♟️ About Youth Chess School Struga

Youth Chess School Struga, formally presented as Chess Club “Youth Chess School” Struga, is a youth-focused chess organization based in Struga, North Macedonia. The club teaches children how to play chess, helps developing players improve their competitive skills, and creates regular opportunities for young participants to gain tournament experience. Its activities promote strategic thinking, concentration, discipline, fair play, and responsible competition. The organization works with children from Struga and the wider Lake Ohrid region, while several of its events also attract players from other parts of North Macedonia and neighboring countries. Gjoko Koteski leads the school’s tournament activities and serves as its principal organizer, trainer, and contact person.

🏆 Youth Chess Training and Competitions

The club organizes classical, rapid, and youth development competitions for several age categories. Its tournament program includes spring, summer, and winter editions of the Lake Queen Youth Chess Festival, together with regional school and junior events. Participants commonly compete in separate U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, or U20 groups, depending on the specific tournament format. Moreover, selected competitions receive FIDE rating and follow the applicable FIDE Laws of Chess. Youth Chess School Struga has also organized regional championships for children from Struga, Ohrid, Debrca, and Vevčani. These events give beginners and experienced juniors a structured environment in which to develop practical skills, represent their schools or clubs, and meet other young chess players.

🌍 Lake Queen Summer Youth Chess Festival

Youth Chess School Struga organizes the Lake Queen Summer Youth Chess Festival 2026 at Hotel Drim in Struga. The festival includes the Rising Stars program and the invitation-oriented Battle of Champions competition. Rising Stars provides several age-based sections for young players, while Battle of Champions targets leading juniors who achieved strong results in national youth championships. The club manages tournament registration, age-group placement, accommodation reservations, competition schedules, technical organization, participant communication, prizes, and cooperation with the arbitral team. Gjoko Koteski serves as tournament director and chief arbiter, while Boris Lusheski serves as deputy chief arbiter. Through the Lake Queen series, the organization promotes Struga and the Lake Ohrid region as an international destination for youth chess, education, sporting friendship, and competitive development.