Welcome to HERCA!

Your Chess Community

in Hull and the East Riding

Whether you're a seasoned player, a newcomer to the game, young or young-at-heart, HERCA is here to support your chess journey. We bring together chess clubs and enthusiasts from across the region, fostering a vibrant and inclusive chess community.

Obituary for Steve Thrower

HERCA wishes to pay tribute to our valued member and trustee, Steve Thrower, who passed away on 10th March at the age of 74. He had been taken ill on a cruise to Tenerife and spent some weeks in hospital in Madeira before being brought back to Castle Hill Hospital where he died.

Steve enjoyed his chess whether he won or lost. And he was generous with his time in helping others and promoting the game, whether at the Central Library on a roster of volunteers or in parks and squares or docksides in the annual Play Chess Festival.

He had long been involved in running the Association well before it became a registered charity in 2014, a process that he initiated. He was not just a committee member but also an officer. He was Treasurer both before and after it became a charity and played a leading rôle in securing the financial legacy of  Bob Ross for the benefit of local chess. His senior position at Croda in Hull meant that he had the legal and financial experience to deal with the complexities of devising a new constitution and making investment decisions on the transferred capital. He hosted meetings in Croda’s offices at the Clough Road site and helped to steer the process through.

He was amongst the first group of trustees elected and such was his commitment and colleagues’ appreciation that he remained an elected trustee until his death. He had an independent mind and had the skill of expressing a dissenting view with courtesy and clarity. He continued to take a special interest in financial matters, whether interrogating budget proposals or representing the Association at regional seminars held by its investment advisers.

We shall miss his friendship, his loyalty to the founding values of the Association, his kindness and his irrepressible cheerfulness, even in adversity. A smile and chuckle were rarely far away. May he rest in peace.

Find a Chess Club Near You

Joining a chess club is the perfect way to meet like-minded players and improve your game. Our Club Directory  has all the details you need, including contacts, venues, and meeting times. All clubs offer a warm and friendly welcome, whether you're looking for serious competition or a social experience in a relaxed atmosphere.  If you would like to join HERCA, but do not want to join an affiliated club, you can find an application from here.  Note that there is an annual fee of £5 for this type of membership.

Leagues, Competitions, and Tournaments

HERCA runs an array of events for players of all levels:

• Club Leagues & Knockouts: Team-based competitions open to all clubs.
• Tournaments & Congresses: A calendar of exciting events throughout the year.
• Regional & National Representation: HERCA teams compete in prestigious leagues across the UK.

Stay updated with results, league tables, and upcoming events in our Competitions Section .

Junior Chess: Supporting the Next Generation

HERCA’s Junior Academy nurtures young talent through:

• Coaching for all skill levels from primary age onwards.
• Junior Events Calendar, including a Summer School, Schools League, Yorkshire Junior League,Junior tournaments, and a Junior Congress.
• Junior Sections in local clubs and schools, offering a fun and supportive environment.

Parents and young players can contact our Junior Chess Secretary for more information.

Chess in the Community

We bring chess to the heart of the community with our annual Play Chess Festival, featuring public events in parks, shopping centers, cafés, and iconic locations. Recent highlights include:

• Princes Quay Chess Fest during the Platinum Jubilee.
• Events at Beverley Flemingate and Hull Minster Square as part of the Freedom Festival.

A National Chess Hub

Hull has earned recognition as a premier chess destination, hosting prestigious events such as:

• British Chess Championships (2018 & 2021)
• Grandmaster Norm Tournaments (2019–2022)
• English Women’s Chess Championships (2019 & 2021)
• HERCA Congress (ECF Congress of the Year, 2019)

Get Started with HERCA

Ready to dive into the world of chess? Whether you're looking for guidance, a club to join, or events to participate in, we’re here to help.

Visit our Contact Page to reach our General Secretary or Junior Chess Secretary.

Explore our Calendar of Events to plan your next chess adventure.

Join HERCA today and become part of a thriving chess community!