Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese

♟️ About Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese A.S.D.

Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese A.S.D. is a historic chess club based in Imperia, Liguria, Italy. Founded in 1946, the club has supported organized chess in western Liguria for eight decades and is affiliated with the Federazione Scacchistica Italiana. Its activities include FIDE-rated tournaments, rapid events, youth championships, chess courses, school initiatives, club competition, and the internationally recognized Festival Scacchistico Internazionale di Imperia. The club operates from its current base at the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso on Via Carducci 65 in Imperia Porto Maurizio. Throughout its history, Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese has combined local chess development with tournament organization. In 2026, its program included the provincial youth championship qualifying players for Italy’s national junior finals and the third Torneo delle 5 Torri rapid tournament in Civezza. The organization also continues to provide opportunities for beginners, juniors, adult club players, and stronger FIDE-rated competitors. Carlo Malinverni is the current President and is also Tournament Director of the 68th International Chess Festival of Imperia. He is therefore the most appropriate primary organizational contact. Other current board members include Vice President Marco Ciccarelli, Secretary Fulvio Ramella, and councillors Filippo Barbagallo, Giovanni Barbagallo, Vincenzo Borrelli, Roberto Calcagno, and Alessandro Catitti. The club’s principal upcoming event is the 68th Festival Scacchistico Internazionale di Imperia, scheduled for September 6–13, 2026.

📜 History and Development

Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese was established in 1946. From 1948, members met at Caffè Vittoria on Viale Matteotti, where friendly games and the club championship became part of regular chess life in Imperia. In 1959, the club began preparations for the first International Chess Festival of Imperia. At that time, it had 83 members. The festival subsequently developed into the organization’s defining international event and remains a central part of the city’s chess calendar. Chess education also became increasingly important. During the late 1970s, club members Giangiacomo Amoretti and Giacomo Bajada organized theoretical and practical chess courses. Later, the club expanded its educational work through beginner programs, junior instruction, school tournaments, and cooperation with other local organizations. In 2004, the association formally adopted the name Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese Associazione Dilettantistica, reflecting its modern sporting structure while preserving the historical club identity.

🎓 Youth Chess and Development

Youth chess remains an active part of the club’s program. On January 31, 2026, Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese organized the provincial Under-18 championship at its Via Carducci premises. The tournament covered U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 categories and served as an official qualification event for the Italian national youth finals. It used six rounds at a rapid time control of 25 minutes plus five seconds per move and was submitted for FIDE Rapid rating. Several Imperia-area juniors qualified for the national stage, including players in the U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 categories. The club therefore provides a direct pathway from local instruction and youth competition into Italy’s national championship structure.

🏆 Tournament Activity

Beyond its international festival, the club organizes and supports a variety of chess events across the Imperia area. On June 20, 2026, it staged the 3rd Torneo Semilampo “Torneo delle 5 Torri” in Civezza. Such rapid competitions complement the club’s longer classical events and give regional players additional rated tournament opportunities. The club also has a long tradition of organizing provincial and regional tournaments, school competitions, open events, simultaneous exhibitions, and internal championships.

🌍 68th International Chess Festival of Imperia

The 68th Festival Scacchistico Internazionale di Imperia will take place from September 6–13, 2026 at Palestra Maggi in the Parasio area of Imperia. The festival consists of three FIDE-rated classical tournaments. Open A uses nine Swiss-system rounds, while Opens B and C use eight rounds. Games use a classical time control with 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 additional minutes and a 30-second increment. The current Open A field includes Grandmasters, International Masters, FIDE Masters, and players representing numerous international federations. Carlo Malinverni serves as Tournament Director, IA Alessandro Biancotti as Chief Arbiter, and IA Michele Gisolini as Deputy Chief Arbiter. The festival continues a tradition that began in 1959 and remains the club’s principal international tournament project.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Carlo Malinverni currently serves as President of Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese. Official Italian sports records continued to identify him as the association’s legal representative in 2026. Antonino Faraci is Honorary President, while Marco Ciccarelli serves as Vice President and Fulvio Ramella as Secretary. Giovanni Barbagallo is another active board member and is listed by the club as one of its direct telephone contacts. Together, the leadership team supports local club activity, youth development, educational programs, and the organization of the long-running international festival.

📞 Contact Details

Organizer Country: Italy Address: Via Carducci 65, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy Contact Person: Carlo Malinverni Email: scacchi.imperia@libero.it Phone: +39 335 631 0217 Phone 2: +39 331 698 0914 Website: https://www.imperiascacchi.it/