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The Year of Schools Tournaments kicked off with the LJCC Belfast Qualifier 2023

The Year of Schools Tournaments kicked off with the LJCC Belfast Qualifier 2023

Pupils gathered at Methodist College on the morning of 7th Oct to play in the Belfast Qualifier for the LJCC 2023 tournament. Our first monthly tournament was about to begin.

The Year of Schools Tournaments kicked off with the LJCC Belfast Qualifier 2023 - Read More…

Nov 2023 FIDE Rating Report

Nov 2023 FIDE Rating Report

1st November 2023 By FIDE National Arbiter Brendan Jamison Congratulations to the 20 players who made a FIDE rating debut in today’s list

Nov 2023 FIDE Rating Report - Read More…

130 players so far in the FIDE-rated NI Rapid Grand Prix…

130 players so far in the FIDE-rated NI Rapid Grand Prix…

On Oct 14th 2023 (at 2 Royal Ave Cultural Centre) was event 4 of 10 in the series, with big thanks to Paul O’Connor for organising the wonderful venue. 50 players attended today’s tournament, 7 rounds of 20+0.

130 players so far in the FIDE-rated NI Rapid Grand Prix… - Read More…

Belfast Qualifier for the UK Blitz Championships 2023  took place on Sept 30th 2023

Belfast Qualifier for the UK Blitz Championships 2023 took place on Sept 30th 2023

Players gathered at the brilliant venue of the Civil Service Pavilion, Belfast to play in one of the 8 qualifying tournaments across the UK. One of our most prestigous tournaments to be played in Ulster.

Belfast Qualifier for the UK Blitz Championships 2023 took place on Sept 30th 2023 - Read More…

GM Simul Tickets 2024

GM Simul Tickets 2024

So far, 16 tickets have been won for the February 2024 GM Simul, distributed as prizes at the Ulster Rapidplay (April 2023), Henderson Cup (May 2023) Ulster Championships (Aug 2023) and Summer Tournament (Sept 2023).

GM Simul Tickets 2024 - Read More…

Summer Tournament Awards and fun tournament 2023

Summer Tournament Awards and fun tournament 2023

On Sept 27th players gathered at Civil Service Pavilion to celebrate the end of the UCU Summer Tournament. The evening consisted of a time based handicap tournament followed by the award ceremony.

Summer Tournament Awards and fun tournament 2023 - Read More…

FIDE Oct 23 rating report

FIDE Oct 23 rating report

Congratulations to the 13 players who made a FIDE rating debut on the 1st October rating list.

FIDE Oct 23 rating report - Read More…

Owen Wilson awarded Honorary Membership of Bangor Club on 28th Sept 2023

Owen Wilson awarded Honorary Membership of Bangor Club on 28th Sept 2023

On Thursday 28th September 2023, on the 20th anniversary of first playing for the club in autumn 2003, it was with great pleasure the committee of Bangor Chess Club awarded Owen Wilson with Honorary Membership.

Owen Wilson awarded Honorary Membership of Bangor Club on 28th Sept 2023 - Read More…

ECF National Club Championship

An opportunity for UCU League Clubs to enter a prestige tournament in England

ECF National Club Championship - Read More…

Walter Wilson awarded ‘Special Lifetime Membership’ of Bangor Chess Club.

Walter Wilson awarded ‘Special Lifetime Membership’ of Bangor Chess Club.

Bangor Chess Club celebrates one of its much loved members Walter Wilson with a "Special Lifetime Membership Award"

Walter Wilson awarded ‘Special Lifetime Membership’ of Bangor Chess Club. - Read More…

FIDE Rated City of Bangor Congress 23 Sept 2023

FIDE Rated City of Bangor Congress 23 Sept 2023

Bangor Chess Club continues to deliver top tournaments and brilliant opportunities to play chess. Brendan Jamison reports on Saturdays event.

FIDE Rated City of Bangor Congress 23 Sept 2023 - Read More…

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…

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News
Standings of the Childrens Chess Grandprix after January 2026. The Ulster Chess Union runs monthly tournaments at Methodist College. All pupils are welcome to play. Five of these tour... Feb 07, 2026
The new year and the chess league continues.... Playing chess in a team is one of those joys of chess. You have the beautiful game and the team spirit. Each player focu... Feb 01, 2026
Williamson Shield 2026: Storms, Strategy, and a New Champion A report by Chris Dorrian Jan 28, 2026
Chess Players of Carrickfergus and Beyond! The Ulster Chess Union is delighted to have been contacted to share the details of a new club coming in Carrickfergus. Jan 21, 2026
The New Year - Welcome - and Childrens Chess continues at Methodist College : Sat Jan 10th 2026 Young players gathered at Methodist College to compete in the monthly Chess tournaments. Players of all ages from P2 to ... Jan 13, 2026
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Upcoming Events
February 14th 2026 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 UCU Monthly Schools Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Feb 14, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE rated Team Match: Northern Ireland v India. Saturday 21 Feb 2026 A Bangor Chess Club initiative, celebrating the outstanding contribution that players from the local Indian community ha... Feb 21, 2026 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — Queen’s Hall, 13 West Street, Newtownards, BT23 4EN
FIDE rated Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2026 Feb 28, 2026 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club, 63 Andersonstown Rd, Belfast, BT11 9AH
FIDE RATED Coalisland Blitz Championship 2026 Tuesday 10 March 2026. Check-in at 19:50 The 10 rounds will be played back-to-back from 20:00 to 22:30 Time-control 3-... Mar 10, 2026 07:50 PM - 10:30 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
Third Executive Board Meeting Agenda TBC Mar 10, 2026 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM — Lisburn Chess Club
Upcoming events…