♟️ About Šahovski klub Novi Zagreb

Šahovski klub Novi Zagreb (ŠK Novi Zagreb) is a Croatian chess club and international tournament organizer based in Zagreb. The organization combines competitive chess, junior training, school programs, team championships, and international FIDE-rated events. Under the leadership of its founder and president, Andrej Stanković, the club has developed a strong reputation for promoting classical chess and creating opportunities for players of different ages and abilities. The club is particularly well known for organizing the New Zagreb Classic, an international chess tournament series that has grown into one of Croatia's largest classical chess competitions. Its program also includes New Zagreb Classic Futures, an international youth tournament, alongside beginner competitions, training camps, and educational activities in local schools. ŠK Novi Zagreb emphasizes accessible chess education and inclusive competition. Its activities connect young beginners, experienced club players, titled competitors, and international visitors while supporting chess development throughout Zagreb and the surrounding region.

📜 History, Development & Club Mission

Šahovski klub Novi Zagreb was established to promote chess education, competitive participation, and personal development through the game. Its founder and president, Andrej Stanković, has been involved in chess training, youth development, and the administration of organized chess in Zagreb. The club's official mission emphasizes individual instruction, school chess programs, online education, and the development of chess culture at local, national, and international levels. Furthermore, it encourages sportsmanship, fair play, women's participation, and the inclusion of players with disabilities. One of the club's defining achievements has been the development of a substantial junior training program. Its activities connect chess instruction with opportunities to participate in individual tournaments and team championships, allowing promising players to progress through different competitive levels. In 2024, the organization introduced the New Zagreb Classic international tournament series. This initiative represented an important expansion of the club's activities, creating a major event that would bring players from different countries to Zagreb for classical chess.

🏆 New Zagreb Classic — International Tournament Series

The New Zagreb Classic began in February 2024 as an international classical chess competition designed to welcome players of different strengths. Its founding concept emerged from a group of four organizers, informally known as the Chess Dads, who wanted to give young Croatian players opportunities to compete against experienced opponents without traveling abroad. The inaugural tournament took place from February 2–4, 2024, at Hotel International in Zagreb. It featured three rating-based sections, five Swiss-system rounds, and a classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The organizers announced a €2,000 prize fund. The second edition followed from January 31 to February 2, 2025, expanding the competition to five sections. More than 300 players participated, reflecting the tournament's growing appeal among Croatian and international chess competitors. A particularly important milestone came with the New Zagreb Classic 2026, held from January 30 to February 1 at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel. According to an official FIDE report, the tournament attracted 506 players representing 36 federations, making it one of Europe's largest classical chess open tournaments by participation. The 2026 championship brought together grandmasters, international masters, FIDE masters, developing juniors, and unrated beginners. International Master Vladyslav Larkin of Ukraine won Open A, ahead of FM Vinko Malada of Croatia and FM Nicolas Perossa of Italy. The tournament's success demonstrated the appeal of a compact international event combining classical time controls, rating-based sections, and participation opportunities for a broad range of players. Official Tournament History: https://newzgclassic.com/

🌍 New Zagreb Classic 2027 — International Open A–E

ŠK Novi Zagreb is preparing the New Zagreb Classic 2027, scheduled for February 5–7, 2027, at the five-star Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Kneza Borne 2, Zagreb, Croatia. The organizers are planning another large international event, with approximately 550 player places advertised across five rating-based sections. Each section features five Swiss-system rounds with a classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The competition includes Open A, Open B, Open C, Open D, and Open E, allowing participants to enter sections appropriate to their FIDE ratings. Open E is designed for players under 1500 who also meet the published youth eligibility requirements. The official announcement advertises a €3,000 cash prize fund, together with 30 trophies and 90 medals. Additional recognition is available for junior players, female competitors, and senior participants across the different sections. The tournament's three-day structure includes one round on Friday, two rounds on Saturday, and two rounds on Sunday. Consequently, international players can participate in a classical chess competition without requiring an extended stay in Croatia. The club also coordinates practical arrangements with accommodation partners, helping visiting players and families plan their tournament experience. Featured Tournament: New Zagreb Classic 2027 — International Open A–E Official Tournament Website: https://newzgclassic.com/

