Events organised by Sussex Junior Chess (colour coded blue or pink)
You must be aged under 18 on 31st August 2023 to enter any of our events.
| Grand Prix tournaments | Sussex “Closed” tournaments | Training Days | Calendar (all events) |
| Open to all | Open to those who live or attend school in Sussex only |
Open to those who live or attend school in Sussex only |
You do not need to be a member to enter our events, and you do not need to commit to more than one event at a time.
Events not organised by Sussex Junior Chess (colour coded yellow)
Information on events that are not organised by Sussex Junior Chess 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.
SJC Bursary Fund
SJC believe that no-one should be denied the opportunity to participate in chess on the grounds of cost. The SJC Bursary fund has been established to assist Sussex families in need with expenses. We welcome enquiries which will be dealt with in strict confidence – please contact us for details.
How to enter Sussex events
Browse our calendar below. When you are ready to book, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above to be taken to our online booking system where you can select the events you are interested in and pay by Paypal, credit card or debit card.
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.
Sussex Junior Chess and English Chess Federation (ECF) Membership
The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing chess organisation in England.
One of the many activities they undertake is the administration of the National chess grading system by which chess players are ranked (or seeded).
Sussex Junior Chess believes that it helps player motivation and development to be able to measure their improvement via their grade and therefore submits tournament results to the ECF for inclusion in the grading database. The ECF levies a charge for this service where players are not members of the ECF. Sussex Junior Chess chooses not to pass on this cost to players as we wish to make participation as easy as possible for new players.
However, as you progress on your chess journey we would recommend that you consider joining the ECF. This will make it easier for you to play chess outside of Sussex (where membership is often required) and benefits Sussex Junior Chess (we are a not-for-profit organisation) by reducing our costs. There are several tiers of membership, which can be confusing, but the most useful tier for juniors is “Junior Silver” membership which is free for the first year to new juniors; and only £6 per annum thereafter.
For more information on joining the ECF click HERE, or alternatively contact the ECF Office on 01424 775222 or by email to office@englishchess.org.uk
Calendar Key:
Sussex Tournaments
Sussex Training Days
Sussex Team Events
Sussex School Events
Events run by organisations outside Sussex
Use the ‘categories’ and ‘tags’ links to filter the calendar
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 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.
*** 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:
| 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.
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 2024.
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:
| 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.