Current news in Ulster Chess

The Ulster Chess Union is responsible for organising, administering and developing chess in the Province of Northern Ireland.
UCU News Correction

UCU News Correction

Apologies for an error in this months UCU News: the final round in the Belfast South Tournament will be on Monday 16th December and not as reported

UCU News Correction - Read More…

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.

The first Childrens chess of the year was held at Methodist College on November 2nd. This starts the group of tournaments that leads to the top players being invited to Award Ceremony in June (previously held at Stormont). Quality Chess played by players from P2 to Upper Sixth. An excellent opportunity to practice for the Ulster Schools Championships in December.

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships. - Read More…

B&D League

B&D League

Seven weeks into the League and teams are starting to sort themselves out. There only another 4 matches (2 before & 2 after the holidays) left in this part of the competition before we break into Divisions 1 & 2 and the battle for the Silver King starts in earnest.

B&D League - Read More…

Des Forson 1964-2013

Des Forson 1964-2013

Des Forson, longtime member of the Ulster Chess Union, died in a Whiteabbey hospice in the middle of November. David Houston, friend and contemporary, remembers Des - on and off the chess board.

Des Forson 1964-2013 - Read More…

The Agony and the Ecstasy

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Martin Kelly reports on his recent performances in the League, UCU Masters and the recent ICU event in Kilkenny. Martin provides some clues on other UCU members playing in Kilkenny

The Agony and the Ecstasy - Read More…

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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…