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
Online Inter-County Chess Battle
Read More
Sussex Closed Girls’ Championships – 5th December 2021
Read More
2021 – 22 Grand Prix
Read More
Eastbourne Grand Prix 27th November 2021
Read More
Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge 2021 – Sussex Junior Chess are South East Champions
Read More
Online Blitz Grand Prix – Autumn 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.
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
*** 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 website: http://www.ljcc.co.uk/index.html
The U10 section is not a NCJS trial qualifier but is very good experience for younger players but pre-qualification to play is required (eg via the SJC GP2 Worth Tournament).
The U14 Major is a NCJS norm event for older players seeking qualification to the squad – no pre-qualification needed.
*** 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 website: http://www.ljcc.co.uk/index.html
The U8 is NOT a NCJS norm-seeking event but is prestigious and good experience – this takes place over 2 days only 29th-30th Dec.
The U12 Major section is a NCJS U11 trial qualifier and a NCJS norm-seeking event but pre-qualification to play is required (eg via the SJC GP2 Worth Tournament). Other qualifying events are listed on the LJCC event website.
The U16 is a NCJS norm event for older players seeking qualification to the squad – no pre-qualification needed.
The U18/21 is part of the British Championship Qualifying Grand Prix.
Location
St Mary Star of the Sea Primary, Magdalen Rd, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6EU
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.
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.
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.
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
Brighton College, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL
Eligibility
Open to anyone aged under 18 at midnight on August 31st 2021 and who is either resident in, attends a school or chess club in Sussex; or wjo has previously represented Sussex in a national event.
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).
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 | £14 | £18 |
| Family Ticket * | £26 | £34 |
| Half Day | £8 | £12 |
| Half Day Family Ticket * | £14 | £22 |
* 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 £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
*** 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 website: https://www.southofenglandjunior.com/
The Under 11 tournament is a Qualifier for the England Junior Squad Trials
Older players who already hold one NCJS half-norm may enter the English Closed Championships running alongside – contact Peter Purland – petepurland@btopenworld.com
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.
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