Harrogate Junior Chess Championships 2024

The competition is organised by HDPSCA (Harrogate & District Primary Schools Chess Association - Charity ref 511173) and is free to enter for all chess playing Harrogate & District Primary School children irrespective of their chess playing ability. To enter your child fill in the entry form (RSVP) on this webpage. 

There are individual prizes to be won and also the prestigious Champion District School Trophy awarded to the winning school or local junior club. We are pleased to confirm that Mr Andrew Jones, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, will attend and will present the prizes. The tournament will be played as a 5 round Swiss Tournament (i.e. winners play winners and losers play losers). Each game (round) will last about 20 minutes.

The competition is free to enter and the HDPSCA's intent is to always keep these events free for all. However, any charitable donation you can afford would be gratefully received, large or small. Please make any donation to our Harrogate and District Primary Schools Chess Association - JustGiving Page. The donation will go to funding junior chess in the Harrogate & District. None of our volunteers are paid for their time. The UK Government recognises the benefits to young children of the game of chess. In a speech at the Onward Think Tank in July 2023, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said "Chess  is a brilliant way for young people to develop skills such as patience  and critical thinking. It is something constructive on which to spend  their time and feel part of. It inspires creativity and sparks the  competitive spirit".

Thank you for your time!