Scacchi Valpolicella

♟️ About A.D. Scacchi Valpolicella

Associazione Dilettantistica Scacchi Valpolicella (A.D.S.V.) is a chess club and training organization based in San Floriano di San Pietro in Cariano, Verona, Italy. The club was founded in 1998 and joined the Italian Chess Federation (FSI) in 1999. It operates throughout Verona and the Valpolicella area, combining competitive chess, education, youth development, team competition, and tournament organization. Its public website and activities are presented under the Verona Scacchi identity. The association runs an FSI-recognized chess school, regular club sessions, annual courses, school projects, tournaments, summer activities, and Italian Team Championship programs. Education is particularly important to A.D.S.V. Its instructors work with schools throughout the Province of Verona, while the club also provides structured courses for children and adults at its permanent headquarters. In addition, A.D.S.V. organizes the long-running Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella, one of its principal annual competitive events. Matteo Volpi has served as President of A.D.S.V. since October 4, 2025. He is an FSI chess instructor and has also served as the FSI Provincial Delegate for Verona since 2023. The club entered 2026 with a new permanent headquarters, a team competing at Serie A1 level, extensive school-chess activity, and a strong tournament calendar. Its major upcoming event is the 31st Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella, scheduled for November 13–15, 2026.

📜 History and Development

A.D.S.V. traces its origins to the Circolo Scacchistico Valpolicella, established on November 3, 1998. The organization later adopted its current Associazione Dilettantistica Scacchi Valpolicella identity. Over more than two decades, the club has developed a broad presence across Verona and the surrounding municipalities. Its work combines traditional club chess with instruction, schools, tournaments, team competition, and community projects. In early 2026, A.D.S.V. reached an important organizational milestone when it opened a new permanent headquarters in San Floriano. The approximately 150-square-meter facility provides space for around 20 playing boards and supports both adult and junior club sessions. The club meets on Monday and Thursday evenings for adults, while Saturday afternoons are dedicated primarily to younger players.

🎓 Chess Education and School Programs

Chess education is one of A.D.S.V.’s strongest activities. The association is among the recognized chess schools within the Italian Chess Federation structure. During the 2024–2025 school year, A.D.S.V. reported teaching more than 3,000 students across 38 schools in the Verona area. Its instructors delivered more than 150 chess courses and approximately 1,700 hours of teaching. The club also plays a significant role in the Trofeo Scacchi Scuola program. The Verona provincial stage on March 17, 2026 attracted 92 school teams, making it one of the largest provincial school-chess events in Italy that year. A.D.S.V. supplements school programs with regular courses at its own headquarters. These activities provide a pathway from introductory chess into club membership and competitive play.

♜ Team Chess and Competitive Development

A.D.S.V. participates actively in the Campionato Italiano a Squadre, Italy’s national club team championship. A major achievement came in 2025, when the club earned promotion to Serie A1. This placed Scacchi Valpolicella among the stronger levels of Italian team chess. The club entered the 2026 season with players including Luigi Vujicic, Marco Zenari, Nicola Zanchetta, and other experienced competitors. Individual development has also produced notable results. In February 2026, Luigi Vujicic became Verona Provincial Champion after scoring 4.5/5 in the provincial championship.

🏆 Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella

The Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella is the club’s longest-running flagship tournament. Earlier editions have been staged in different locations around the Verona area, while the competition has retained its traditional weekend format. The tournament offers FIDE-rated Classical chess and normally divides participants into several rating groups. The event has reached more than three decades of competition. The 23rd edition was held in 2015, the 25th followed in 2017, and the series has continued under A.D.S.V. organization. The tournament provides an important annual meeting point for players from Veneto and neighboring regions while also attracting participants from elsewhere in Italy and abroad.

🌟 31st Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella 2026

The 31st Open Scacchistico della Valpolicella is scheduled for November 13–15, 2026 at Kona Hotel Verona in Negrar di Valpolicella. The festival consists of three FIDE-rated Standard tournaments. Open A is intended for stronger players, while Open B and Open C provide separate competition for lower rating groups. Each tournament uses a five-round Swiss system with a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. The Italian Chess Federation lists the event as an official Elo Italia/FIDE tournament. A.D. Scacchi Valpolicella handles organization and tournament communication through the Verona Scacchi infrastructure.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Matteo Volpi became President of A.D.S.V. in October 2025. He is an FSI instructor and has served as Verona’s Provincial FSI Delegate since 2023. Paolo Dalla Vecchia serves as Vice President and is a long-standing instructor within the association. The wider organization also includes experienced coaches, arbiters, team players, and volunteers. Former President Mauro Schiraldi led the association from its foundation in 1998 through 2025. He remains closely associated with the development of the club and its educational work. A.D.S.V. also maintains an active digital presence through Verona Scacchi and its Valpolicella Scacchi Instagram channel.