♟️ About Laboratorio Scacchi – Lab Šah

Laboratorio Scacchi – Lab Šah is a rapidly growing chess organization and FSI-affiliated chess school based in Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. Founded in 2020, the organization has developed into one of the region’s largest chess communities. By 2025, it had reached 220 registered members, with players ranging from beginners and recreational enthusiasts to nationally competitive juniors.

Youth development lies at the heart of the organization. More than half of its registered players are under 18, while its structured teaching program takes students from their first chess lessons through advanced competitive preparation. Moreover, Laboratorio Scacchi is recognized by the Italian Chess Federation as a First- and Second-Level Chess School.

The organization works in a multilingual environment that reflects the character of Trieste and the surrounding region. Courses are available in Italian, Slovenian, and English, while additional activities take place in Doberdò del Lago, Bagnoli della Rosandra, and San Pelagio. Therefore, Laboratorio Scacchi combines competitive development with a strong educational and community mission.

🏆 Tournaments and Chess Activities

Laboratorio Scacchi organizes an extensive program of classical, rapid, blitz, youth, school, and alternative-format chess events.

One of its major projects is Trieste Rapid & Blitz 2026, an international four-day chess festival scheduled for November 5–8, 2026. The program combines the Trieste Blindfold Challenge, Trieste Bughouse Cup, Trieste Freestyle Open, Alpe Adria Team Blitz, and Trieste Rapid Open.

The FIDE-rated part of the festival includes a team blitz tournament and an individual rapid open. However, the program also deliberately explores less traditional forms of chess through Chess960, Bughouse, and blindfold activities. Consequently, the festival brings together competitive chess, experimentation, accessibility, and entertainment.

Laboratorio Scacchi also organizes the recurring Open Internazionale di Scacchi Piccola Fenice di Trieste. The third edition took place in February 2026 and attracted 80 players across three classical rating groups. In addition, the club organized the Campionato Provinciale di Scacchi di Trieste 2026, an official qualifying stage of the Italian Absolute Championship system.

Other activities include the Doberdob Rapid Rondolina, the Torneo dell’Uovo, school championships, rapid and blitz circuits, and promotional competitions. In spring 2026, the club also launched the Circuito Interplanetario di Scacchi TNT Pub, a four-event rapid and blitz series held at its Trieste headquarters.

🎓 Chess School and Youth Development

The Laboratorio Scacchi Chess School provides structured courses for children, teenagers, and adults. Training groups are organized according to age and playing experience, while weekly lessons normally last between 60 and 120 minutes.

Players can progress from beginner courses to competitive and advanced training. Furthermore, the organization offers individual lessons with qualified instructors as well as specialist preparation for tournament players.

The teaching staff includes nationally and internationally qualified instructors. Giulia Tonel serves as President and Director of the Chess School, while Matej Gruden coordinates Slovenian-language instruction. Germano Petrosino manages school activities, and Augusto Caruso, a FIDE Trainer, serves as Technical Director and organizer.

Laboratorio Scacchi also works directly with primary and secondary schools. These programs use chess to develop concentration, independent decision-making, analytical skills, creativity, and problem-solving.

🌟 Competitive Achievements

Despite its relatively recent foundation, Laboratorio Scacchi has already achieved significant results in Italian competitive chess.

The club became Italian Rapid Team Champion in 2025. Moreover, its youth players achieved a third-place finish in the Italian Under-16 Team Championship.

Another major milestone arrived in 2026, when Laboratorio Scacchi returned Trieste to the highest level of the Italian Team Championship by competing in Serie Master.

The club has also developed several outstanding young players. One of its leading athletes is Nicolas Perossa, who became Italian Under-14 Champion and finished third at the 2023 World Under-14 Championship. He subsequently established himself among Italy’s strongest young players.

These results reflect the organization’s emphasis on structured long-term player development. At the same time, Laboratorio Scacchi continues to welcome beginners and recreational players, ensuring that competitive success remains connected with broader community participation.

🤝 Community and Educational Activities

Laboratorio Scacchi describes itself as a “laboratory of thought”, using chess as an educational tool rather than focusing exclusively on competitive results.

Its main headquarters includes dedicated playing and teaching rooms as well as a specialized chess library with more than 200 books. Members can use tournament-standard chess sets, digital clocks, training resources, and spaces for free play.

The organization also brings chess into public spaces. Events such as the Torneo dell’Uovo aim to introduce the game to people who may never have participated in an official tournament. Moreover, school championships, open days, summer camps, public tournaments, and collaborative projects extend the club’s activities throughout the Trieste area.

Through this combination of chess education, junior development, tournament organization, multilingual activities, and elite competition, Laboratorio Scacchi has established a significant position in the chess community of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.