About Us

Hamlekâr began in 2012 as a chess club that FIDE Master Kemal Durusoy set up in İzmit in a 12-board hall. Working at first only with children’s groups, the club gradually added tournament and performance groups, adult club evenings and, in 2019, a mind games programme at its Başiskele branch. Today the club operates as an amateur sports club association registered with the Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports.

Our approach

We see chess not as a race but as a way of thinking. By forming groups by age and rating band, we make sure every student is challenged at their own level. Sessions balance puzzles, play and analysis, and students look at their lost games together rather than hiding them. Alongside winning, respect for opponents and arbiters and fair play are the foundations of our club culture.

Our halls

• İzmit Main Hall: a 60-board tournament hall, 3 classrooms, an analysis room and a 1,200-book library
• Başiskele Seaside Branch: two classrooms for mind games and Go groups, plus family events

Our results

In the 2025-2026 season our players won 47 placings in provincial and national age-group championships, and 9 club players earned their first FIDE rating. For us, though, the greatest success is children staying with chess for years and continuing to love the game.

Club governance

The club is run by a board elected by the general assembly. Membership fees and tournament income are used for the hall, materials and player support, and scholarships are awarded every term to talented players with limited means.