South Shields Chess Club

We have moved to The Customs House and no longer are playing at the New Ship.

Chess has long been known as the “Game of Kings,” but today it’s a game for everyone. A blend of skill, strategy, and patience, chess offers a unique kind of challenge and beauty for those who take the time to learn it. Winning isn’t everything; there’s often more to be gained from a hard-fought loss than from an easy win.

This website was created to inform the people of South Tyneside and beyond about the richness of the game and its long-standing heritage. In a world full of competing social activities, chess continues to hold its place, helped by a growing awareness of how it supports learning, focus, and personal development.

Chess At The Word

South Shields Chess Club, with the support of South Shields Library Services and the Charity Chess in Schools and the Community, can now offer a regular chess for all session.

Chess is played at The Word, South Shields Central Library in the Atrium Area on the ground floor between 10am and 12 noon on a Saturday Morning . We have players of all abilities turn up to play, from children and complete novices to champion chess players who have been more than happy to spare some time to pass on their skills. This is a great opportunity to get Chess more widely seen, to possibly attract more members to our club and most of all gives us a fantastic new venue to play chess in each week , it would really be appreciated if our members can support this initiative.

The Word
Members of all experience welcome

Curious About Chess? Try Casual or League Play

New to chess or looking to get back into the game? Whether you’re after a relaxed match or want to test your skills in league play, all are welcome.

At South Shields Chess Club, we welcome players of all abilities and interests. If you’re just after a casual game and some good conversation, you’ll fit right in. And if the thrill of competition calls to you, our league team is always ready to welcome new talent. You’re free to try both and see what suits you — no pressure, just chess

Latest News

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Northumberland Chess Fixtures

Here are the upcoming fixtures for South Shields in the Northumberland League, covering all scheduled home and away matches. The list below brings together everything that’s currently arranged, so you...
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South Shields Blitz Tournament 2025

Fide Blitz on Sunday 6th of July at The Word Library South Shields We are aiming to start at around 11 am and finish around 3 pm. We open from...
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South Shields Blitz Competion 2024

We are putting our usual summer blitz on the Sunday 7th July at the Word. 9 rounds, 5 minutes + 2 second increment, FIDE rated, £10 entry fee, generous prizes...
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South Shields Blitz 2023

We are putting our usual summer blitz on the Sunday 2nd July at the Word. 9 rounds, 5 minutes + 2 second increment, FIDE rated, £10 entry fee, generous prizes...
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Our History

Interested in our origins? South Shields Chess Club boasts a distinguished heritage spanning over a century and a half.

Established in 1866, the club is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. Throughout its long history, it has provided a space for players of all levels to engage with the game, from casual enthusiasts to competitive league participants. While the landscape of chess has evolved over time, the club has remained committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Becoming a member means joining a tradition of excellence and community that continues to thrive today.

History
Competitions
Competitions

Explore our club’s rich tradition of tournaments; from fast-paced team battles to historic individual trophies, there’s something for every player.

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History
History

Discover our story and how we’ve grown over the years. Click below to learn more about our journey.

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About
About

Welcome to the official website of South Shields Chess Club, your local hub for all things chess in South Tyneside.…

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The Word
The Word

Learn about The Word, our community club at the library. Click below to see how you can join us.

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Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned player, there's a place for you at South Shields Chess Club. Come along for a few games, meet friendly faces, and discover a community that loves the game as much as you do.