Chess Club Hvar

♟️ About Chess Club Hvar

Chess Club Hvar (Šahovski klub Hvar) is a chess club and tournament organizer based in the town of Hvar, Croatia. Founded in 2016, the club promotes competitive chess on Hvar Island and represents the city within the wider Croatian chess community. Its activities include FIDE-rated tournaments, blitz chess, local competition, and participation by club players in Croatian events. The club is particularly known for the Open Hvar tournament series, which it launched in 2022. Held in the historic Arsenal Hvar, the event has developed from a 63-player inaugural edition into an increasingly international tournament attracting Grandmasters, International Masters, strong juniors, and players from numerous federations. The tournament combines serious classical chess with a separate FIDE-rated blitz event. Ivica Bilandžić is the current President of Chess Club Hvar and remains directly involved in its major events. Pavle Palić serves as Secretary and is also one of the principal tournament organizers. The club works closely with the City of Hvar and Hvar Tourist Board, helping position its international tournament as both a sporting competition and a distinctive chess destination on the Adriatic.

📜 Development of the Hvar Open

Chess Club Hvar organized the 1st Open Hvar from October 8–14, 2022 at Arsenal Hvar. The inaugural tournament already attracted players from several countries and included Grandmasters, International Masters, women’s titled players, juniors, and members of the host club. The event returned as the 2nd Open Hvar in 2023, followed by the third edition in 2024 and fourth in 2025. The prize fund and international profile increased steadily during this period, while Arsenal Hvar remained the tournament’s characteristic venue. Alongside the classical Open, the club has developed a corresponding Blitz Hvar competition, giving visiting players another FIDE-rated event during tournament week.

🏆 5th Open Hvar 2026

The 5th Open Hvar 2026 takes place from October 19–25, 2026 at Arsenal Hvar. The tournament is played over nine FIDE-rated classical rounds with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. A separate ten-round 5th Blitz Hvar is scheduled for October 21 using a 3+2 time control. The combined published prize fund is €22,200, including €20,000 for the classical Open and €2,200 for the blitz tournament. The 2026 field includes Grandmasters and other titled players from Croatia and abroad. Current official tournament documentation identifies Ivica Bilandžić and Pavle Palić as tournament directors, with International Arbiter Nenad Dorić heading the arbiting team.

🌱 Supporting Competitive Chess

Beyond its flagship Open, Chess Club Hvar contributes to chess activity in the wider Split-Dalmatia region. The club has co-organized other rated events, including the Borivoj Katavić Memorial Rapid Tournament in cooperation with the Split-Dalmatia County Chess Association. These activities extend its tournament work beyond Hvar itself. The club also attracts strong players to represent ŠK Hvar in competition. Recent Open Hvar entry lists include Grandmasters, International Masters, FIDE Masters, experienced Croatian players, and promising juniors registered under the Hvar club.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Ivica Bilandžić is the current President of Chess Club Hvar. His position is confirmed by the club’s official 2026 Open Hvar documentation, and he has been directly involved in organizing the tournament series for several years. Pavle Palić serves as Secretary and is another key organizer. For the latest 2026 tournament records, he is also listed as Tournament Director of the 5th Open Hvar.