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.

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

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.

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!

HERCA News

Chess Boom Inspires a New Generation of Young Thinkers

A surge in youth chess is helping children build confidence, sharpen problem‑solving skills and form meaningful connections, as schools and clubs across the region embrace the game’s growing popularity. Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy73dpjgky2o [image taken from article credit:

Overhead view of mint-green chess pieces arranged in a diagonal pattern on a pastel pink background, casting long shadows.

Play Chess Festival 2026

2026 Programme of Events Highlights this year include full integration into the Big Malarkey Festival with our own special tent! We also have our first appearance at Sesh and on Armed Forces Day Full Calendar of Confirmed Events Below

Purple-toned image of a person's hand carefully moving a white queen across a chess board mid-game, with fallen black pieces around it.

New Sections for Hull Chess Congress

Hull Chess Congress, September 25th to 27th New sections for 2026-27 CALLING ALL KEEN CHESS PLAYERS! What is new? The annual Hull Chess Congress has always been successful in attracting a wide range of players from the East Riding of