♟️ About Club Escacs Martorell

Club Escacs Martorell is a chess club based in Martorell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Organized chess activity in Martorell can be documented from 1932, when local players competed under the name Telobis Escacs. The tradition later continued through Club Ajedrez Martorell and the chess section of the Ateneu de Martorell. The present Club Escacs Martorell was established in 1976 and therefore celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Today, the club combines federated team competition, chess education, youth development, internal tournaments, and open events. Its members participate in the Lliga Catalana, Copa Catalana, individual championships, youth competitions, and other events organized within the structure of the Federació Catalana d’Escacs. Moreover, the club runs a chess school and maintains a permanent headquarters where members can train, play social chess, and prepare for competition.

Xavier Cervello is the current President of Club Escacs Martorell, while Jordi Sala serves as Vice President. Cristóbal Montero Montero coordinates the club’s chess school and is also closely involved in tournament organization. In 2026, the club has been particularly active through the Lliga Catalana, youth championships, community tournaments, women’s team chess, and preparations for the XLII Open Internacional Martorell, scheduled from September 19 to November 21.

📜 History and Development

The chess tradition in Martorell extends considerably further back than the establishment of the present club. The organization’s historical records trace local organized chess to 1932, initially through Telobis Escacs. Chess activity later continued under several organizational forms before the current Club Escacs Martorell was constituted in 1976. Consequently, 2026 marks two important milestones: more than nine decades of documented organized chess in Martorell and the 50th anniversary of the present club. During this period, the organization has built a program that combines competition with education and community participation.

The club works from its headquarters beside the municipal sports pavilion on Avinguda Fèlix Duran i Canyameres. In addition, its chess school operates from the same complex. This permanent base supports regular training, club tournaments, meetings, and preparation for official competitions.

♜ Team Chess and Competition

Club Escacs Martorell fields several teams in the Lliga Catalana d’Escacs, allowing players of different strengths and ages to represent the organization in federated competition. The 2026 season produced two runner-up finishes. Martorell A placed second in Primera Provincial – Grup III, while Martorell D finished second in Tercera Provincial – Grup XIV. Meanwhile, Martorell B finished sixth in Segona Provincial – Grup IV, and Martorell C took fourth place in Tercera Provincial – Grup XII.

Youth players also contribute directly to the club’s team structure. The club’s U12 team finished third in its 2026 competition. In the previous 2025 Lliga Catalana season, Martorell C had already finished runner-up in Tercera Provincial with a team composed entirely of U14, U12, and U10 players. The club also supports women’s team chess. In March 2026, Martorell participated in the IV Torneig Femení per Equips de Barberà del Vallès, continuing its efforts to increase competitive opportunities for female players.

🎓 Youth Chess and Training

Youth development is an important part of Club Escacs Martorell’s current program. The club operates a chess school under the coordination of Cristóbal Montero, combining instruction with opportunities to enter official individual and team competitions. Thirteen Martorell players participated in the Baix Llobregat preliminary phase of the 2026 Campionat de Catalunya d’Edats. The group achieved two podium finishes and several other strong results across the age categories.

A major milestone followed at the Catalan Youth Championship in Lloret de Mar. Luana Mariela Vásquez Quiroz became the 2026 Catalan U10 Girls Champion, earning the first female Catalan individual championship title in Club Escacs Martorell’s history. The club also organizes activities for less experienced and non-federated players. Its 2026 Social Tournament ran across several dates from April to June using a 5+5 rapid format, with separate awards for rating categories, U14 players, and non-federated participants. In addition, the club organized public chess tournaments at Parc La Sínia during Martorell community events.

🏆 XLII Open Internacional Martorell 2026

The XLII Open Internacional Martorell 2026 is the club’s principal tournament project for its 50th-anniversary year. The competition is scheduled from September 19 to November 21, 2026 at Ca n’Oliveras in Martorell. The tournament consists of nine rounds using the Swiss system and a classical time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move. Results count for both FIDE and Catalan ratings. Moreover, the tournament forms part of the V Mini-Circuit de Barcelona.

The 2026 edition is divided into Groups A, B, and C, providing competitive sections for players at different rating levels. Cristóbal Montero Montero serves as Tournament Director, while Guillem Cintas Zuazua is Chief Arbiter. The Open Internacional Martorell has reached its 42nd edition, making it one of the club’s longest-running competitive projects. Therefore, the 2026 tournament also serves as a central celebration of five decades of activity by the present Club Escacs Martorell.