The Grupo Desportivo Basquete de Leça – Chess Club (GDBL Chess Club) anchors competitive chess in the Porto region, blending its roots in sports and community engagement since the early 2000s. Each summer, GDBL organizes the flagship Leça Chess Open, alongside the popular Leça Blitz Tournament held mid-week. Beyond these marquee events, the Club regularly hosts weekend Swiss tournaments, youth training camps in collaboration with local schools, and the Portuguese Chess Federation’s Portugal Chess Tour circuit events. Through its dedication, GDBL draws both international masters and rising juniors to its modern facilities at the Pavilhão Municipal de Leça da Palmeira.

Committed to player support and growth, the Club provides year-round chess activities: weekly club nights, FIDE Arbiter-led workshops, and scholarship programs for talented young players. Its Technical Committee, composed of the Tournament Director, Chief Arbiter, and selected players, ensures smooth pairings and strict adherence to FIDE regulations. GDBL’s partnership with Matosinhos City Council and the Portuguese Chess Federation further strengthens its role as a central hub for chess in northern Portugal.