🎓 New Zagreb Classic Futures — International Youth Chess

The New Zagreb Classic Futures is a dedicated international youth competition developed by ŠK Novi Zagreb to provide young chess players with opportunities to gain experience in classical chess. The inaugural Futures tournament took place from May 30 to June 1, 2024, at the American International School of Zagreb. It featured three rating-based sections and five Swiss-system rounds. The organizers worked with the school to provide a setting for developing competitors from Croatia and abroad. The tournament series continued in 2025 and 2026, strengthening its position within the club's junior chess program. Unlike many youth competitions that divide players exclusively by age, New Zagreb Classic Futures uses playing strength as an important basis for its tournament sections. The 2026 Futures tournament, held from October 2–4 at Hotel International in Zagreb, attracted 164 players from nine countries. The event included three FIDE-rated groups and a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. Aleksandr Konopatskyi of Slovenia won Group A with 4.5 points from five rounds. Meanwhile, Marin Doko won Group B and Vigo Trokter claimed first place in Group C, both achieving perfect scores of 5/5. Twenty-eight players from ŠK Novi Zagreb participated in the tournament, earning three medals across the competition categories. Through Futures, the club provides young competitors with opportunities to gain international tournament experience, improve their FIDE ratings, and compete against talented players from different countries.

♟️ Chess School & Junior Training Programs

Chess education is central to the club's activities. ŠK Novi Zagreb operates a chess school that supports preschool children, school students, developing juniors, and competitive players. Its educational program includes school-based chess lessons, small-group instruction, individual coaching, online training, and assistance with organizing chess competitions. These activities allow students to progress from learning the basic rules to developing tactical calculation, positional understanding, and tournament preparation skills. Andrej Stanković is one of the club's principal coaches. He holds a FIDE Instructor qualification and a School Chess Teacher certification from the European Chess Union. His educational work includes teaching chess as an extracurricular activity in Zagreb schools and kindergartens. The club also provides access to chess equipment and training materials, including boards, clocks, demonstration equipment, and a chess library. Moreover, its coaching program can accommodate players requiring individual instruction and more advanced preparation. By connecting formal instruction with tournament participation, ŠK Novi Zagreb encourages students to apply their knowledge under competitive conditions and develop confidence through practical experience.

🏅 Beginner Tournaments & Team Championships

Beyond its international events, ŠK Novi Zagreb organizes regular training tournaments for young and inexperienced players. These competitions introduce children to organized chess while helping them become familiar with chess clocks, pairing procedures, and tournament etiquette. In October 2026, the club organized its 20th Beginner Training Tournament, which attracted 79 participants, mainly elementary school and preschool children. The event took place at Lovre pl. Matjačića Elementary School in Zagreb, following the summer break. Such recurring competitions provide children with opportunities to monitor their progress and gain tournament experience in an accessible environment. They also create a natural connection between the club's educational activities and its more advanced competitions. Team chess is another important element of the organization. The club fields senior and junior teams in Croatian regional leagues, while its younger members participate in individual and team competitions throughout the country. Its players regularly represent the club in youth championships, regional competitions, and international events. These activities help promising juniors develop their playing strength while contributing to the club's wider competitive program.

🌱 Community Engagement & Chess Development Projects

ŠK Novi Zagreb promotes chess beyond conventional club training and tournament settings. Its activities include cooperation with schools, educational institutions, local organizations, and community initiatives. The club has supported chess activities connected with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb. Its official educational materials describe cooperation with the faculty's student chess section, including training, online events, and university competitions. The club also organizes educational chess camps. In August 2026, it conducted the Komišah chess camp on the Croatian island of Vis in cooperation with the Tourist Board of Komiža. The program attracted 48 participants, including 31 from Komiža or the island itself, and combined chess instruction with recreational activities. In September 2026, the club introduced chess to visitors during the Središće community days. Its coaches and young members demonstrated the game and encouraged participation by children and adults. These activities reflect the club's broader interest in educational access, community engagement, and the development of chess as an inclusive intellectual sport.

👤 Leadership & Contact Details

Andrej Stanković is the founder and president of Šahovski klub Novi Zagreb. He is a FIDE Instructor, an experienced chess educator, and an organizer of international competitions. His involvement in regional chess administration and school education has contributed to the development of the club's training and tournament programs. Mario Živić serves as Club Secretary and participates in the organization of the New Zagreb Classic tournament series. He is also a member of the international tournament's organizing committee. The New Zagreb Classic Organizing Committee includes Andrej Stanković, Mario Živić, Aleksandar Holiga, and Maxim Vinogradov. Together, they contribute to tournament development, communications, promotion, and event management. For general inquiries, chess education, membership, and institutional cooperation, players can contact the club through its official email. The New Zagreb Classic tournament series maintains a separate contact address for event-related correspondence.