Périgord Échecs

♟️ Club Identity

Périgord Échecs is an established chess club and tournament organizer based in Périgueux, in the Dordogne department of southwestern France. The club is affiliated with the French Chess Federation and operates from the Maison de Quartier Saint-Martin. It welcomes beginners, recreational players, experienced competitors, adults, and young chess players.

The club marked its 100th anniversary in 2026, reflecting a long connection with organized chess in Périgueux. Its current federation profile lists both competitive and recreational license holders, together with participation in regional adult and youth team competitions. Thierry Moissat serves as president, supported by club officers, trainers, chess instructors, team captains, and volunteers.

Périgord Échecs combines serious over-the-board competition with an accessible and friendly club environment. Its regular activities give local players a stable place to learn, practice, analyze games, and prepare for official tournaments.

🏆 Tournament Activity

Tournament organization is an important part of the club’s work. Périgord Échecs organizes rapid and blitz competitions, internal club events, team matches, and other chess activities in Périgueux and the wider Grand Périgueux area. The club also participates in regional interclub competition and the Coupe Loubatière.

Its annual rapid event has become one of the club’s main public tournaments. The 2025 edition brought together players from Périgueux and other clubs for seven rounds of federation-rated rapid chess. The competition combined official tournament standards with a welcoming atmosphere for players and accompanying families.

In 2026, the club organizes the Open Grand Périgueux 2026 at Le Sîlot in Coulounieix-Chamiers. The event features seven Swiss-system rounds with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move. It counts for both FIDE Rapid and French rapid ratings. The tournament also includes a charitable commitment, with part of the registration income supporting an association connected with inclusive sport.

🤝 Club Life, Training and Inclusion

Périgord Échecs holds regular Saturday chess sessions at the Maison de Quartier Saint-Martin. Players can take part in blitz, rapid, and longer games while receiving guidance from the club’s trainers and experienced members. Newcomers can learn the fundamentals, while competitive players can improve through practice, analysis, and team competition.

The club also supports chess development through lessons, media activity, public workshops, and partnerships with local institutions. Its activities extend beyond the club venue and help introduce chess to new audiences across Périgueux and Dordogne.

Accessibility and inclusion are central parts of the club’s current identity. In June 2025, Périgord Échecs received the “Valides-Handicapés” label from the Dordogne departmental Olympic and sports committee. Its regular venue is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and the club publicly promotes participation without discrimination or exclusion.

Through tournament organization, weekly chess activity, team competition, training, and inclusive community work, Périgord Échecs provides a practical home for chess players throughout Périgueux and the surrounding area.