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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…

League results and board prizes and Tom Clarke Grand-prix 2023

The league is over the Summer Tournament is in full swing. The AGM is about to occur where we celebrate a year of chess with awards to League winners and boarrd prizes.

League results and board prizes and Tom Clarke Grand-prix 2023 - Read More…

The Belfast Megafinal took place at Methodist College on May 13th 2023

The Belfast Megafinal took place at Methodist College on May 13th 2023

One of the largest and prestigious tournaments the Delancey UK Chess Challange was represented in Ulster at the Belfast Megafinals. An event enabling players to qualify for the next round, the GIgafinals.

The Belfast Megafinal took place at Methodist College on May 13th 2023 - Read More…

Annual General Meeting Announcement

This year's AGM will be hosted by Fruithill Chess Club, Monday 19th June, time 7:30pm.

Annual General Meeting Announcement - Read More…

The final Childrens Chess afternoon took place on April 1st 2023

The final Childrens Chess afternoon took place on April 1st 2023

Methodist College hosted the 5th Childrens Chess this School year. With top young chess players having an afternoon of chess tournament and chess puzzles.

The final Childrens Chess afternoon took place on April 1st 2023 - Read More…

We had one of our largest Childrens Chess tournaments in March 2023

We had one of our largest Childrens Chess tournaments in March 2023

With some 45 youngsters we had a fantastic afternoon of chess at Methodist College on Saturday 11th March. With 6 rounds of chess and 22 challenging puzzles to solve.

We had one of our largest Childrens Chess tournaments in March 2023 - Read More…

The first Ulster Fischer Random Championship took place on Sunday 26th March 2023

The first Ulster Fischer Random Championship took place on Sunday 26th March 2023

18 players fought to see who would be crowned Ulster Fischer Random Champion at The Pavilion, Civil Service. The second tournament in Ulster after the Bangor Clubs and the first Ulster Championship. Using a Random starting position for each round.

The first Ulster Fischer Random Championship took place on Sunday 26th March 2023 - Read More…

May 2023 FIDE Rating List

May 2023 FIDE Rating List

Report by Brendan Jamison, FIDE National Arbiter

May 2023 FIDE Rating List - Read More…

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News
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
Christmas and New Year sees the Ulster Blitz Championships 2025/26 Hosted by Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club. A brilliant venue and Chess Club. 37 players played a marathon of 18... Jan 03, 2026
One week left to register for the upcoming Ulster Blitz Championship The Ulster Blitz Championship 2025 will be held on Saturday 27th December in Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club. ... Dec 17, 2025
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Upcoming Events
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
FIDE RATED Coalisland Rapid Championship 2026 Tuesday 3 February Tuesday 3 February 2026, Check-in at 19:50, Please take seats at 19:55, The 5 rounds will be played back-to-back from ... Feb 03, 2026 07:50 PM - 11:00 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
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
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
Upcoming events…