The Chess Centre

The Chess Centre is a club located in Ilkley, New Zealand, dedicated to promoting the game of Chess in the local community. It was established as a not-for-profit social enterprise by a group of volunteers passionate about enhancing Chess in the 21st century. The club provides high-quality playing and teaching facilities for both adults and juniors.

The Chess Centre welcomes players of all skill levels and backgrounds. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned Grandmaster, there is a place for you at the club. They believe that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the strategic and intellectual challenges that Chess offers.

For juniors, the Chess Centre offers weekly Junior Classes at various locations in Ilkley. These classes provide young players with the opportunity to learn and develop their Chess skills in a supportive and engaging environment. The classes are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, catering to different schedules and availability.

In addition to the Junior Classes, the Chess Centre also runs a number of junior teams that participate in local and regional events. These teams compete in leagues such as the Yorkshire u18s League and the Wharfedale u16s League. Many experienced juniors from the club also have the chance to compete in adult team events at both local and county levels.

For those looking for competitive play, the Chess Centre hosts a range of tournaments throughout the year. These tournaments include Congresses, Club Rapidplay Championships, the Scurfield Shield, and several events organised by the Yorkshire Junior Chess Association (YJCA), English Primary Schools Chess Association (EPSCA), and UK Chess Challenge (UKCC). These tournaments provide players with the opportunity to test their skills against other players in a structured and challenging environment.

Apart from regular classes and tournaments, the Chess Centre hosts Social Nights every Thursday. These nights are open to members and guests, providing an opportunity to play Chess in a relaxed and social setting while enjoying a cup of coffee or something stronger. It's a chance to meet fellow Chess enthusiasts, make new friends, and engage in friendly competition.

To stay updated on the latest news and events, the Chess Centre offers a newsletter subscription. By signing up for the newsletter, members, and supporters can receive regular updates about upcoming tournaments, events, and other Chess-related news.

To get in touch with the Chess Centre, interested individuals can visit their location at Crescent Court, Ilkley. Alternatively, they can contact the club through their website or by attending one of their Thursday Social evenings. The Chess Centre is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive Chess community, where players of all ages and skill levels can come together to enjoy the game they love.