Accademia Scacchistica Napoletana

♟️ About A.S.D. Accademia Scacchistica Napoletana

A.S.D. Accademia Scacchistica Napoletana is an active chess association based in the historic centre of Naples, Italy. The modern organization aims to revive the cultural and educational spirit of the original Neapolitan academy. Giorgio Porreca and Dario Cecaro founded that earlier institution during the 1950s. Therefore, the association combines respect for Naples’ chess heritage with a modern program of training, tournaments, and public events.

The academy views chess education as a wider form of personal development. It aims to train thoughtful and responsible people as well as stronger chess players. Moreover, members can take part in club activities, lessons, competitions, and special events. The organization maintains its main playing venue at Vico Pallonetto Santa Chiara 15, close to many of Naples’ central cultural landmarks.

Fabio Buiano serves as President and legal representative of the association. He is a Candidate Master, an FSI chess instructor, and an experienced national and international tournament player. Meanwhile, Enrico Messina serves as Vice-President, while Woman FIDE Master Maria De Rosa supports the academy as a board member and senior instructor. Together, they provide competitive, educational, and organizational experience.

🏆 Tournaments and Competitive Activity

The academy organizes classical, rapid, blitz, memorial, and community chess events in Naples. Its program welcomes experienced competitors, club players, juniors, university students, and newcomers. In addition, the organization publishes event announcements, registration details, schedules, results, and practical information through its official website and social-media channels.

One of its leading projects is the Il Tesoro di San Gennaro International Chess Festival. The academy launched the festival in 2026 as part of the Napoli European Capital of Sport program. The event includes separate FIDE-rated sections for different rating groups. Moreover, it offers five classical rounds and a substantial prize fund at the Mostra d’Oltremare congress centre.

The academy also organizes commemorative events and accessible city tournaments. For example, its program has included a tournament dedicated to Fabio Guarino and public blitz competitions at cultural venues. Therefore, the organization takes chess beyond its regular clubroom and introduces the game to wider audiences across Naples.

Qualified organizers and arbiters manage the academy’s larger competitions. Fabio Buiano, Gianvittorio Perico, and Enrico Messina also support participant communication for the San Gennaro festival. As a result, players can receive direct assistance with registration, eligibility, payment, and tournament arrangements.

🎓 Chess Education and Community Development

Chess education forms a central part of the academy’s identity. The organization provides courses for beginners, improving players, and advanced competitors. Therefore, participants can begin with basic principles and later progress toward structured tournament preparation. The academy also offers continuous learning programs and customized training for individuals or groups.

Its educational calendar includes workshops, seminars, and masterclasses with titled players. Recent guests have included Grandmasters Lorenzo Lodici and Alessio Valsecchi, as well as International Master Miragha Aghayev. Moreover, these events cover practical areas such as opening structures, attacking play, rook endings, game analysis, and competitive decision-making.

The academy also works to create a welcoming chess community in central Naples. Members can attend regular club sessions, meet other players, and take part in exclusive tournaments and lessons. Meanwhile, public events help the association connect with universities, cultural institutions, and people who have not previously joined a chess club.

Through tournament organization, regular instruction, masterclasses, and public chess initiatives, the academy supports several levels of player development. Above all, it links Naples’ historic chess tradition with an active and accessible modern community.