♟️ About Šachová škola pat a mat

Šachová škola pat a mat, z.s. is a Czech chess association based in Mšeno. Established in 2009, the organization focuses primarily on youth chess, tournament management, chess camps, and player development. Roman Burda serves as its chairman and leads many of its principal events as tournament director.

The association has developed considerable experience in staging large residential chess competitions. It manages entries, accommodation, playing halls, technical equipment, online broadcasts, accompanying events, and communication with players, families, coaches, and chess clubs. Therefore, its role extends well beyond the administration of pairings and results.

Šachová škola pat a mat works regularly with the Czech Chess Federation, particularly its Youth Commission. The federation has repeatedly selected the association to organize official Czech championships and qualifying competitions. Moreover, the organization cooperates closely with the town of Harrachov, Hotel FitFun, regional chess bodies, arbiters, and local partners.

🏆 National Youth Championships

The association organizes several major events within the Czech youth chess system. Its portfolio includes the Czech Youth Team Rapid Chess Championship, the Czech Youth Rapid Chess Championship, the Czech Junior Rapid Chess Championship, the Czech Youth Championship U8, the Czech Youth Championship U12–U16, and the semifinal stage of the Czech Junior Championships.

Many of these competitions take place in Harrachov. The town offers suitable accommodation, conference halls, recreational facilities, and space for accompanying activities. As a result, Šachová škola pat a mat can host both weekend championships and full residential tournament weeks.

The organization also prepares open side events, blitz tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, excursions, recreational programs, and online coverage. These activities give players and accompanying family members a more complete tournament experience. In addition, the association maintains extensive event information, photographs, schedules, results, and practical instructions through its official website.

🎓 Youth Chess and Tournament Development

Youth development forms the central theme of the association’s work. Šachová škola pat a mat creates opportunities for children and juniors to compete at regional and national levels. Its events welcome leading young Czech players, developing competitors, club teams, coaches, and families from across the country.

The association also organizes summer chess camps. These programs combine chess instruction and tournament practice with outdoor activities, recreation, and social development. Consequently, young participants can improve their chess while building independence, teamwork, and lasting connections with other players.

Through its long-term cooperation with experienced arbiters and organizers, Šachová škola pat a mat also supports professional tournament standards. Its events frequently include electronic boards, live game transmission, dedicated tournament webpages, photo galleries, and carefully coordinated accommodation packages.

🌟 Czech Youth Chess Championship U12–U16

Šachová škola pat a mat organizes the Czech Youth Chess Championship U12–U16 under the authority of the Czech Chess Federation. The 2026 championship takes place at Hotel FitFun in Harrachov from October 24 to 31.

The program includes separate U12, U14, and U16 competitions together with a FIDE Open. Roman Burda serves as tournament director, while an experienced arbiter team manages the sporting regulations and results. The association also coordinates accommodation, meals, registration, online coverage, and supporting activities throughout the championship week.