Which section should I enter?

Players must be under the section age on 31.8.2025

Quick age section calculator as follows:
U7 - Year 2 and below
U8 - Year 3 and below
U9 - Year 4 and below
U10 - Year 5 and below
U11 - Year 6 and below
U13 - Year 8 and below
U15 - Year 10 and below
(at Congress date)

The tournament organisers reserve the right to place a player in the higher section if they consider this to be appropriate. A player may enter a higher section if they wish.
In the event of low entries, sections may be merged.

Prizes:

U7, U8: Trophy prizes for first three places;
U9, U10: Prizes: 1st £60, 2nd £40, 3rd £20;
U11, U13, U15, U18: Prizes: 1st £150, 2nd £100, 3rd £60.

A Best Girl trophy will be awarded in every age section. You can't win more than one trophy.
We reserve the right to reduce/increase prizes according to entry numbers.
We will award rating prizes depending on the number of entries.

The Under 11 tournament is a Qualifier for the EPSCA U11 team trials. (Years 5 and 6 only)

The Under 13, Under 15 and U18 sections offer half-norm opportunities to join the National Chess Junior Squad (Years 7 and above only)

Rate of Play - Time Control

Under 7&8: 20 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per move;
Under 9&10: 40 minutes plus 10 seconds increment per move;
Under 11-18: 60 minutes plus 30 second increment per move.

ECF Rapid play rules will apply to U10 section and below.
FIDE Standard play rules will apply to U11 section and above.
A brief explanation is always given at the start of the competition for those not familiar with chess clocks.

Sections U11 and above are FIDE rated.

All sections are ECF rated.

Timetable (Subject to change)

Saturday 31st January 2026

Doors open: 9:30 am

Under 7

• Round 1: 10.00
• Round 2: 11:00
• Round 3: 12:30
• Round 4: 13:30
• Round 5: 14:30
• Round 6: 15:30
• Prize Giving: 16:30 (Only for Under 7)

Under 9&10

• Round 1: 10.00
• Round 2: 12:30
• Round 3: 14:30

Under 11-18

• Round 1: 10.00
• Round 2: 13:30
• Round 3: 17:00

Sunday 1st February 2026

Doors open: 9:30 am

Under 8

• Round 1: 10.00
• Round 2: 11:00
• Round 3: 12:30
• Round 4: 13:30
• Round 5: 14:30
• Round 6: 15:30
• Prize Giving: 16:30 (Only for Under 7)

Under 9&10

• Round 4: 10.00
• Round 5: 12:30
• Round 6: 14:30
• Prize Giving: 16:30

Under 11-18

• Round 4: 10.00
• Round 5: 13:30
• Round 6: 17:00
• Prize Giving: 20:00

Registration on arrival is not required. Children will be directed to the playing areas in time for the first round.

Attendance at Prize Giving is compulsory for all winners. No prizes will be sent out after the event. (subject to change)

Unregistered players arriving after 9:45 will miss round 1. A half point bye may be awarded at the organisers’ discretion.

Our volunteers work hard in advance of each event to ensure you have the best possible experience. Entries close at 6pm the day before the event to allow time to prepare the tournament. Early entry is strongly advised. We have limited space and will close entries once we reach capacity. Entries on the day cause considerable disruption and result in the event starting late. Therefore, players who turn up on the day without prior registration incur an additional late fee of £10 per player.

Supervision of Children

The organisers and their helpers cannot accept responsibility for juniors.

Children under the age of 8 years will not be allowed to participate unless supervised by a parent/guardian throughout the whole event.

Children over the age of 8 years may be supervised by an adult nominated by their parents (though this cannot be a coach). However, parents/guardians should note that they are still ultimately responsible for their children at all times and in all places during this event (including whilst their children are in session with a coach or playing a game during a tournament).

Parking

To book your parking slot, please proceed to: https://bookwhen.com/sejcc/e/ev-soj6p-20260131080000

Photographs and Database

Entry to this event is on the understanding that results and photographs may be used for publicity, including in the press, and on our website. If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please let an organiser know at registration. Your details will also be held on our database for the purposes of advising you of events, and County team selection. We never share your details with third parties.

Catering

Provided by Chartwells

Poke Bowls (ideal for parents – substantial option)

Price: £7.95
Base: Jasmine rice

Protein toppers (choose one):

• Chicken K‑pops
• Crispy Cauli

Main toppers (choose 4):

• Edamame
• Wakame & Sesame Salad
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Pink Pickled Onions
• Cucumber
• Sweetcorn Salsa
• Grated Carrot

Additional toppers:

• Sushi Ginger
• Spring Onion
• Crispy Onion
• Sesame Seeds
• Coriander
• Chillies

Sauces (choose one):

• Gochujang
• Honey Soy Garlic
• Sriracha

Price: £7.95

Children’s Menu

Pizzas
Whole: £11
Half: £6

• Pepperoni
• Margarita
• BBQ Chicken

Sides & Extras

• Chips – £3.25
• Hot Dog / Veggie Hot Dog (with ketchup, mustard, crispy onions) – £3.95
• Half/Whole Pizza & Chips – £9 / £13.50
• Hot Dog & Chips – £6.75

Disclaimer

The Organisers and their helpers accept no responsibility for any damage, theft or accident to the person or property of any competitor, trainee or other visitor at this event. Nor are they responsible for the effects of actions of anyone else attending this event.

SJC Bursary Fund

The SJC Bursary fund has been established to assist Sussex families in need with expenses. We welcome enquiries in strict confidence to bursar@sussexjuniorchess.org

Refund policy

Refunds may be issued at the organiser’s discretion.