Sussex Junior Chess
About Us
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.
Our Events
Ttraining 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.
for schools
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.
Upcoming Sussex Events
How to enter an event
Calendar Key:
Sussex Tournaments
Sussex Training Days
Sussex Team Events
Location
Copthorne Prep School, Effingham Lane, Copthorne, Crawley, RH10 3HR
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).
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
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 2018.
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 | £12 | £16 |
| Family Ticket * | £22 | £30 |
* 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 £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
ECF Grading
All games will be submitted to the ECF for grading.
ENTRY BY SELECTION
Location
Brighton College, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL
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).
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
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 2018.
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 | £12 | £16 |
| Family Ticket * | £22 | £30 |
* 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 £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
ECF Grading
All games will be submitted to the ECF for grading.
Latest news
British Chess Championships 2018
Congratulations to Sussex prizewinners Amelie Rees, Arjun Kolani, Polina Shchepinova and Matthew Payne…..roundup
Uckfield Chess Academy
News from the Uckfield Chess Academy – 23rd July 2018 – The Uckfield Academy summer championships took place at the Uckfield Youth Centre, with 19 entrants from 9 schools, and 9-year-old Hugo Ullmann of Blackboys emerged as the worthy surprise champion, with Uckfield College retaining Top School and a strong team from Copthorne Prep were Top Primary School.
Burgess Hill Chess Academy
Latest news from the Burgess Hill Academy – 25th July 2018 – The Burgess Hill Academy summer championships took place at Birchwood Grove School, with 27 entrants from 12 schools; James Robertson of Lancing Prep was the individual champion, with Lancing Prep winning Top Primary School and Downlands were Top School. The annual Rotary Club Awards for the best season were presented by Local Rotary President Jack Bennett to Downlands School and Jack Barnett of The Burgess Hill Academy School.
New grades are out!
New ECF chess grades are out – http://www.ecfgrading.org.uk/new/menu.php – has yours gone up?
Weald Chess Congress 2018
Many Sussex chess families took part in our mixed-age congress at Copthorne, with several winning prizes…
Glorney International 2018
Matt Forster and Lucy Bennet-Stevens were selected to represent England at the Glorney-Gilbert International in Glasgow with Lucy winning the Gilbert board prize…..
Southern Gigafinal 2018
Over 160 Sussex players take part in UKCC Southern Gigafinal on hottest weekend of the year so far….roundup
European Schools Chess Championships
Congratulations to Edward Gray and Oli Howell, selected to represent England at the European Schools Chess Championships in Krakow, Poland between 29th June – 8th July.
Schools Primary Cup Competition
Congratulations to this years champions – Copthorne Prep A, Broadwater CE Primary, Copthorne Prep B, and Crawley Down Village School….headline results
Sussex U7 Championship
Sussex Closed U7 Championship, Great Walstead, 10th June 2018 As a volunteer organisation we have many people to thank for giving their time freely: Tournament controller Gary McCulloch, assisted by Karen Meakings, Catherine Finn and Brian Stockham Keith, Debbie, Teresa and Jane on catering Great Walstead for the spacious venue We would be delighted Read more about Sussex U7 Championship[…]