Club de Ajedrez Monteolivete

♟️ About Club de Ajedrez Monteolivete

Club de Ajedrez Monteolivete (CA Monteolivete) is a chess club based in Valencia, Spain, founded in 2019. From its permanent premises in the Monteolivete district, the club combines competitive team chess, structured training, tournament organization, and community activities. It is affiliated with the Federación de Ajedrez de la Comunidad Valenciana (FACV) and has grown rapidly within Valencia’s active chess scene. By 2026, CA Monteolivete reported more than 150 members, over 100 students during the 2025–2026 training year, and seven teams participating in the Valencian regional league structure. The club offers instruction from beginner through advanced level and organizes a substantial tournament calendar. Its activities include school events, blitz competitions, internal and open tournaments, team leagues, and the annual Open Internacional CA Monteolivete, a FIDE-rated classical tournament where international title norms are possible. IM Jaime Valmaña Cantó is the current President of Club de Ajedrez Monteolivete and one of its principal sporting figures. He also serves as Tournament Director of the club’s international Open. The 2026 season represented another step forward for Monteolivete: the club entered seven regional teams, sent both its A and B teams to the Spanish Club Championship Second Division, and organized the VI Open Internacional CA Monteolivete from July 13–19, 2026. The club is now preparing its 2026–2027 chess school, which begins in September.

📜 Growth and Development

CA Monteolivete has developed quickly since its creation in 2019. Within only a few seasons, it expanded from a local Valencia chess organization into a club with a substantial membership, a large training program, and multiple competitive teams. The club’s own 2026 figures illustrate this growth. It reports 150+ members, more than 100 students, and more than 50 tournaments organized during 2025. Its permanent headquarters at Calle Escultor José Capuz 44 provides space for lessons, tournaments, league matches, and other club activities. The venue also serves as the playing hall for many of Monteolivete’s FIDE-rated and youth competitions.

♜ Team Chess

Team chess has become an increasingly important part of Monteolivete’s competitive program. In 2026, the club fielded seven teams in the Liga Autonómica, allowing players of different strengths and ages to gain regular league experience. The club also expanded its presence at Spanish national level. In August 2026, CA Monteolivete A competed in the Campeonato de España de Clubes de Segunda División – Grupo Norte in Oviedo. Monteolivete produced an excellent result, finishing eighth among 42 teams with 9 match points and 21.5 board points. The tournament was played over seven rounds with five boards per team. At the same time, CA Monteolivete B represented the club in the Second Division South competition in Linares. Having two teams competing at this level reflected the depth achieved by the club during its rapid development.

🎓 Chess School and Youth Development

Chess education is one of CA Monteolivete’s largest activities. The club offers structured courses for players ranging from complete beginners to advanced competitors, with small groups arranged according to age and playing strength. For the 2026–2027 season, regular lessons begin in September at the club headquarters. The program provides one- and two-day-per-week options and continues through the school year. Monteolivete also organizes dedicated competitions for children. The II Escolar Sub-12 Club Ajedrez Monteolivete, held on May 16, 2026, welcomed players born between 2014 and 2020. The six-round tournament included separate recognition from U8 through U12 and awarded medals to every participant. Through these school events, regular lessons, and its multi-team league structure, the club provides a clear route from introductory chess to rated tournament competition.

⚡ Tournament Activity

Monteolivete runs a particularly busy tournament schedule. Its events cover classical, rapid, and blitz formats as well as competitions for juniors and developing players. The FACV official calendar for 2026 included both the club’s blitz tournament in May and its international Open in July. Moreover, the club organizes additional local events throughout the year from its Valencia headquarters. This tournament activity complements the club’s training program. Students and newer members can gain competitive experience locally, while stronger players have opportunities to participate in FIDE-rated tournaments and national team championships.

🌟 Open Internacional CA Monteolivete

The Open Internacional CA Monteolivete is the club’s flagship tournament. It has developed into an annual international event in Valencia and is officially authorized by the Federación de Ajedrez de la Comunidad Valenciana. The VI Open Internacional CA Monteolivete took place from July 13–19, 2026 at the club headquarters. IM Jaime Valmaña Cantó served as Tournament Director, while IA Hernán Siludakis was Chief Arbiter. The competition consisted of nine Swiss-system rounds with a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. It was FIDE-rated and eligible for the achievement of international title norms. FM Vladimir Chernikov won the 2026 tournament with 7.5/9. IM Pablo Almagro Llamas finished second with seven points, while Monteolivete’s FM Nassim Zrikem took third, also on seven points. President and Tournament Director Jaime Valmaña finished fifth with 6.5 points. The event offered a prize fund of approximately €5,000 and continued the club’s ambition to combine local player development with international-level competition in Valencia.