At this point in time it is unclear when the highly popular local junior chess clubs, operating in a number of libraries and clubs across Dorset, will be able to re-open.  Similarly most school chess clubs are not operating. We will keep parents updated through our regular emails and through notices on the Dorset Chess website as to when and where junior chess might re-open.

Meanwhile, we suggest that you check out the FREE classes being offered by the UK Chess Challenge team. There are also paying options.

Sarah and Alex Longson from Delancey UK Chess Challenge have issued a message to schools and local junior chess groups involved in the Delancey UK Chess Challenge.

Plans for 2020/21

We are aware many school chess clubs will not be going ahead as usual in Autumn. We are hopeful though that we will see a return in Spring Term – or even the second half of Autumn. Hopefully this means that the schools stage of the UKCC can begin in spring as usual but we’ll of course monitor the situation. We anticipate that in 2021 many Megafinals will still be run online with the finals being held in person.

We have started to offer online classes and tournaments during Autumn term time following feedback from many parents and players. Our goal with this is to increase accessibility to chess for students during these difficult times which is why we have included a FREE membership tier as well as paid memberships.

Kind regards

Alex & Sarah Longson
UK Chess Challenge

Dorset Junior Chess are still anticipating that the Dorset Junior Chess Championships in 2021, traditionally run in February, will once again be a Delancey qualifier and we will keep you all updated as time progresses.  We look forward to seeing you again as soon as it is safe.