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The Time Traveller

The original series of articles by the Time Traveller appeared in David McAlister's web magazine "Ulster Chess History." They were the fruit of his researches into contemporaneous newspaper reports plus various Irish and Ulster archives and covered the period up to the early 1980s. Those articles will now be presented here at the official UCU website and David will add new articles as well.

2nd Irish Chess Association Congress 1886

The short-lived Irish Chess Association organised three Congresses in 1885, 1886 and 1889. The second of these was held in Belfast and featured a Masters' Tournament won by W.H.K. Pollock, an Handicap (odds) Tournament won by Amos Burn and a blindfold simultaneous exhibition by J.H. Blackburne.

2nd Irish Chess Association Congress 1886 - Read More…

The Silver King

The UCU's oldest piece of silverware is the Ulster Trophy, more commonly known as the Silver King. It is awarded to the team winning Division One of the Belfast and District League.

The Silver King - Read More…

Simultaneous exhibitions

This section will document simultaneous play against local chess players by strong masters, including three World Champions.

Simultaneous exhibitions - Read More…

Inter City Matches 1926-1936

Between 1926 and 1936 an annual match was played between the chess-players of the cities of Belfast and Dublin. There were only 9 encounters in those years - no match being played in either 1930 or 1933. Honours were even over the 9 matches, with 4 wins to Belfast, 4 wins to Dublin and 1 draw.

Inter City Matches 1926-1936 - Read More…

News
Annual Prize giving at Stormont took place on Friday June 5th 2026 MLA Naomi Long invited top young chess players to Stormont. To celebrate young chess players. With competitions and awar... Jun 14, 2026
Brilliant day of Fischer Random Chess. Ulster 2026 Champion crowned. On Saturday 13th June 2026. At 10:30am 14 players gathered to play the very challenging and fun game of Fischer Random. ... Jun 14, 2026
The Delancey Schools UK Chess Challenge Belfast Megafinal took place on May 9th 2026 This marks the end of our monthly Childrens Chess Tournaments. A brilliant one day qualifier for the prestigious Delance... May 30, 2026
Arkell Put to the Test in Carrickfergus English chess legend pushed all the way as local players claim two wins and two draws in a memorable evening for the Uls... May 27, 2026
City of Belfast Chess Tournament Delivers Drama, Upsets, and Two Champions in a Thrilling 2026 Edition The May Bank Holiday weekend brought six intense rounds of competitive chess to Lisburn Chess Club, as 34 players from a... May 22, 2026
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Upcoming Events
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 30th 2026. ( FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 30th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being dona... Jul 30, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Tuesday 18 August 2026 Wednesday 19 Aug... Aug 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day 2 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Wednesday 19 August 2026 Thursday 20 A... Aug 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day3 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Thursday 20 August 2026 Aug 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE Rated Ulster Championships 2026 Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026 — Blackmountain Shared Space, 280 Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, BT13 3NG
Upcoming events…