L’Échiquier du Nord

♟️ About L’Échiquier du Nord

L’Échiquier du Nord is a chess club based in Sainte-Clotilde, Saint-Denis, on Réunion Island. The club affiliates with the Fédération Française des Échecs (FFE) under code X9A031. It combines tournament organization, weekly chess instruction, junior development, team competition, and regular club activity for players of different ages and strengths. The club was founded in 1993. Since then, it has developed into one of the larger chess organizations on Réunion. The current FFE register lists 91 Licence A members and 229 Licence B members. Moreover, the federation has awarded L’Échiquier du Nord both the Club Formateur designation and Label Féminin. Thierry Prétet currently serves as President of L’Échiquier du Nord. He also plays a direct role in tournament organization and serves as the principal contact for the 26e Open International d’Échecs de La Réunion 2026. Meanwhile, the FFE lists Thomas Hoarau as another official club contact.

🏆 Open International d’Échecs de La Réunion

The Open International d’Échecs de La Réunion is the club’s flagship tournament. The event brings Réunion players together with competitors from mainland France, neighboring Indian Ocean countries, and other parts of the world. The 26e Open International d’Échecs de La Réunion takes place from October 10–17, 2026, at the Salle des Fêtes de Bellepierre in Saint-Denis. Players compete over nine Swiss-system rounds at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move, and the tournament receives FIDE rating. Thierry Prétet serves as organizer, while Martial Deurvillier acts as arbiter. In addition, the tournament offers prizes across several age categories. The international open has become a long-running part of Réunion’s chess calendar. Earlier editions attracted players from Europe and the Indian Ocean region, including titled competitors. Moreover, the club uses the tournament to introduce visiting players to Réunion through excursions and local activities.

🎓 Chess Training and Player Development

Chess education forms a major part of L’Échiquier du Nord’s weekly program. The club provides separate sessions for initiation, competition training, and advanced development. Beginner instruction takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Players learn the fundamentals of the game before progressing toward more structured competitive training. Meanwhile, stronger players attend sessions focused on tournament preparation and improvement. The club’s qualified chess instructors supervise these activities. Therefore, players can move gradually from learning the rules to participating in official competitions. Training takes place at Salle les Pluies d’Or in Sainte-Clotilde. The current program includes Wednesday and Saturday sessions, while the club’s FFE profile confirms regular weekly activity at the same playing location.

🧒 Junior Chess and Championship Development

Junior development is particularly important at L’Échiquier du Nord. The club supports young players who want to progress from introductory chess into regional and national championship competition. In November 2025, the club celebrated 10 young members who qualified for the French Championship finals. The achievement demonstrates the connection between its weekly training program and competitive youth chess. The FFE also lists L’Échiquier du Nord in regional youth team competition. Therefore, juniors can gain experience both individually and as members of club teams. Moreover, the club’s Club Formateur designation recognizes its structured approach to training and development. Younger players can access instruction, tournaments, team competition, and championship preparation within the same organization.

♜ Team Chess and Competitive Activity

L’Échiquier du Nord participates in regional interclub competition on Réunion. Team chess gives members another pathway into formal competition alongside individual tournaments. The club also hosts and participates in regional chess events throughout the season. Its activities include championship qualification tournaments, club competitions, interclub meetings, and other federation events. In addition, L’Échiquier du Nord maintains close links with the wider Réunion chess community. Players regularly compete against clubs from other parts of the island through events organized by the Ligue Réunionnaise du Jeu d’Échecs. As a result, members can combine weekly training with individual tournaments, team matches, and larger championship events.

🤝 Chess Community and International Outreach

L’Échiquier du Nord welcomes both beginners and experienced players. Its regular playing room is accessible to people with reduced mobility, while its current federation profile also carries the Label Féminin. The club organizes activities that extend beyond conventional tournament play. Its recent program has included public chess events, youth activities, introductory sessions, and participation in community events around Saint-Denis. Furthermore, the International Open gives the organization an important international dimension. The tournament website provides visiting players with information about travel, accommodation, transportation, and discovering Réunion. The organizers also help participants with local transfers during the tournament. This combination of grassroots instruction and international tournament organization gives L’Échiquier du Nord a broad role within chess on Réunion Island.