Club History

The Lloret Chess Club traces its origins back to 1987, with the founding of the chess section of the Lloret de Mar FC Supporters Club. A group of chess enthusiasts—including Josep Xapellí, Miquel Ribas, Albert Robert, Josep Serrano, Ros Urresti, and Santi Moret—decided to join forces to create a space where they could play chess in the town. One of their most notable activities was organizing the FC Barcelona Supporters Club Open, which ran for thirteen years, from 1989 to 2001, at the Hotel Roger de Flor on Friday evenings.

Over time, the passion for chess grew, and it was decided to establish an independent club, separate from the Peña, dedicated exclusively to chess. Thus, in 2007, Club d'Escacs Lloret was founded, presided over by Albert Robert (2007-2018), and since then it has been a leading chess club in the town and the surrounding region. Since 2018, the president has been Toni David Xapellí. The club has distinguished itself through its commitment to children's chess development, offering classes for boys and girls who want to learn and improve their game. It also participates in the Catalan Chess League, competing against other clubs throughout Catalonia.

Over the years, the club has organized numerous tournaments and charity events, such as the 2012 campaign in support of the TV3 Marathon, which raised funds for cancer research. Lloret also hosted the Girona Cup in 2012 and 2013, bringing together more than one hundred players from the Girona region in each edition.

Currently, the Lloret Chess Club organizes two tournaments that have become prominent events in the province of Girona. The first is the Josep Xapellí Memorial, held around May, a children's chess promotion tournament that will celebrate its ninth edition this year. The second is the traditional Santo Romano Festival Tournament, which dates back to the days of the FC Barcelona Supporters Club, held in November. Each year, these tournaments attract between 60 and 70 participants from all over.

The club's list of achievements is extensive. As Penya Barcelonista Lloret, they won the Girona 3rd Division championships (1990), Girona 2nd Division championships (1991), and Girona 1st Division championships (1992 and 1997). They also achieved a runner-up finish in the Catalan 2nd Division championship (1991), were Catalan 1st Division champions (1992), and won the Badalona Cup outright (champions three years in a row: 1992, 1993, and 1994).

Already known as Club d'Escacs Lloret, the club was crowned champion of the Provincial Second Division in 2010, and champion of the Provincial First Division in 2014 and 2019. In 2014, they finished as runners-up in the Provincial First Division, which earned them promotion to the Preferente Category, the highest in the Girona region, where in 2015 the team secured their place with a historic 6th-place finish. The club has also achieved some success in the Girona Cup: runners-up in the Provincial First Division in 2019 and champions in 2014.

Currently, the club continues working to promote chess in the local community, offering classes, tournaments, and activities that help spread the sport and develop new talent. With a long history, Club d'Escacs Lloret has established itself as a cornerstone of chess in the town and continues to look to the future with enthusiasm and commitment.