Sussex Junior Chess is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers which exists to promote and popularise chess amongst school age children in the county.
We also select and run county teams – Under 9, Under 11, Under 11 Girls, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 16 & Under 18 – who compete in national events.
All surpluses from SJC events are used to develop junior chess in Sussex.
Training days take place about once a month during the school year at various schools around the county; catering for all ages (4 – 18) and all standards from complete beginner to England standard.
We run a series of 6 tournaments (grand prix) which are open to all, as well as smaller age-restricted tournaments open just to Sussex participants.
We run one of the largest competitions for Schools in the UK, with an average of 40 Sussex Schools entering teams at U11, U14, U16 and U19 age groups. We have also set up an ‘Academy Schools’ program to encourage wider participation in schools. If your school doesn’t have a chess club, we may be able to help you find a coach in your area.
Latest News
EPSCA Rapidplay, 9th February, Liverpool
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Under 9 Inter-County Match, 9th February, Twickenham
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2018-19 Season Grand Prix Placings
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Eastbourne Grand Prix 2nd February 2019
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South of England Junior Championships, Yateley
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Upcoming Events
Full information about the events we organise can be found on our Events Page.
You can book any of our events using our online system.
Entries will close at 6:00pm the day before the event to allow us time to prepare the event – for example ensuring we have sufficient and appropriate coaches on training days; and sufficient equipment and staffing for tournaments
** We politely ask that you do not turn up without prior registration as this causes delays inconveniencing other attendees. **
SUSSEX JUNIOR CHESS UCKFIELD ACADEMY EVENT – Friday 22nd February 2019 – Uckfield Youth Centre
All day event:- 9.00.am registration; 4.00.pm finish with presentations
A Junior Chess event is to be held at the Uckfield Youth Centre, next to Uckfield Community Technology College (UCTC), Downsview Crescent, Uckfield TN22 3DJ.
Details to follow, more information from:
Mr Brian Stockham, 36 Scarletts Close, Rocks Park, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 2BA.
Entry Form
Future Dates for your diary:
Monday 8th April 2019
Friday 31st May 2019
Wednesday 24th July 2019
*** 2019 Event has been cancelled due to loss of venue ***
*** This is not a Sussex Junior Chess event. Information on out of county events is provided on a best endeavors basis and should not be relied upon as your only source of information about such events. Please contact the relevant organisers for up to date information ***
Event organiser: Bev Schofield 01793 487575
U12 Major section is the NCJS trial qualifier
Other sections suitable for older norm-seekers
ENTRY BY SELECTION
Location
St Richard’s Catholic College, Ashdown Rd, Bexhill, TN40 1SE
Eligibility
Open to anyone aged under 18 at midnight on August 31st 2018 and who is either resident in, or attends school in Sussex.
I’m a beginner, is this for me?
Definitely yes. If you like playing chess, then you’ll love playing better. Our training sessions are for boys and girls of any level – and we emphasise enjoyment, not just ‘classroom’ learning.
Half day training (2½ hours) is especially suitable for beginners and younger children whose concentration spans may be limited.
Just mention when you enter that you are a beginner and we will make sure that you receive the most suitable trainer.
Do I have to go to all training sessions?
No, but most juniors just love coming to see their friends and working their way towards a place in one of the county teams.
Timetable
Registration 9:45
We will let you know which group you are with and how the day is to be organised.
Morning session 10:00 – 12:30
While concentration levels are good, this is when most of the serious training takes place!
Lunch break 12:30 – 1:30
Afternoon session 1:30 – 4:00
More loosely organised with games and quizzes. Established favourites are consultation team matches (here 5 juniors and their trainer take on a similar group in a different room!) and simultaneous matches (where some 30 juniors take on a top trainer).
Children selected to the Under-9 and Under-11 Girls County Squads will take part in a practice match under tournament conditions.
Who are the trainers?
We have several professional chess coaches, and also club players who have been specially selected for their ability to work with young people. All hold enhanced DBS clearance for working with children.
Entry fees
| Entry Fee | Early Entry (5 or more days before the event) | Late Entry (within 5 days of the event) |
| 1 junior | £12 | £16 |
| Family Ticket * | £22 | £30 |
| Half Day | £7 | £11 |
| Half Day Family Ticket * | £12 | £20 |
* Covers 2 – 5 siblings living at the same address
Our volunteers work hard in advance of each event to ensure you have the best possible experience. Entries close at 6pm the day before the event to allow time to allocate players to their training groups. Entries on the day cause considerable disruption and result in the event starting late.
Therefore, players who turn up on the day without prior registration incur an additional late fee of £4 per player.
Supervision of Children
The organisers and their helpers cannot accept responsibility for juniors.
Children under the age of 8 years will not be allowed to participate unless supervised by a parent/guardian throughout the whole event.
Children over the age of 8 years may be supervised by an adult nominated by their parents (though this cannot be a coach). However, parents/guardians should note that they are still ultimately responsible for their children at all times and in all places during this event (including whilst their children are in session with a coach or playing a game during a tournament).
Photographs and Database
Entry to this event is on the understanding that results and photographs may be used for publicity including in the press, and on our website. If you do not wish your child to be photographed please let an organiser know at registration. Your details will also be held on our database for the purposes of advising you of events, and County team selection. We never share your details with third parties.
Catering
A comprehensive range of hot and cold snacks is provided at all SJC events including sandwiches, confectionery and hot and cold drinks.
Disclaimer
The Organisers and their helpers accept no responsibility for any damage, theft or accident to the person or property of any competitor, trainee or other visitor at this event. Nor are they responsible for the effects of actions of anyone else attending this event.
SJC Bursary Fund
The SJC Bursary fund has been established to assist Sussex families in need with expenses. We welcome enquiries in strict confidence to bursar@sussexjuniorchess.org
ENTRY BY SELECTION ONLY
ENTRY BY SELECTION
ENTRY BY SELECTION ONLY