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UK Open Blitz Championships 2023 - Belfast Qualifier - Sept 30th

UK Open Blitz Championships 2023 - Belfast Qualifier - Sept 30th

An opportunity to qualify for the UK Open Blitz Championships 2023. Belfast is holding one of the 8 qualifying tournaments across the UK.

UK Open Blitz Championships 2023 - Belfast Qualifier - Sept 30th - Read More…

New FIDE National Arbiters list

The Ireland Federation has now got 9 FIDE-licensed National Arbiters in Northern Ireland. While a couple have retired as active arbiters, it has been wonderful to welcome 4 new additions over the past 12 months.

New FIDE National Arbiters list - Read More…

Brilliant Primary School Chess organisation and resources for teachers : Ficheall

Brilliant Primary School Chess organisation and resources for teachers : Ficheall

The Ficheall board works closely with selected coordinators in each geographical area of Ireland who, in turn, support teachers to promote chess in their school for the social and cognitive benefits it has for students.

Brilliant Primary School Chess organisation and resources for teachers : Ficheall - Read More…

Mega week at Bangor Chess Club: Blindfold / Blitz / AGM / Congress

Mega week at Bangor Chess Club: Blindfold / Blitz / AGM / Congress

This week sees 4 events at Groomsport as Bangor Chess Club builds momentum during its third week of the new season.

Mega week at Bangor Chess Club: Blindfold / Blitz / AGM / Congress - Read More…

The Annual UCU Summer School took place on August 9th/10th/11th 2023

The Annual UCU Summer School took place on August 9th/10th/11th 2023

Many thanks to the Belfast Council and Damien Cunningham for organising the use of the venue - the Ormeau Bowling Hall. We had some 26 students keen chess players studying endgames, playing a tournament, working through worksheets and improving their chess. A brilliant 3 days of chess.

The Annual UCU Summer School took place on August 9th/10th/11th 2023 - Read More…

Invitation to 5th PCU Student Chess Cup, Antwerp, Belgium, 24-26 November 2023

Invitation to 5th PCU Student Chess Cup, Antwerp, Belgium, 24-26 November 2023

INVITATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL BELGIAN CHESS FEDERATION TO THE 5th PCU STUDENT CHESS CUP. OPEN FOR ALL UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION CHESS PLAYING STUDENTS.

Invitation to 5th PCU Student Chess Cup, Antwerp, Belgium, 24-26 November 2023 - Read More…

After 16 weeks of the Summer tournament we have 3 remaining weeks how do things stand?

After 16 weeks of the Summer tournament we have 3 remaining weeks how do things stand?

We have had 16 weeks of exciting chess. With some 48 players and some 187 games of chess. There are 3 sections and the scores are the percentage of wins. Players must play 10 games and there are special rules for the last 3 weeks. How do things stand?

After 16 weeks of the Summer tournament we have 3 remaining weeks how do things stand? - Read More…

Ulster Championships 2023 - Results

Ulster Championships 2023 - Results

The Ulster Championships returned this August bank holiday weekend to Elmwood Hall, QUB. Players battled out for the title over 3 days and 6 games!

Ulster Championships 2023 - Results - Read More…

Newman Hindley Series (Childrens Chess) Dates Confirmed

Newman Hindley Series (Childrens Chess) Dates Confirmed

We are pleased to confirm the following dates for the return of the childrens chess at Methody.

Newman Hindley Series (Childrens Chess) Dates Confirmed - Read More…

The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay took place on thursday evening August 3rd.

The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay took place on thursday evening August 3rd.

Citi Bank hosted a charity FIDE rated tournament at their offices. The monies being raised for the Marie Curie charity. We had a brilliant turnout of some 58 players and the unexpected honor of having the FIDE President of Pakistan playing - Hanif Qureshi.

The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay took place on thursday evening August 3rd. - Read More…

EMSONi 2023 Confederation Festival

EMSONi 2023 Confederation Festival

Live music, brilliant football, activities, live music and a festival and community spirit what more could you ask for! Maybe a game of chess....

EMSONi 2023 Confederation Festival - Read More…

Children’s Chess looking for trophy sponsors!

Each year the Ulster Chess Union’s, Mark Newman and Geoff Hindley, volunteer their time and efforts to run the wonderful children’s events at Methodist College Belfast. Volunteers are and have always welcome, but this year we are also seeking out sponsors to cover costs of trophies.

Children’s Chess looking for trophy sponsors! - Read More…

The Annual Belfast Scholastic Awards and Elite Tournament took place at Stormont on 9th June 2023

The Annual Belfast Scholastic Awards and Elite Tournament took place at Stormont on 9th June 2023

At the kind invitation of MLA Naomi Long the top student chess players gathered at Stormont to recieve awards for the year and play in an elite tournament. After a year of monthly tournaments organised by the UCU and held at Methodist College. The year ends with this brilliant celebration of our young chess players.

The Annual Belfast Scholastic Awards and Elite Tournament took place at Stormont on 9th June 2023 - Read More…

St Nicholas' PS host Glenwood PS for a chess afternoon

St Nicholas' PS host Glenwood PS for a chess afternoon

Two primary schools in Northern Ireland got together for a few friendly games of chess. The event was a huge hit with the pupils and the organisers are hoping to make it an annual get together.

St Nicholas' PS host Glenwood PS for a chess afternoon - Read More…

Events to watch for over the Summer include The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay

Events to watch for over the Summer include The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay

Lots of Chess over the Summer including a Charity FIDE rated Rapidplay, The usual Summer Tournament, International Chess Day Celebration by 2 Royal Avenue and Roaming Knights and Lisburn Chess Clubs excellent events.

Events to watch for over the Summer include The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay - Read More…

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News
UCU Tournaments: A Critical Moment for Volunteer and Arbiter Support This report, prepared by Tournament Director Karina Campbell and presented to the Ulster Chess Union Executive Board, ou... Oct 26, 2025
Exciting changes to the Sligo event in 2026. Now a multi-tournament chess festival. Save the dates in your calender Jan 30th to Feb 8th. The Sligo event is undergoing a major transformation in 2026 from a weekender to a multi-tournament festival. The Sligo ... Oct 16, 2025
The Monthly Childrens Chess Kicks off Oct 25th at Methodist College ** New date ** The LJCC Belfast Qualifier a one day 6 round tournament starts our annual series of monthly tournaments a... Oct 09, 2025
The 2025 Summer tournament ends with a fun tournament and award ceremony Weds 24th September 2025 saw 24 players gather to celebrate the end of the UCU Summer Tournament. Who won? we have the f... Sep 27, 2025
Belfast Qualifier for the British Open Blitz 2025/26 Belfast runs one of 16 tournaments that allow players to qualify for the British Open Blitz tournament. The top player a... Sep 27, 2025
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Upcoming Events
FIDE RATED City of Bangor 10 Round Halloween Blitz at 3+2 Celebrate Halloween with 10 rounds of Chess Blitz at City of Bangor Chess Club. Thursday 30th October. Oct 30, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
November 1st Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 The monthly schools chess tournaments continues at Methodist College. Nov 01, 2025 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 06, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:45 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 08, 2025 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
FIDE rated Ulster Masters 2025 Please note due to venue capacity, entries will be capped at 44. Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025 — Lisburn Chess Club
Upcoming events…