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Stockport Chess Club

Over 100 years of competitive chess history

Where and When?

We meet every Tuesday from 7:15pm at The Ladybrook Hotel, Fir Road, Bramhall, SK7 2NP

The Ladybrook can be reached by bus, car, or train (a 15 minute walk from Bramhall station, or 25 minutes from Davenport or Cheadle Hulme stations). Parking at the Ladybrook is free for visitors to the chess club.

Find us upstairs: go straight through the bar area (possibly stopping to pick up a drink), turn left and through the double doors before heading up the stairs on the right. The landing area is used for friendly games on match nights, but you will usually find us playing in the main room.

What we Offer

The Club plays competitive chess and fields multiple teams in three local leagues: the Stockport and District Chess League, the Manchester Chess League, and the South East Lancashire Summer League.

For less experienced players who are keen to try competitive chess we field a team in the SDCL Limit League, which is a division restricted to players without an official grade or with a grade below the limit. This is a great place to begin without being too intimidating.

Friendly games are played between club members every Tuesday whether or not there is also a league match on that evening. We do not provide instruction but many members will be willing to give you the benefit of their experience and provide pointers after a game.

We host occasional talks at the club as well as two competitions: the Stockport Rapidplay Congress every January, and an informal Xmas Lightning tournament on the Tuesday before Christmas.

How to Join?

We welcome new members on a "try before you buy" basis so come down and visit on a Tuesday evening. You don't need to get in touch beforehand, just drop down.

Membership is great value at just £35 for a whole year (£20 for juniors), which works out at less than £1 per night, and everyone is welcome to join us for free for a few weeks before becoming a member.

Getting Into Chess

If you're new to chess there are many great learning resources online. Follow these links and check out the lessons on chess.com or lichess.

Junior Chess

We welcome juniors to our club accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. A junior between the ages of 14 and 18 may remain without an accompanying adult only with express written permission, please consult our Safeguarding Policy.

Or check out one of the several local chess clubs that cater specifically for juniors and also provide instruction.

Safeguarding

The Club has a dedicated Safeguarding page.

Stockport Chess Club has adopted the ECF Policy on Safeguarding.

3C's (Children's Chess Club)

Twice the England Chess Federation's Club of the Year (2006 and 2014), the Oldham-based club boasts an impressive roster of talent.

Cheshire Junior Knights

Based in Cheadle, this club is run by local WFM Sarah Longson and FM Alex Longson.

The club's website has lots of useful information for children who want to begin their chess journey or improve their chess skills.

Ashton Community Chess Club

A chess club specifically for those under 18 based in Ashton-under-Lyme.

Swinton Chess Academy

Meets twice weekly and caters to juniors of all abilities aged 5 - 18

Manchester Check Mates

A child-friendly club based in Altrincham.

Still have questions?

Find out how to contact us from the Contact page.