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

Welcome to the official website of South Shields Chess Club, your local hub for all things chess in South Tyneside. Our club is dedicated to promoting the game across the region, welcoming players of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. South Shields Chess Club provides a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a strong resurgence in interest in chess, and the club has grown significantly as a result. We’re proud to now field four competitive teams — with representation in all divisions of the Northumberland Chess Association leagues as well as one team in the Durham County Chess League. In addition to league matches, we host internal tournaments, casual play sessions, and regular club nights that allow members to connect, learn, and compete in a relaxed atmosphere.

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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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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Duke of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh

Use chess for your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award skill. Learn, play, and improve with South Shields Chess Club.

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News
News

Stay updated with the latest news and events. Click below to read what’s happening now.

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Over 150 Years of Chess

Join South Shields Chess Club

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, South Shields Chess Club is the perfect place to enjoy the game.

Come along to one of our club nights, join a league team, or simply drop in for a social game — there’s something for everyone. Be part of a growing local community and discover just how rewarding chess can be.

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FAQ

Those of you new to chess, or simply coming back after many years may want some further help and advice. Here are the answers to a few basic questions:

The club meets on a Thursday Night  at the Customs House usually between the hours of 7 pm  and 10 pm.

Out of the Competitive Chess Season, which tends to run between  October to April, the numbers of people attending can vary between a few to 12 or more. This can depend on the weather, on real sunny days some people don’t want to be stuck inside pubs. Generally speaking there is always someone around.

During the Competitive season the club has 4 teams and often you might see one or two of the teams playing against other clubs in the back room. These games are more serious so it is good manners to keep the talking down.

Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to just turn up on the night. We love seeing new faces. There’s no need to book in advance or be a member to come along.

That said, if you’d like to give us a heads-up beforehand, feel free to drop us an email. That way, we can look out for you, make sure someone’s available to greet you, and help you settle in.

It’s a common worry, but there’s no need to feel awkward.

Most people are just playing friendly games, not taking things too seriously. Someone will usually spot you and point you toward a regular who’ll say hello or offer a game. If you’re unsure, just ask at the bar — they’ll know who’s who.

Not at first, you’re welcome to come along and try it out.

Your first few visits are completely free, just to give you a chance to settle in and see if you enjoy it. If you decide to keep coming, we ask regular members to contribute £6 per year, which helps cover equipment and association fees. Since we play at The Customs House, it’s also appreciated if you grab the occasional drink or snack to support the venue.

Absolutely! We’re always keen to welcome new regulars who want to play competitively.

Just let us know you’re interested, and one of the team captains will have a chat with you about what’s involved, including the level of commitment and how the league matches work.

Yes — if you want to play in league matches and receive an official national grade, ECF membership is required.

Our club secretary, Stan Johnson, is also the Regional Grader for the ECF and can guide you through the process if needed. That said, if you’re just playing social chess at the club, ECF membership isn’t necessary. You can also find more details about grading and membership on the ECF website.

Definitely; there’s plenty of research out there on the benefits of chess, especially for young people.

It helps develop important skills like problem-solving, planning, visualisation, and pattern recognition. It’s even been linked to improvements in maths and memory. Many countries now include chess in their school curriculum for exactly these reasons. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people and build social confidence.

Why not give it a try at our club? Online chess is quite different from playing face-to-face — it’s more two-dimensional and lacks the feel of a real game with a person sitting across from you.

Your online experience will definitely give you a head start, but you might be surprised by how different over-the-board play can feel. If you have any questions about chess or the club, just ask—we’re happy to help!

Yes, children are very welcome, but they must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.

We’d love to encourage more young players to discover chess — it helps develop skills that benefit many areas of life.

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.

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