Kingston Chess Club, formed in 1875, is a place for chess enthusiasts to gather to play competitively or casually. We have a reputation for having some of the most intriguing characters and absorbing conversationalists to be found in the chess world. So, if you want to find out more about chess culture and history, come along!
We are based at the Willoughby Arms, a friendly free house offering a fantastic selection of real ales plus a spacious beer garden and cosy snug for the odd game or 12 of blitz. The Willoughby Arms (see further details below) is within close walking distance of Kingston and Norbiton stations and various bus links. It also offers free off-street parking after 6.30pm.
For those looking for competitive chess, Kingston has teams in the Surrey and Thames Valley leagues, with home matches played in the large and well-lit upstairs room. We also run internal tournaments and other events for those who are just looking to socialise and enjoy chess enrichment. We meet on a Monday night from 7.30pm.
For those looking for chess on the national stage, Kingston also runs three 4NCL teams in partnership with Chess in Schools and Communities. https://www.chessinschools.co.uk/ Other recent initiatives are a partnership with ChessPlus https://chessplus.net/author/johnfoley/ to set up the Kingston Chess Academy,https://kingstonchess.com/kingston-chess-academy/ weekly social chess sessions and a monthly blitz tournament https://kingstonchess.com/alan-hayward-wins-all-saints-blitz-vi/on Wednesday mornings at All Saints Church in central Kingston, and an annual summer tournament called the Kingston Invitational. https://kingstonchess.com/kingston-invitational/ The aim is to build a club that wins league and cup titles, but which is also embedded in and providing a worthwhile service to local people and the wider chess community.
Keep an eye on our website https://kingstonchess.com/ to see what events are coming up. If you are coming to the club for the first time, please contact us ahead of time either via email or Twitter so that someone can greet you. If you have a child who is interested in chess, do come and talk to us. The Kingston Chess Academy may be a good starting point, or if your child is already a capable player she/he may be a candidate to start playing league chess for the club straightaway. But please bear in mind that league matches start at 7.30pm and often go on until 10.30pm, and this may be too late for many youngsters. We will work with you to find the best solution for your child's needs and interests.
How to get to the Willoughby Arms: The full address is Willoughby Arms, 47 Willoughby Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6LN. It is 10 minutes by foot from Kingston or Norbiton railway stations. There is free parking in the immediate area after 6.30pm. Buses include the 371 (six minutes' walk) and 57, 85, 213 / K2, K3, K4, K5 (all nine minutes' walk).
Match start time 7:30pm
| Chair | Alan Scrimgour | ascrimgour@gmail.com | 07761 103035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary | David Bickerstaff | dave_online@hotmail.co.uk | 07592 532593 |
| Treasurer | Charlie Cooke | charlie.cooke29@hotmail.co.uk | |
| Fixtures Secretary | Alan Scrimgour | ascrimgour@gmail.com | 07761 103035 |
| Club Captain | Stephen Moss | stephen.moss@theguardian.com | 07747 622820 |
| Surrey Trophy (1st team) | Peter Andrews | bpa.andrews@outlook.com | 07771 600701 |
| Beaumont Cup (2nd team) | Stephen Moss | stephen.moss@theguardian.com | 07747 622820 |
| Centenary Trophy (3rd team) | Edward Mospan | eamospan@aol.com | 07936 366424 |
| Minor Trophy (4th team) | Edward Mospan | eamospan@aol.com | 07936 366424 |
| Alexander Cup | John Foley | john.foley@hotmail.com | 07850 045805 |
| Lauder Trophy | Stephen Moss | stephen.moss@theguardian.com | 07747 622820 |
| Website | www.kingstonchess.com |