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CHESSMATES INTERNATIONAL
Youth Chess for a better world
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12th ChessMates™ International Tournament
Where Young Champions Meet the Royal Game
March 21-23, 2025 | The Guildhall, York
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About the Tournament
Europe’s Elite Juniors Gather in York
For the very first time in England, ChessMates International is proud to host its 12th tournament at the historic York Guildhall. This prestigious event will see junior chess teams from England, Estonia, Iceland, Ireland, Monaco, Rotterdam, Sachsen-Anhalt (Germany), and, for the first time, a dedicated Yorkshire team, face off in an elite competition that promises to reveal Europe’s strongest young talents.
Previously held in iconic venues such as the Eiffel Tower and Tallinn—the home of chess legend Paul Keres—this edition is set to energize the local chess scene while showcasing international excellence.
Event Highlights
Dates & Venue:
March 21–23, 2025 at York Guildhall, York, England
Opening Ceremony:
The tournament will be inaugurated on Friday at 10:00 am by the Lord Mayor and Grandmaster Gawain Jones.
Special Event – Giant Chess Showdown:
On Friday, March 21 at 12:00 noon, British Champion and former York junior, GM Gawain Jones, will play local MP and ex–top school player Rachael Maskell on a giant chess board outside the Guildhall. Spectators are warmly invited to join the excitement!
Community Engagement:
On Saturday, March 22, chess sets will be available in cafés around York’s St Helen’s Square. Local enthusiasts can play casual games, challenge some of England’s top players, or even receive coaching from representatives of the Chess in Schools & Communities (CSC) charity.
Parallel Tournament for Developing Juniors:
CSC—supporting weekly chess lessons in five York schools—will host free chess sessions and run a side tournament at the Guildhall over the weekend. This gives emerging talent from across the region a unique opportunity to compete alongside Europe’s elite.
Schedule
Friday 21st March
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09:45 - Opening Ceremony (Lord Mayor of York & GM Gawain Jones)
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10:00 - Round 1
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12:00 - Giant Chess Game in St Helen’s Square (GM Gawain Jones vs MP Rachael Maskell)
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15:00 - Round 2
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17:30 - Simul with GM Gawain Jones
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18:45 / 19:30 - Ghost Walks (two groups)
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20:30 - Captain’s Dinner
Saturday 22nd March
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09:30 - Yorkshire Junior Cup Opening (GM Gawain Jones)
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09:45 - Round 3
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10:00 - Live Commentary (Riverside Lounge)
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14:30 - Round 4
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19:00 - Gala Dinner at Bootham School
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20:30 - Blitz Tournament (3+2 time control)
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22:00 - End of Blitz Tournament
Sunday 23rd March
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08:45 - Round 5
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13:00 - Closing Ceremony
The Teams & Local Involvement
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International & Home Teams
This year, for the first time, ChessMates International will feature a dedicated Yorkshire team alongside a team representing the English Chess Federation. The home team boasts talented players from Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Ilkley, and local standout Aaron Rich (17), a well-known figure in York’s chess community who has represented England and now coaches at the York Chess Club (held at Guppy’s Enterprise Club on Wednesday evenings).
A Word from Our Tournament Director
Ben Rich, Tournament Director, states:
« Chess offers tremendous educational and social benefits. Over the past few years, chess has flourished in Yorkshire—with new school clubs and community programs emerging everywhere. By hosting ChessMates International in York, we hope to further energize the local chess scene and encourage everyone, regardless of skill level, to get involved. »
For further information, please contact Ben Rich at ben@benrich.co.uk or call 07469 159134.
Partners & Supporters
We extend our sincere thanks to our partners and supporters who help make this event a success
For more details on our community initiatives, visit Chess in Schools & Communities and Yorkshire Junior Chess.
Get Involved
Whether you are a competitive player, a local supporter, or simply interested in the rich cultural experience of chess, this tournament has something for you.
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Watch the giant chess match on Friday at noon.
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Join the weekend community events and free chess lessons.
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Support local chess clubs and meet Europe’s top junior players.
For more details, visit our social media pages and follow the latest updates on Instagram.
Explore York
Discover York’s rich history and attractions.
Contact Information
For media enquiries and further information, please contact:
Ben Rich
Email: ben@benrich.co.uk
Phone: 07469 159134