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 partnered with Noctie.ai a chess platform for improving your chess using AI. This event is part of a three-part chess festival that includes:
– Educational Chess (Summer School)
– Competitive Chess (Open Tournament)
– Professional Chess (Closed IM Norm Tournament)
28–29 August 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Brighton & Sussex Medical School Teaching Building, Falmer Campus
Event schedule
Summer School
| Date | Session | Venue | Time |
| 28 August 2025 | Day 1 | Medical School (Sussex University, Falmer) | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| 29 August 2025 | Day 2 | Medical School (Sussex University, Falmer) | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Congress
| Date | Round | Venue | Time |
| 29 August 2025 | Round 1 | Student Centre | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm |
| 30 August 2025 | Round 2 | Student Centre | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm |
| 30 August 2025 | Round 3 | Student Centre | 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
| 31 August 2025 | Round 4 | Student Centre | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm |
| 31 August 2025 | Round 5 | Student Centre | 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
| 31 August 2025 | Closing Ceremony | Student Centre | 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm |
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 analyzed 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.
Master Class
Led by International Master Thomas Rendle, this class is intended for higher-level students (around 1950 – 2150 ECF) and includes deep instruction and analysis. The first day focuses on calculation and concrete evaluation of positions, with the second day focusing on strategic thinking- coming up with a plan and thwarting opponent’s plans. Those who would like to be considered for the master class please email CHESS@societies.sussexstudent.com and express your interest .
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
Summer School
| Price | Duration | Description |
| £40 (46£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Summer School |
| £22 (28£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Summer School |
| £12 (15£ after 18/8/2025) | Half day | Summer School (Education only) |
| £60 (75£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Master Class |
| £35 (45£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Master Class |
* 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.
All Pricing Options
| Price | Duration | Description |
| £75 (88£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Summer School + Tournament |
| £55 (66£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Summer School + Tournament |
| £40 (46£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Summer School |
| £22 (28£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Summer School |
| £12 (15£ after 18/8/2025) | Half day | Summer School (Education only) |
| £90 (105£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Master Class + Tournament |
| £70(80£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Master Class + Tournament |
| £60(75£ after 18/8/2025) | 2 days | Master Class |
| £35(45£ after 18/8/2025) | 1 day | Master Class |
Registration & Contact
Register online: https://sussexjuniorchess.org
Email: chess@societies.sussexstudent.com
Disclaimer
Organisers and their helpers accept no responsibility for damage, theft, or accidents involving any attendees or their property.
