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
Autumn 2021 Events
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Arjun stars in charity simultaneous
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Sussex take 2nd in SCCU U14 Online Jamboree 6th June 2021
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Sussex Under-11 Team 7th in National Final, 8th May 2021
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Sussex Under 11s vs. She Plays To Win, Staffordshire with Wales, and Suffolk
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Under 9 Squad joint 6th place in very close National Final, 24th April 2021
Read More
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. **
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Update
Sussex Junior Chess are working towards holding a full season of chess events from September, subject to the national picture.
Provisionally, the first date for your diaries is Saturday 18th September for the Crowborough tournament – the first in our grand prix series.
Please be aware that covid restrictions may mean that our events look a little different to normal – we are awaiting clarification on matters such as catering and spectators. Updates will be posted here as the situation clarifies.
Fast paced and fun team battle.
Any junior (aged under 18 on 31 August 2020) eligible to represent Sussex can join our team – contact us for the Lichess link.
Sussex eligibility: Resident in, attends school in, member of a chess club in Sussex or has previously represented Sussex in a national event.
Open to all Sussex* players who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2021 with an ECF grade under 1400.
Timings:
Training (zoom) – 9:00 – 9:55am
Short break: 9:55 – 10:00am
Blitz Tournament (lichess): 10:00 – 10:30am
Cost:
£3.
Season ticket to all 4 Autumn Term dates £10.
Trainer:
Dave Graham
Joining Instructions:
Attendees must have a Lichess account (free) – https://lichess.org/
You will be sent the links to Zoom and Lichess the day before the event.
*Sussex players are defined as those who live in, attend school in, or belong to a chess club in Sussex; or who have represented Sussex in a team event
Open to all Sussex* players who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2021 with an ECF grade in the range 1300-1900.
Timings:
Training (zoom) – 11:00 – 11:55am
Short break: 11:55 – 12:00am
Blitz Tournament (lichess): 12:00 – 12:30am
Cost:
£3.
Season ticket to all 4 Autumn Term dates £10.
Trainer:
Dave Graham
Joining Instructions:
Attendees must have a Lichess account (free) – https://lichess.org/
You will be sent the links to Zoom and Lichess the day before the event.
*Sussex players are defined as those who live in, attend school in, or belong to a chess club in Sussex; or who have represented Sussex in a team event
*** Covid-19 Note – Our events may look a little different to normal as national guidelines evolve. We will post updates as the situation clarifies, but in particular we are currently unsure of the situation regarding catering and spectators ***
Location
Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1DW
What is a ‘Grand Prix’?
The Sussex Junior Chess ‘Grand Prix’ comprises a series of 6 Open tournaments throughout the year. Tournaments are standalone, but a player’s best four results count towards a Grand Prix final placing at the end of the season. Prizes are awarded to the top three placed players in each age group with medals for those competing in at least five of the six events.
Eligibility
Open to anyone aged under 18 years at midnight on August 31st 2021.
Which section should I enter – Under 11 Minor & Major, U18 Minor & Major?
Minor sections are for weaker players and those new to tournament chess.
The U18 Minor is restricted to players graded 100 or less on the most recent ECF grading list.
Players selected to the U9 and U11 County squads will be expected to enter the U11 Major section.
Winners will be expected to move up to a higher section in subsequent events.
The tournament organisers reserve the right to place a player in the major section if they consider this to be appropriate. A player may enter a higher section if they wish.
In the event of low entries, sections may be merged.
*** Important Note: We are sharing the venue with the all-ages Crowborough Chess Club Rapidplay; if you are an experienced player considering entering the U18 Major you may wish to consider entering the Crowborough CC event. ***
Prizes:
U18 Major and U18 Minor: Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and grading prizes
U11 Major and U11 Minor: Trophies for the top three places in each section. Trophies for the top placed player in each age group from U7 – U10 from either (but not both) of the under 11 sections.
Trophy for the top girl from either (but not both) of the under 11 sections.
Rate of Play
Fischer time control – 25 mins plus 5 secs a move. ECF rapidplay rules will apply. A brief explanation is always given at the start of the competition for those not familiar with chess clocks.
Timetable
| Round 1 10:00 – 11:00 | Round 2 11:15 – 12:15 |
| Lunch | |
| Round 3 12:45 – 13:45 | Round 4 14:00 – 15:00 |
| Round 5 15:15 – 16:15 | Round 6 16:30 – 17:30 |
| Prize giving approximately 5:45 | |
Please note 9:45 registration to ensure a prompt start at 10:00
Unregistered players arriving after 9:45 will miss round 1. A half point bye may be awarded at the organisers’ discretion
Entry fees:
| Entry Fee | Early Entry (5 or more days before the event) | Late Entry (within 5 days of the event) |
| 1 junior | £14 | £18 |
| Family Ticket * | £26 | £34 |
* 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 prepare the tournament. 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 £7 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
ECF Grading
All games will be submitted to the ECF for grading.
Fast paced and fun team battle.
Any junior (aged under 18 on 31 August 2020) eligible to represent Sussex can join our team – contact us for the Lichess link.
