Sussex University Chess Summer School and Chess events

Open to all players aged 18 and under, from Sussex or beyond – everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the Sussex University Chess Summer School offers a fun, inclusive, and enriching experience. Choose full-day or half-day sessions depending on your level and interest. We are proud to have been supported by the ECF, Sussex Junior Chess and Kingston Chess Club.

23–24 July 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Brighton & Sussex Medical School Teaching Building, Falmer Campus

Event schedule

Summer School

Congress

Tailored Workshops

Workshops are divided into ‘major’ and ‘minor’ groups and include various themes and activities. We’re happy to tailor content to participant interests while ensuring strong chess instruction.

Major workshops cover: pawn structures, middlegame plans, opening themes, sacrifices, rook endgames, and saving lost positions.
Minor workshops focus on: piece development, tactical patterns, and basic strategic thinking.

A special ‘My First Chess Day’ will introduce brand new players to the game with expert guidance.

Personalized experience 

Participants have the option of sending up to three games of theirs before the event which will be analysed by our trainers. This will give us an indication about the areas of improvement for each student and they will be presented with a suggested schedule. However, it remains up to participants what classes they want to take part in.

Chess Clinic

Students are invited to choose one game of theirs that they want to review with an experienced trainer during the summer school. The trainer will go through this game with you in a 1-1 format and can then provide a  long term development plan for the student.

Schedule

9:45 AM – Registration
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Morning Session
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch. Cafes and grocery shop available on campus or bring your own

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Afternoon Fun (Chess960, Bughouse, Hand & Brain, Simuls)

Trainers

Sessions are run by Sussex University’s top players and Sussex Junior Chess coaches – all experienced in youth chess training and familiar with the local chess scene. All our trainers hold enhanced DBS clearance for working with children.

Supervision & Safeguarding

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).

Photography & Data

Event photos may be used for publicity. Inform us at registration if you do not wish your child to be photographed. Contact details are kept for communication only and are never shared with third parties.

Venue & Transport

Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer Campus.
Easily accessed via Falmer Station or by car. Parking is available.

Prices

To book for the Summer school please pay via Bookwhen and specify which day if only doing one. If also booking for the congress please also fill in the below Google form.

Boowhen

Coming Soon

Google Forms

Congress

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVJL2-JKyyiPFXkLJjObmHh5JubNAfNqHheOxMeQllQTnA8g/viewform

Masters
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwfcn7rgMOqP_PinhskPPO4LotHK221MT-zVm9enV6ZROyJw/viewform

Summer School

* Families can register up to 4 juniors living at the same address with a £5 increase for all 1 day summer school only plans and a £10 increase for all summer school only plans.

Registration & Contact

Register online: https://suchess.co.uk
Email: hellosuchess@gmail.com

Disclaimer

Organisers and their helpers accept no responsibility for damage, theft, or accidents involving any attendees or their property.