The Chester Chess Club was started in the late 19th Century by the then Duke of Westminister. The club ran right up until the First World War. After the war a new club, Chester YMCA, was formed. The Chester YMCA Chess Club existed right up until 2004, when an executive committee agreed to part company from the YMCA and for the club to be once again be known as Chester Chess Club.

As Chester YMCA the club achieved great success in the 60s, 70s and 80s, especially in the Chester and District League. After a largely trophyless 90s, the club returned to winning ways, winning the Chester and District League three times in the last four years. The 06/07 season was one of the most success season in recent years, with Chester collecting six trophies including the Wirral League Championship which they had not won for over 20 years.

The Chester Chess Club currently meet every Tuesday night from 7-30pm at the Town Crier pub on the corner of City Road and Station Road, opposite Chester Railway Station and the Queen Hotel. New members are always welcome regardless of age, sex or ability.

The club currently has a total of 9 teams competing in two separate leagues: The Wirral League and the Chester & District League. As well as that, the club run 4 internal competitions over the year. These are:

• The Club Championship - For the strongest players of the club.
• The Hallard Cup - For the intermediate players of the club.
• The Townsend Trophy - For the novice players of the club.
• The Coleby Cup - A five round Swiss competition played in the summer months and open to all.

Key People