Sussex Junior Chess

Sussex Junior Chess is a not for profit organisation, sponsored by JRD Innovations (Send2China), and run by volunteers which exists to promote and popularise chess amongst school age children in the county.

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. **


Book online
Feb
2
Sun
Grand Prix 5 – Horsham @ Horsham
Feb 2 @ 9:45 am – 5:30 pm
Grand Prix 5 - Horsham @ Horsham
Location The College of Richard Collyer, 82 Hurst Rd, Horsham RH12 2EJ 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 2024.   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:
  Early Entry (5 or more days before the event)   Late Entry (within 5 days of the event)  
1 Junior £22 £26
1 junior (ECF member at Silver level or above) £19 £23
Family Ticket* £40 £48
Family Ticket* (ECF members at Silver level or above £34 £42
* 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.
Feb
15
Sat
Training Day 5 – Hurstpierpoint @ Hurstpierpoint College (Senior School)
Feb 15 @ 9:45 am – 4:00 pm
Training Day 5 - Hurstpierpoint @ Hurstpierpoint College (Senior School)

Location

Hurstpierpoint Prep, Chalkers Lane, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9JS. Please use Chalkers Lane entrance & car park

Eligibility

Open to anyone aged under 18 at midnight on August 31st 2023 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

  Early Entry

(5 or more days before the event)

 

Late Entry

(within 5 days of the event)

 

1 Junior £19 £22
Family Ticket* £34 £40
1 Junior Half Day £12 £14
Family Ticket* Half Day £20 £24

* 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

 

Mar
2
Sun
Training Day 6 – Bexhill @ St Richard's Catholic College
Mar 2 @ 9:45 am – 4:00 pm
Training Day 6 - Bexhill @ St Richard's Catholic College

Location

St Richard’s Catholic College, Ashdown Rd, Bexhill, TN40 1SE

Eligibility

Open to anyone aged under 18 at midnight on August 31st 2024 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

  Early Entry

(5 or more days before the event)

 

Late Entry

(within 5 days of the event)

 

1 Junior £19 £22
Family Ticket* £34 £40
1 Junior Half Day £12 £14
Family Ticket* Half Day £20 £24

* 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

 

Mar
8
Sat
EPSCA Under 9 team zonal – By invitation Only @ Unknown
Mar 8 all-day
Mar
15
Sat
EPSCA Under 11 team championship zonal – By invitation Only @ Unknown
Mar 15 all-day
Mar
22
Sat
EPSCA Girls Under 11 team championship final – By invitation Only @ Unknown
Mar 22 all-day
Mar
29
Sat
EPSCA Under 11 team championship final – By invitation Only @ Unknown
Mar 29 all-day
Apr
6
Sun
Training Day 7 – Battle Abbey School @ Battle Abbey School
Apr 6 @ 9:45 am – 4:00 pm
Training Day 7 - Battle Abbey School @ Battle Abbey School

Location

Battle Abbey School, Battle, Sussex, TN33 0AD

Eligibility

Open to anyone aged under 18 at midnight on August 31st 2024 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

  Early Entry

(5 or more days before the event)

 

Late Entry

(within 5 days of the event)

 

1 Junior £19 £22
Family Ticket* £34 £40
1 Junior Half Day £12 £14
Family Ticket* Half Day £20 £24

* 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

 

Apr
26
Sat
EPSCA Under 9 team championship final – By invitation Only @ Unknown
Apr 26 all-day
May
17
Sat
Grand Prix 6 – Worthing @ Worthing College
May 17 @ 9:45 am – 5:30 pm
Grand Prix 6 - Worthing @ Worthing College

Location

Worthing College, 1 Sanditon Way, Worthing, BN14 9FD

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.  Silver salvers 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 2024.

 

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:

  Early Entry

(5 or more days before the event)

 

Late Entry

(within 5 days of the event)

 

1 Junior £22 £26
1 junior (ECF member at Silver level or above) £19 £23
Family Ticket* £40 £48
Family Ticket* (ECF members at Silver level or above £34 £42

* 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.

 


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.


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