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
Downlands Community School. Dale Avenue, Hassocks, BN6 8LP
** This is an important selection tournament for the County U9 and U11 squads and as such all current and aspiring County players are strongly encouraged to enter **
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 2018
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
| 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 17:45 | |
Prizes
Trophies will be awarded to the top three players in each age group. The winner will receive the title of Sussex Champion.
A trophy will be awarded to the top girl in each age group.
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 | £12 | £16 |
| 2 or more juniors * | £11 each | £15 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 £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
The U9/U11/U13/U18 will be submitted for ECF grading.
Location
Burgess Hill Girls, The Sixth Form Centre, Keymer Rd, Burgess Hill, RH15 0EG
** This is an important selection tournament for the County Girls team and as such all current and aspiring County players are strongly encouraged to enter **
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 2018
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
| Round 1 10:00 – 10:50 | Round 2 11:00 – 11:50 |
| Lunch | |
| Round 3 12:10 – 13:00 | Round 4 13:10 – 14:00 |
| Round 5 14:10 – 15:00 | |
| Prize giving approximately 15:15 | |
| Party Tea (contributions welcome) 15:30 – 16:00 | |
Prizes
U18 Section: Trophies will be awarded to the top three girls. The winner will receive the trophy and title of Sussex Girls U18 Champion. The highest placed U14 will earn the title of Sussex Girls U14 Champion.
U11 Section: Trophies will be awarded to the top three girls. The winner will receive the Sussex U11 Champion title and trophy. Trophies for the top placed player in each age group from U7 – U10.
School Teams: School trophy and individual medals for the three highest placed school teams in each section.
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 |
| 2 or more juniors * | £11 each | £15 each |
* Either same family (third and subsequent siblings free) or same school when booked at the same timeOur 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
This event will be submitted to the ECF for grading.
Location
Burgess Hill Girls, The Sixth Form Centre, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 0EG
** Incorporates Christmas Tea – donations of party food welcome **
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
SUSSEX JUNIOR CHESS UCKFIELD ACADEMY EVENT – Thursday 20th December 2018 – 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:
Friday 22nd February 2019
Monday 8th April 2019
Friday 31st May 2019
Wednesday 24th July 2019
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 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.
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.
Latest news
Horsham Grand Prix 2018
90 contest 3rd GP of the season at Horsham…headline results
NYCA U12 & U16 Championships
A first for Sussex – our teams are national champions in all 4 NYCA Championships 2018…..
Sussex U8 Championship 2018
30 contest the 2018 U8 Championship…congratulations to winner Henri Blin with 5 out of 5….more
Schools U14 Butler Cup
Round 1 draw released – matches to be played by 7th December
Schools U11 Primary Cup
Round 1 draw released – matches to be played by 7th December
2018-19 Season Grand Prix Placings
The Sussex Grand Prix series is underway; here are the placings after GP2 Worth
Worth Grand Prix 2018 (LJCC Qualifier)
104 take part in Worth tournament with 32 qualifying for the LJCC in December
NYCA U14 and U18 Championships
A great start to the NYCA Championships with both our Under 14 and Under 18 teams winning their sections.
Delancey UK Schools Terafinal September 2018
Of the 400 Sussex players who competed in the Megafinal in May, and the Gigafinal in July, just 4 made it through to take up their place at the Terafinal – no prizewinners this time but some good perfrmances…
Crowborough Grand Prix 2018
A good start to the 2018 season with 85 attending the first GP of the season and the senior juniors playing the Crowborough Chess Club Rapidplay…read more