About our Club

We aim to provide an opportunity for players to enjoy playing chess. That can be through opportunities to play competitive chess or more relaxed social chess. For those that wish to develop their skills we provide opportunities for learning and sharing skills.

Club Nights & Facilities

  • We meet on Tuesdays (September to May) from 7:30pm to about 10:30pm.

  • Occasional cancellations may occur (for holidays or major events)—always check the website before your first visit.

  • Venue: Mickleover Methodist Church Centre, Station Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9GH.

  • We have two rooms: one designated for quiet, competitive play, the other for social play (where light conversation is welcome).

  • The rooms are well-lit and comfortable, and tea & coffee refreshments are available at all sessions.

Competitive Chess

  • We field five teams in the Derbyshire Leagues, providing competitive opportunities at multiple levels.

  • We also compete in other county events, including the Derbyshire Cup and Derbyshire Jamboree.

  • Our Club Championship is played throughout the season(using standard time controls) and all eligible games are submitted for official grading.

Junior Chess

Derby Junior Chess Club is a separate but affiliated club, which meets on a Monday evening. Several juniors “graduate” to play competitive chess for the adult club. Please see the separate page for details of the junior club.

Safeguarding & Club Policies

  • We take safeguarding and good governance seriously. Our full Safeguarding Policy and other club documents are available on our Policies & Documents page.

Contact Us

Social Chess

  • On the first Tuesday of each month, we hold a Friendly Shield tournament (themed or freestyle chess, fun formats).

  • Every club night also supports casual, friendly games, so you can play at your own pace..

Coaching & Mentoring

  • Think Tank: a study/analysis group for more experienced or ambitious players. We review games, solve puzzles, and dig deeper into strategic ideas.

  • Chess Forge: a mentoring initiative where stronger club members support newer ones—guiding them, helping with tactics & strategy, and assisting their progression.

  • Linked to Chess Forge is our E team, a development squad designed to give newer players exposure to competitive chess in a supportive environment.

Membership & Fees

  • Full Season Membership: £40 (September–May)

  • Reduced Rates: £20 if joining after 31st December, or £10 if joining in April or May

  • First Two Visits Free: Try us out — your first two Tuesday nights are free; subscriptions are due from your third visit.

  • To play competitive league chess, members must also join the English Chess Federation (ECF).

Club History & Tradition

  • Derby Chess Club traces its origins back to 1886, when our first recorded club champion emerged.

  • In the 1980s, we merged with Mickleover Chess Club (briefly becoming Derby & Mickleover CC) before returning to the name Derby Chess Club in 2015.

  • We’re proud of our heritage and excited about our future.