Formed in 1885, Battersea Chess Club is the oldest continually-existing chess club in London and a founder member of the British Chess Federation. We welcome new members of all ages and abilities.
Our first team plays in the first division of the prestigious London Chess League, a competition that dates back to 1887, and we also field teams in the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th divisions.
The club also has teams in the Central London Chess League, which is a relatively new league with a more modern format played entirely at venues in Zone 1.
In the past, we have also played in the Surrey Chess League. The club remains a member of the Surrey County Chess Association and enters a team in the Croydon and District League.
Internally, Battersea also runs a Grand Prix competition comprised of the Club Championship, the Barrow Tournament, and the Grand Prix. We also hold an annual club Blitz Tournament, ad hoc blitz tournaments as well as the occasional friendly match against other clubs.
That makes everything we do sound very serious – but it doesn’t have to be.
If all you want is a few social games and a good place to improve your chess, then you are more than welcome to join. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there is always someone on hand to play a game.
So whether it’s a serious or a social game you’re after, come and meet us.
To find out more, come along to our club night on Tuesday from 7.00-10.30pm at the Battersea Labour Club, 81-83 Falcon Road, London SW11 2PF or contact the club officers committee@batterseachessclub.org.uk.
Club Officers:
President — Stephen Welch
Secretary — VACANT
Treasurer — Chris Rowlinson
Women’s Recruitment Officer — Zoya Boozorginia
Junior Chess Officer — Sam Riggs
Tournament Director — Greg Taylor
Equipment Officer — Arnold Hunt
Safeguarding Officer — Alan Palmer
Assistant Secretary — VACANT
Communications Officer — VACANT
Independent Auditor — Alan Palmer
Battersea’s league teams:
London Chess League
Battersea Albatrosses
LCL Division 2
Captain: Chris Rawlinson/Tom Farrand
Boards: 8
Approx rating: 1800+
Battersea Blue Jays
Division 3
Captain: Hugo Bassa
Boards: 8
Approx rating: 1600+
Battersea Dogs
Major Division
Captain: Bill Drennan/Alan Palmer
Boards: 4
Approx rating: 1400-1850+
Battersea Eagles
Major Division
Captain: Arnold Hunt
Boards: 4
Approx rating: 1400-1850+
Battersea Falcons
Intermediate Division
Captain: Joel Morales
Boards: 4
Approx rating: 1000-1650+
Battersea Goats
Intermediate Division
Captain: Chad Green
Boards: 4
Approx rating: 1000-1650+
Battersea Women
Women’s Division
Captain: Zoya Boozorginia
Boards: 4
Approx rating: 1000+
Central London League
Battersea 1
Division 2
Boards: 5
Captain: Emil Todorow
Approx rating: 1800+
Battersea Galacticos
Division 2
Boards: 5
Captain: Caglar Meric/Tom Ferrand
Approx rating: 1600+
Battersea 3
Division 3
Captain: Sam Riggs
Boards: 5
Approx rating: 1400+
Croydon & District League
Battersea
Dave Luctin Trophy
Captain: Rudy Padovan
Approx rating: 1400+