Sheffield Chess Centre

The Sheffield Chess Centre is one of the first dedicated Chess Centres in the United Kingdom. In the United States and many European countries, where there is a tradition of chess venues open every day of the week, this wouldn’t be unusual. Think of the world-famous traditions of the Marshall Chess Club, or the St. Louis club in Missouri known around the world. But in England, such chess venues are rare. Ilkley successfully launched their chess centre just before the pandemic (if they can do it, so can we!), and the London Mind Sports Centre has a focus on chess. Our model is different to both, but we’re also learning from their experiences.

We’re a Community Interest Company, which means that if (eventually) we were ever to make a profit, the ‘Asset Lock’ in our corporate governance requires us to pump it right back into the ‘community’ of chess players. Player development is at the heart of our ethos. From beginner to grandmaster, almost everyone wants to improve their own play.