Basildon Chess Club

Membership Fees
New visitors to the club are welcome at any time. There is no waiting list to join, and the first two visits are free of charge.

After the first two visits we have two membership options:

For members who wish to play in English Chess Federation (ECF) rated events - that is, Southend & District Chess League events, Essex League events or Basildon Club Championships - the membership fee for Adults (over 18) is £7 per month (preferably paid by BACS standing order), or a single £80 annual payment. The membership fee for Juniors (under 18) is detailed below, in the Junior Club section.

For those who just want to play casual, friendly games against other club members, the entry fee is £2 per session, payable on the night.

Refreshments - tea, coffee and biscuits - are provided by the club free of charge.

Note that ECF Registration is also required in order to play in ECF rated events. As at July 2023, the ECF Registration fee is £18 for adults, and £6 for Juniors - although newly registered juniors get their first year for free.

ECF registration is carried out via the English Chess Federation website.

Junior Club
Our Junior Club is open for under-18s and we cater for all levels of player - from total beginner to budding grandmaster.

The Junior Club starts at 6.30pm every Thursday and runs until 7.40pm, which is when the adult club starts. On evenings when there is a league match taking place - which will have a start time of 7.40 or 7.45pm, the Junior club must finish promptly at 7.40pm. If there are no league matches taking place, all Juniors are welcome to stay beyond 7.40pm, but this will be for friendly games with no formal coaching.

The fee for attending the Junior Club is £2 per week, payable on entry.

Please be aware that Basildon Chess Club does not provide supervision of Junior players - this remains the responsibility of parents and guardians. Full details of the club's Safeguarding Policy can be found here

Refreshments - tea, coffee and biscuits - are provided.