SU Chess Society presents
5th Sussex University Chess Tournament
24 – 26th July 2026 · Student Centre, University of Sussex
Overview
About the Tournament
Format
- Swiss system — all players complete every round
- 5 rounds per section
- U2050 and U1700: FIDE & ECF rated, 90+30 time control
- U1300: ECF rated only, 60+30 time control
- Optional Blitz Tournaments on Thursday and Saturday (extra fee)
Sections
- U2050
- U1700
- U1300 — ECF Rated Only
Venue & Facilities
Student Centre, University of Sussex
Brighton, BN1 9RH
Refreshments available on site — feel free to bring your own too.
Schedule
U2050 & U1700 Schedule
| Date | Time | Event | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 24th July | 18:00 | Round 1 | U2050 & U1700 |
| Sat 25th July | 10:00 | Round 2 | U2050 & U1700 |
| Sat 25th July | 15:30 | Round 3 | U2050 & U1700 |
| Sun 26th July | 10:00 | Round 4 | U2050 & U1700 |
| Sun 26th July | 15:30 | Round 5 | U2050 & U1700 |
| Sun 26th July | 18:00 | Closing Ceremony | All Sections |
U1300 Schedule
| Date | Time | Event | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 25th July | 10:00 | Round 1 | U1300 |
| Sat 25th July | 14:30 | Round 2 | U1300 |
| Sat 25th July | 18:00 | Round 3 | U1300 |
| Sun 26th July | 10:00 | Round 4 | U1300 |
| Sun 26th July | 14:30 | Round 5 | U1300 |
| Sun 26th July | 18:00 | Closing Ceremony | All Sections |
Registration
How to Enter
Entry Fees
- GM, WGM & IM: Free!
- U2050 & U1700: £48
- U2050 & U1700 (Student / U18): £40
- U1300: £35
- U1300 (Student / U18): £30
- Blitz: £15 (£20 on the day)
What to Bring
- Refreshments
- Pen (score sheets provided)
- Arrive 15 minutes before your round
SU Chess Society presents
Sussex University Masters Tournament
21 – 26th July 2026 · Student Centre, University of Sussex
Overview
About the Tournament
Format
- Swiss system
- 9 rounds
- 90+30 time control
- Over 2000 FIDE rated
- Norm opportunities
Prizes & Accommodation
- £4,000 prize fund
- Discounted accommodation available (first come, first served)
- Featuring GM Simon Williams, GM Eldar Gasanov, GM Stepan Zilka, GM Oleg Korneev & GM Guðmundur Kjartansson — meet the GMs →
Venue & Facilities
Student Centre, University of Sussex
Brighton, BN1 9RH
Refreshments available on site.
Schedule
Masters Schedule
| Date | Time | Event | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 21st July | 18:00 | Round 1 | Masters |
| Wed 22nd July | 10:00 | Round 2 | Masters |
| Wed 22nd July | 15:30 | Round 3 | Masters |
| Thu 23rd July | 10:00 | Round 4 | Masters |
| Thu 23rd July | 15:30 | Round 5 | Masters |
| Fri 24th July | 18:00 | Round 6 | Masters |
| Sat 25th July | 10:00 | Round 7 | Masters |
| Sat 25th July | 15:30 | Round 8 | Masters |
| Sun 26th July | 10:00 | Round 9 | Masters |
Registration
How to Enter
Entry Fees
- Early Bird (before 21 Jun 2026): £100
- Standard (after 21 Jun 2026): £125
- GM, WGM & IM: Free
- Blitz: £15
What to Bring
- Refreshments
- Pen (score sheets provided)
- Arrive 15 minutes before your round
SU Chess Society presents
Blitz Tournament
23 & 25th July 2026 · Student Centre, University of Sussex
Overview
About the Tournament
Format
- Swiss system
- 9 rounds
- 3'+2" time control
Venue & Facilities
Student Centre, University of Sussex
Brighton, BN1 9RH
Schedule
Blitz Schedule
| Date | Time | Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 23rd July | 19:00 | 9 Rounds | 3'+2" |
| Sat 25th July | 19:00 | 9 Rounds | 3'+2" |
Sussex Junior Chess presents
Chess Summer School
23 – 24th July 2026 · Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer Campus
Overview
About the Summer School
Open to all players aged 18 and under — from Sussex or beyond, beginner or seasoned. A fun, inclusive, and enriching chess experience with tailored workshops, personalised game analysis, and 1-to-1 coaching. Supported by the ECF, Sussex Junior Chess, and Kingston Chess Club.
