♟️ About the Organizer

Club Punta del Este and Alekhine Uruguay bring together two chess initiatives from Maldonado Department, Uruguay. They cooperate on tournaments in Punta del Este, Piriápolis, and other Uruguayan cities. Their work combines chess education, regular competition, and the delivery of nationally and internationally rated events.

Club de Ajedrez Punta del Este began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tino Oliva Pinto created the project after moving to Punta del Este with his family. With local support, he developed the first federated chess club in the city. CM Eduardo Muzzi has led the club since 2024. Today, the organization welcomes children, young players, adults, beginners, and experienced competitors.

Meanwhile, Alekhine Uruguay has organized chess competitions for more than two decades. NM Jaime Escofet leads its tournament activity and regularly serves as tournament director. Records show that the organization already promoted international competitions in Colonia and Punta del Este in 2006 and 2007. Since then, it has supported classical, rapid, blitz, individual, and team events across Uruguay.

🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events

The organizations currently cooperate on the Alekhine tournament series. The program includes several weekend competitions during the year. These events usually feature five Swiss-system rounds and a classical time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment.

In 2026, the first tournament took place in Piriápolis from March 6–8. The second event followed in Punta del Este from May 29–31. Moreover, the third tournament will return to Piriápolis from August 28–30. The Uruguayan Chess Federation submits the classical competitions for FIDE rating.

NM Jaime Escofet directs the current Alekhine events. In addition, the organizing team works with experienced Uruguayan arbiters. IA Javier Gilmet serves as chief arbiter for the second and third 2026 tournaments. The organizers manage regulations, registration, venues, pairings, rating submissions, prizes, and player communication.

Alekhine Uruguay has also supported Uruguayan rapid and blitz championships, departmental team competitions, and tournament circuits. Furthermore, it has worked with the Uruguayan Chess Federation, local chess clubs, municipalities, hotels, and cultural institutions. These partnerships help bring rated chess to several areas outside Montevideo.

🌱 Chess Education and Community Development

Club de Ajedrez Punta del Este provides chess instruction for children and adults. It offers small-group lessons, individual coaching, free-play sessions, and competitive preparation. Therefore, students can join at beginner, intermediate, or advanced level. The club also offers online training when required.

CM Eduardo Muzzi coordinates the teaching program. He has extensive experience as a player, trainer, organizer, and FIDE arbiter. In addition, the coaching team includes IM Nahuel Díaz Hollemaert and FM Sebastián Grañara Barreto. Both coaches bring substantial experience in competitive chess and player development.

The club places strong emphasis on junior development. Its students take part in local, national, and international competitions. In 2024, one student became Uruguayan Under-8 champion. This result marked the club’s first national title. Moreover, young members have represented both Punta del Este and Uruguay in major events.

Through lessons, tournaments, masterclasses, and community activities, the organizers create a clear development pathway. Beginners can learn the rules in a supportive setting. Stronger players can then prepare for federated and FIDE-rated competition. As a result, the partnership strengthens both grassroots and competitive chess in eastern Uruguay.