Ravaschietto is the association’s flagship tournament and one of its longest-running projects. The 26th edition is scheduled for September 4–6, 2026 at the newly selected, air-conditioned Sala Agello in the historic center of Crema. The tournament consists of three classical sections: Open A — players rated 1650–2300 Open B — players aged over 50 with a rating below 1900 Open C — players rated below 1700 Each section plays six rounds. Open A and Open B use 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, while Open C uses 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. The published 2026 cash prize fund totals €3,230, with awards distributed across all three sections. The event has a limited overall capacity, reinforcing its compact weekend format. Aldo Rovida serves as the principal registration and information contact for the tournament.

♜ Team and Club Competition

A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema” also participates in the Campionato Italiano a Squadre (CIS). Its 2026 registered team includes experienced club players such as Franco Ventura, Giuseppe Esposito, Gianluca Distratis, Giovanni Righini, Roberto Masotti, Nicolò Vailati, and other members. Giuseppe Esposito serves as the responsible contact for the current CIS team. Team competition complements the club’s individual tournaments and gives regular members an opportunity to represent Crema within Italy’s national club structure.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Gianluca Distratis is the current President of A.S.D. Scacchi “Città di Crema” and remains closely involved in the club’s activities and communications. The association is supported by a group of experienced members who contribute to tournaments, youth instruction, administration, and event organization. Aldo Rovida has an important role in tournament operations, particularly for the Memorial Ravaschietto, while Giuseppe Esposito contributes to tournament management and team competition. Together, these activities allow the club to combine regular local chess, junior training, public promotion, team competition, and an established international open within a single year-round program.