Tailored Workshops
Major group — more experienced players:
- Pawn structures & middlegame plans
- Opening themes & sacrifices
- Rook endgames & saving lost positions
Minor group — developing players:
- Piece development & tactical patterns
- Basic strategic thinking
'My First Chess Day' — expert-guided introduction for brand new players.
Personalised Experience
Send up to three of your games before the event. Trainers will analyse them and suggest a personalised schedule — though you remain free to choose whichever sessions you like.
Chess Clinic
Choose one game to review 1-to-1 with an experienced trainer. They can also provide a long-term development plan tailored to you.
Trainers & Safeguarding
Sessions run by Sussex University's top players and Sussex Junior Chess coaches. All trainers hold enhanced DBS clearance.
- Under 8s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout
- Over 8s may be supervised by a nominated adult (not a coach)
- Parents/guardians remain responsible for their children at all times
Schedule
Summer School Schedule
| Date | Session | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 23rd July | Day 1 | Medical School, Falmer Campus | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Fri 24th July | Day 2 | Medical School, Falmer Campus | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Daily Breakdown
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:45 AM | Registration |
| 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Session |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch — cafés and grocery shop on campus, or bring your own |
| 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Afternoon Fun — Chess960, Bughouse, Hand & Brain, Simuls |
Registration
Prices & How to Book
Prices
- 2 days: £45 (£55 after 13 Jul)
- 1 day: £25 (£32 after 13 Jul)
- Half day (education only): £12 (£17 after 13 Jul)
- 2 days + Congress: £80 (£88 after 13 Jul)
- 1 day + Congress: £60 (£68 after 13 Jul)
* Families registering up to 4 juniors at the same address receive a £5 discount on 1-day plans and £10 on 2-day plans.
Venue
Brighton & Sussex Medical School Teaching Building
Falmer Campus, University of Sussex, BN1 9PX
Easily reached via Falmer Station or by car. Parking available on campus.
Contact
Ready to Book?
Book via Bookwhen — specify which day if attending only one. If also entering the Congress, complete the Google Form too.
Where to Stay
Accommodation
Accommodation at Venue
On-campus accommodation is available for all players at the University of Sussex, just a short walk from the Student Centre.
Book Accommodation →Discounted Accommodation — Masters Only
Discounted accommodation is available for Masters players, but only until 12th July.
View Discounted Rates →Venue
Getting Here
The Open, Masters, and Blitz tournaments are held at the Student Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH. The Summer School is held at the Brighton & Sussex Medical School Teaching Building, also on Falmer Campus (BN1 9PX).
By Train
- Nearest station: Falmer (5-minute walk)
- Direct trains from Brighton (6 min) and Lewes (10 min)
- Regular Southern Rail services from London Victoria (~1 hr)
By Bus
- Routes 25 and 25X from Brighton city centre
- Approx. 25–30 minutes from Brighton Station
Parking
Parking on Campus
Pay & display parking is available on the University of Sussex campus for all tournament days. Sat-nav postcode: BN1 9RH.
Campus Parking
More Information coming soon....
Around the Tournament
Side Events & Activities
Sussex University Summer Chess School
23rd – 24th July 2026 · 10AM – 4PM
Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Teaching Building, Falmer, BN1 9PX
- Delivered by experienced local and national coaches
- Personalised chess clinics — send up to 3 games in advance for a suggested schedule
- GM & IM simultaneous exhibitions
Arbiter's Course
Sussex University
An ECF-accredited arbiter training course run alongside the congress. Ideal for those wishing to qualify as a tournament arbiter.
Enquire →Past Events
Read about our Parents & Supporters Panel and Charity Match on the home page.