The Ottawa RA Chess Club is one of the largest and most active chess clubs in Canada.The schedule includes a variety of events that appeal to players of all skill levels, from tournament novice to seasoned master.

Club Programme

The club schedules about 95 sessions throughout the season (September – August). On Thursday evenings (7:00 p.m. – midnight, games starting at 7:30) the club holds a series of rated tournaments, mostly with regular time controls. The club is also open on Sunday afternoons (Casual Sundays - 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.) from September to May.  Sundays feature speed chess, “active” chess and in the fall a chess course for adults wanting to learn or return to the game. Members who choose not to play in a scheduled event may play casual chess at any time. The club event schedule can be found here

Club Membership and Guest Participation

Membership: Open to any member of the RA Centre who is age 14 or older and, at the club’s discretion, persons younger than 14 who demonstrate chess ability and social maturity. [N.B. Persons younger than 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.] Memberships in the RA Association and the RA Chess Club may be purchased seven days a week at the RA Centre’s Main Desk (613-733-5100), located near the East Wing entrance. Annual fees are $46 for the RA Association, plus $39 ($25 for juniors) for the RA Chess Club.

CHESS FEDERATION OF CANADA (CFC) MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED TO PLAY RATED GAMES.

Players also pay the CFC’s $3 rating fee for each rated tournament. CFC Membership ($43/year for Ontario residents, $27 for juniors) may be purchased from the CFC (www.chess.ca) or from tournament directors.

Guests: Are welcome anytime and are encouraged to join the club. On Thursday evenings during the summer (May–August) and Monday evenings all year non-members pay a guest fee of $3 a session.

For more information:

Please contact the club president, Garland Best, (613) 256-8057 (Club Contact Information), or contact the tournament directors listed in the Club Event Schedule for details of specific events.