Current news in Ulster Chess

The Ulster Chess Union is responsible for organising, administering and developing chess in the Province of Northern Ireland.
4 of our young players make their FIDE blitz debuts in the July rating list

4 of our young players make their FIDE blitz debuts in the July rating list

Brendan Jamison has been a driving force to get as many of our local players onto the FIDE rating ladder. So far in 2022, he has held 12 FIDE rated events during Jan-May and has many more planned for Sept-Dec. This remains his top passion within the local chess scene and each month sees about 4 new local players appear on the FIDE rating lists.

4 of our young players make their FIDE blitz debuts in the July rating list - Read More…

News story: Elephant Chess Sculpture creates magic trail across Belfast city centre

News story: Elephant Chess Sculpture creates magic trail across Belfast city centre

International sculptor Brendan Jamison has created a chess-themed charity sculpture for the NI Hospice in a special city-wide art spectacle this summer. From 20th June, 30 uniquely designed Elmer elephants will appear on the streets of Belfast to form the biggest-ever public art trail the city has ever seen, running for ten weeks until 31st August 2022.

News story: Elephant Chess Sculpture creates magic trail across Belfast city centre - Read More…

Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2022 took place on Sunday 22nd May.

Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2022 took place on Sunday 22nd May.

Some 26 players gathered at the Civil Service Pavilion. 12 in the top section and 14 in the intermediate section. With a time limit of 20mins and 5 secs - we were in for some good chess.

Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2022 took place on Sunday 22nd May. - Read More…

Newry Festival Report

Newry Festival Report

Over the last weekend of May, there was plenty of chess activity in Newry!

Newry Festival Report - Read More…

The Belfast Megafinals took place on Saturday 14th May 2022

The Belfast Megafinals took place on Saturday 14th May 2022

An opportunity to qualify for the Delancey Chess Challenge Gigafinals and to be part of one of the most prestigous and largest of childrens chess competitions. Players gathered at Methodist college for a day of chess and puzzle solving.

The Belfast Megafinals took place on Saturday 14th May 2022 - Read More…

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Upcoming Events
FIDE-rated Williamson Shield 2026 Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026 — Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3TA
FIDE RATED Northern Ireland Youth Rapid Championships 2026 (ages 7-17) Saturday 24 January 2026. Venue: City of Bangor International Chess Club. Jan 24, 2026 10:15 AM - 01:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
FIDE RATED Belfast Blitz 2026 (event 1 of 10 in Festival celebrating neurodiversity in art and chess) Format: swiss, 10 rounds of 3+2. Date: 24 January 2026, Time: 19:30 to 22:00 Maynard Sinclair Sports Pavilion Jan 24, 2026 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
Sligo Chess & Culture Festival Jan 30th - Feb 8th 2026 The Sligo Chess and Culture Festival will have entertainment, social, cultural, and sporting activities, chess talks, wo... Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026 — Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, Ireland
U1800 FIDE RATED Jamison Classical Chess Academy 2026 Sunday 8 February 2026 to Tuesday 10 February 2026 Venue:Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6J... Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026 — Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
Upcoming events…