Sussex eligibility: Resident in, attends school in, member of a chess club in Sussex or has previously represented Sussex in a national event.
Open to all Sussex* players who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2021 with an ECF grade under 1400.
Timings:
Training (zoom) – 9:00 – 9:55am
Short break: 9:55 – 10:00am
Blitz Tournament (lichess): 10:00 – 10:30am
Cost:
£3.
Season ticket to all 4 Autumn Term dates £10.
Trainer:
Dave Graham
Joining Instructions:
Attendees must have a Lichess account (free) – https://lichess.org/
You will be sent the links to Zoom and Lichess the day before the event.
*Sussex players are defined as those who live in, attend school in, or belong to a chess club in Sussex; or who have represented Sussex in a team event
Open to all Sussex* players who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2021 with an ECF grade in the range 1300-1900.
Timings:
Training (zoom) – 11:00 – 11:55am
Short break: 11:55 – 12:00am
Blitz Tournament (lichess): 12:00 – 12:30am
Cost:
£3.
Season ticket to all 4 Autumn Term dates £10.
Trainer:
Dave Graham
Joining Instructions:
Attendees must have a Lichess account (free) – https://lichess.org/
You will be sent the links to Zoom and Lichess the day before the event.
*Sussex players are defined as those who live in, attend school in, or belong to a chess club in Sussex; or who have represented Sussex in a team event
Location
Worth School, Paddockhurst Rd, Turners Hill, RH10 4SD
What is a ‘Grand Prix’?
The Sussex Junior Chess ‘Grand Prix’ comprises a series of 6 Open tournaments throughout the year. Tournaments are standalone, but a player’s best four results count towards a Grand Prix final placing at the end of the season. Prizes are awarded to the top three placed players in each age group with medals for those competing in at least five of the six events.
Eligibility
Open to anyone aged under 18 years at midnight on August 31st 2021.
Which section should I enter—GP2 (LJCC qualifier) – Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 18
The SJC Worth Open is registered as a qualifying tournament for The London Junior Chess Championships (www.ljcc.co.uk) and the sections reflect this. You should enter the section appropriate to your age. A player may play in an older section if they wish.
Prizes:
Prizes—GP2 (LJCC qualifier)
U18 : Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and grading prizes
U8, U10, U12: Trophies for the top three places in each section. Trophy for the top girl in each section.
No player may win more than one trophy
Rate of Play
Fischer time control – 25 mins plus 5 secs a move. ECF rapidplay rules will apply. A brief explanation is always given at the start of the competition for those not familiar with chess clocks.
Timetable
| Round 1 10:00 – 11:00 | Round 2 11:15 – 12:15 |
| Lunch | |
| Round 3 12:45 – 13:45 | Round 4 14:00 – 15:00 |
| Round 5 15:15 – 16:15 | Round 6 16:30 – 17:30 |
| Prize giving approximately 5:45 | |
Please note 9:45 registration to ensure a prompt start at 10:00
Unregistered players arriving after 9:45 will miss round 1. A half point bye may be awarded at the organisers’ discretion
Entry fees:
| Entry Fee | Early Entry (5 or more days before the event) | Late Entry (within 5 days of the event) |
| 1 junior | £14 | £18 |
| Family Ticket * | £26 | £34 |
* 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 prepare the tournament. 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 £7 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
ECF Grading
All games will be submitted to the ECF for grading.
Location
Chailey School, Mill Lane, South Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4PU
Eligibility
Open to Sussex players who meet the age qualification for the event they are entering. Players may ‘play up’ if they wish.
Sussex Eligibility: resident in, or attend school or chess club in Sussex, or have previously represented Sussex in a chess tournament.
Age Eligibility: players must be under the age at midnight on 31st August 2021.
School Teams
Schools with three or more players in an age group and who complete all rounds will be eligible for the school team prizes. The best three scores will be totalled to arrive at the School total. In the event of a tie, the score of a school’s fourth best player will be used as a tie break.
All events—9:45 registration to ensure a prompt start at 10:00.
Unregistered players arriving after 9:45 will miss round 1. A half point bye may be awarded at the organisers’ discretion
Timetable
Each round lasts for 30 minutes. Games unfinished at the end of 30 minutes will be adjudicated. This is not a knockout tournament – every child plays in every round. Clocks will not be used.
| Round 1 10:00 – 10:30 | Round 2 10:45 – 11:15 |
| Round 3 11:30 – 12:00 | Round 4 12:15 – 12:45 |
| Round 5 13:00 – 13:30 | |
| Prize giving approximately 13:45 | |
Prizes
Trophies will be awarded to the top three players. The winner will receive the title of Sussex U8 Champion.
A trophy will be awarded to the top girl.
School Teams: School trophy and individual medals for the three highest placed school teams in each age group.
Entry fees
| Entry Fee | Early Entry (5 or more days before the event) | Late Entry (within 5 days of the event) |
| 1 junior | £10 | £14 |
| 2 or more juniors * | £9 each | £13 each |
* Either same family (third and subsequent siblings free) or same school when booked at the same time
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 prepare the tournament. 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 £7 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
ECF Grading
This event will NOT be graded.