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 Alexander Cup, the league’s knockout competition.
Internally, Battersea also runs a Grand Prix competition that is formed by 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 get better at chess than you are more than welcome too. 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 secretary Leon Watson – updates@batterseachessclub.org.uk.
Club Officers:
Chair — Djuna Tree
Secretary — Leon Watson
Treasurer and Juniors Officer — Florence Borrelly
Membership and Women’s Recruitment Officer — Zoya Boozorginia
Tournament Director — Stephen Welch
Equipment Officer — Arnold Hunt
Safeguarding Officer — Karina Kowalczyk
Assistant Secretary — Greg Taylor
Communications Officer — Claire Buland
Independent Auditor — Vic Rumsey
And finally Alan Palmer. Thanks again Alan for all your years of service as Chairman.
Team Captains:
London Chess League
Battersea Albatrosses (Division 1) Meet Shah
Approx rating: 1800-2200+
Battersea Blue Jays (Division 2) Djuna Tree
Approx rating: 1600-2000+
Battersea Cardinals (Division 4) Bill Drennan + Alan Palmer
Approx rating: 1500-1800+
Battersea Dogs (Major Division) Michael Krautzberger
Approx rating: 1400-1800+
Battersea Eagles (Major Division) Arnold Hunt
Approx rating: 1400-1800+
Battersea Falcons (Minor Division) Zoya Boozorginia
Approx rating: 1000-1650+
Battersea Goats (Minor Division) Karina Kowalczyk
Approx rating: 1000-1650+
Battersea Women (Women’s Division) Djuna Tree
Approx rating: all abilities
Battersea (Eastman Cup knockout) Meet Shah
Approx rating: 1800-2200+
Central London League
Battersea 1 (Division 1) Emil Todorow
Approx rating: 1800-2200+
Battersea 2 (Division 2) Caglar Meric + Mifail Tota
Approx rating: 1600-2000+
Battersea 3 (Division 3) Tim Valentine
Approx rating: 1400-1800+
Croydon & District League
Battersea (Dave Luctin Trophy) Leon Watson
Approx rating: 1400-1850+
Women’s chess events
Battersea Women Djuna Tree
All abilities