About Our Chess Club
Players
Games
Tournaments
OUR
Community IS GROWING FAST
We recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Ajax Chess Club and what a year it has been! We quickly outgrew our first location and play at Ajax High School every Tuesday evening 6-9pm; June through Augustr at Ajax Public Library 6:30-8:30pm (55 Harwood).
Our Mission
Oe Our club has over 200 members with approximately half being juniors. There is a wide variety of skill levels from beginners to masters. Playing against similarly skilled opponents is the best way to learn. We also have many adult members who have enrolled their children as well at our club. We have members as young as 6 years old, however it really depends on the individual’s maturity level to be able to sit and play chess. We strive to balance a casual fun atmosphere as well as an environment for playing some serious chess..
For the purpose of our informal tournament play, we group our players into one of four categories.
Beginner – New to the game, young or old. You’ll play others of the same skill level and understanding, often in matches overseen by our volunteer teachers.
Novice – Players who know the moves and can have fun learning the disciplines and patterns of good play. These players are learning fast and will soon join a higher division.
Intermediate – Intermediate players may be new or life-long chess players. They have great skills but probably wouldn’t consider themselves masters. These games are fun, challenging with moves that get replayed in the player’s mind long after the game is done.
Advanced – our club’s highest level, advanced players have tremendous skill and are up for a challenging game. Young or old our top-flight players are serious participants and provide a great game for the spectator.
Our Story
We’re back
The Ajax Chess Club was revitalized in 2023, by enthusiasts David Ho and Ralph Streich, joined by a growing team of volunteers. They weren’t sure what to expect but the they thought they’d give it a try.
Play started at the library
The club started play at the Ajax Public Library. Soon one room became two and it quickly became obvious there were just too many players for the library setting. That’s how the club came to play at the current location, the cafeteria at Ajax High School. From June through August, play moves to Ajax Public Library 6:30-8:30pm.
The largest chess club in the Durham Region
We’d like to think the surge and interest is because of the good looks and charm of our players – but more likely it’s the work of teachers, parents and family members bringing popularity back to the game. It’s a friendly club, with players of all ages matched against each other. Mini-tournament play is done in four skill levels, and we have special events too – like chess in the park or even grandmaster visits.
Sky is the limit
Bottom line, Tuesday nights at Ajax High School, 6:00 – 9:00pm (Juine through August 6:30 yo 9:30 at Ajax Public Library) are just plain fun. The club offers a chance to meet new people. |It’s a chance to take up the game or sharpen your skills. It has quickly become another Durham Region success story, building community life one move at a time.
