♟️ About the Organizer

Paraíba Chess Federation, officially known as Federação Paraibana de Xadrez (FPBX), is a state-level chess organization based in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The federation was registered in 1976 and operates as a private association. Its activities focus on organizing and supporting competitive chess throughout the state of Paraíba.

FPBX organizes state championships, open tournaments, rapid circuits, school competitions, university events, and competitions submitted for Brazilian Chess Confederation and FIDE rating. It works with local chess leaders, clubs, educational institutions, tournament directors, and arbiters in João Pessoa and other cities across Paraíba.

Marcello de Albuquerque Urquiza serves as president of the federation and acts as a direct contact for registrations and organizational enquiries. Current federation regulations identify him as president, while the official Instagram profile also names him as the federation’s president.

🏆 Chess Events and Competitions

The federation organizes the Circuito Paraibano de Xadrez Rápido, a statewide rapid-chess series created with local chess organizers. The 2026 circuit is planned with between six and ten stages in different parts of Paraíba. Its stated objectives include expanding chess participation across the state and providing rating activity through FPBX, CBX, and FIDE.

FPBX also organizes the Campeonato Paraibano de Xadrez Escolar e Universitário. The 2026 competition includes university sections and school categories for Under-9, Under-12, Under-15, and Under-18 players. The event promotes chess among students from public and private schools, colleges, and universities in Paraíba.

Other confirmed 2026 events include the Aberto do Brasil de Solânea and the Campeonato Regional do Nordeste – Memorial Machado de Assis. The Nordestão takes place in João Pessoa and is promoted by the Brazilian Chess Confederation with FPBX as organizer. It offers rated classical chess to players from Paraíba, the wider Northeast region, and other parts of Brazil.

🌍 School Chess and Statewide Development

School chess forms an important part of the federation’s current activity. FPBX has stated that strengthening chess in Paraíba’s schools is one of its objectives. Its school and university championship provides official competition for different age groups and connects educational chess with the state tournament structure.

In February 2026, the João Pessoa Municipal Department of Education announced a partnership with the federation to support chess activities in municipal schools. This cooperation adds an educational component to the federation’s tournament and player-development work.

The federation also works to distribute competitive opportunities beyond João Pessoa. The Paraíba Rapid Chess Circuit uses partnerships with local leaders to hold stages in different communities, while events such as the Aberto do Brasil de Solânea bring nationally and internationally rated chess to cities elsewhere in the state.