Chess Coaching

High quality chess coaching available for schools. Join us to access the top chess coaching group in Queensland!

Learn More

Inter-School Tournaments

Join the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships in your region! Running in terms 1-3 in a location near you!

Find out More

Fantastic Chess Products

From standard chess sets, to giant chess sets, chess books to chess clocks, we have the products you want at great prices!

Shop Now

Holiday Programs and Clubs

We run holiday programs in Brisbane and Gold Coast, and also have a weekly club for junior players on the Brisbane Northside.

More Information

What we do

Gardiner Chess

We are the market leaders for chess in Queensland, with our core business to provide chess coaching classes in schools throughout the state. The Chess Association of Queensland has awarded Gardiner Chess the contract as organisers of the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships each year, whilst we run many weekend events which cater to all ages and ability levels.

Check out our online shop for the latest chess goods, specialising in products for schools and recreational play.

About Us Contact Us

School Programs

We can organise a chess program tailored to your school's needs, ranging from extra-curricular classes, to full and half day options and incursions. In person coaching is available throughout South-East Queensland, whilst we work with regional schools via an online platform Learn More

Events & Tournaments

Renowned for running the best events in Queensland, Gardiner Chess run the Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships and many weekend events, including the marquee Gold Coast Open each year. Learn More

Clubs & Holiday Programs

Holiday programs are always hugely popular and are held in both the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions. Gardiner Chess also runs the Brisbane Northside Junior Chess Club on Tuesday evenings. Learn More

Shop Online

For all your chess needs, make sure to check out our shop! We have everything from tournament sets through to giant sets, chess clocks and books and can even help with prizes and giveaway items! Learn More

School Programs & Coaching

Gardiner Chess is the number one chess coaching organisation in Queensland. We have a variety of programs to suit your school, with options including out of hours classes, curriculum lessons and both full and half day incursions. Based on the Gold Coast since 2002, we are an established business providing quality coaching.

High quality chess lessons tailored for your schools needs.
We have Master level players and qualified teachers on staff.
In-person lessons from Gold Coast through to Sunshine Coast.
Partnership with Chesskid.com to bring more value to programs.
Ability to work with regional schools.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

With events available throughout the year, there is an option for everyone! Join 10,000+ other students in the Inter-School events each year or find a weekend event that is right for you with open events and junior only events on offer.

Sep

2025 Term 3 Brisbane Primary Logan

Redeemer Lutheran College, Multi-Purpose Court (MPC)

9:00 am - 2:30 pm

Welcome to the Term Three Inter-School event for Brisbane Primary Logan schools.

When: Tuesday, 16th September
Where: Redeemer Lutheran College, Multi-Purpose Court (MPC)
Who: All primary school students in Prep to Year 6.
Time: Registration from 8.45am, start at 9.30am. Finish approx. 2.15pm (allow to 2.30pm)
Cost: $24.00 per player, invoiced to the school post event (Includes GST)

This event will have multiple divisions. Please ensure registration is done either via the website link or by sending an excel spreadsheet to [email protected] no later than Friday 12th September!

As always, if anyone is sick, we please ask them to stay away from the event where possible.

Medals will be awarded for 1st to 3rd teams and 1st to 3rd individuals in each division, with merit ribbons to those individuals scoring 4.5/7 or higher.

Invoices will be sent to schools after the event takes place.

Please ensure that you have have read all the relevant policies and procedures below before entering the event.

Unregistered schools may have their students excluded from the first round of the tournament, at the Chief Arbiter’s discretion. Schools arriving late must contact the Gardiner Chess office at 07 5522 7221, and may also miss the first round.

Sep

2025 Term 3 New South Wales Northern Rivers Inter-School

St John's College Woodlawn

9:00 am - 2:30 pm

Welcome to the Term Three Inter-School event for New South Wales Northern Rivers schools.

When: Tuesday 16th September
Where: St John’s College Woodlawn, School Hall
Who: All primary and secondary school students in Prep to Year 12.
Time: Registration from 8.45am, start at 9.30am. Finish approx. 2.15pm (allow to 2.30pm)
Cost: $24.00 per player, invoiced to the school post event (Includes GST)

This event will have multiple divisions. Please ensure registration is done either via the website link or by sending an excel spreadsheet to [email protected] no later than Friday 12th September!

As always, if anyone is sick, we please ask them to stay away from the event where possible.

Medals will be awarded for 1st to 3rd teams and 1st to 3rd individuals in each division, with merit ribbons to those individuals scoring 4.5/7 or higher.

Invoices will be sent to schools after the event takes place.

Please ensure that you have have read all the relevant policies and procedures below before entering the event.

Sep

2025 Nell van de Graaff Classic

William Duncan SS Hall

One of Queensland’s most prestigious weekenders!

The Nell Van de Graaff Classic is held yearly to celebrate Nell Van de Graaff and her passion for chess. This event is also unique in that whilst it is an individual tournament, players will also be able to compete as part of a team. Team rating averages must be under 1500 ACF in the Open and 750 QJ in the junior. Teams can be advised in advance, or we can help put you in a team on the day (Arbiters will work to make team averages as competitive as possible, however cannot guarantee all teams a realistic chance at team prizes).

Players must record their moves during their game.

Players must be members of the Chess Association of Queensland to participate.

2 Divisions!
Open Division (Open to adults and juniors).
Junior U1000 QJ (Players with a QJ rating under 1000).

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September

Where

William Duncan State School Hall

Cnr Alexander Drive and Explorers Way.

Entry Fee Structure

Early: $90, Until September 6th
Standard: $100, Until September 19th

Schedule

Round 1: Saturday 10.00am
Round 2: Saturday 1.00pm
Round 3: Saturday 4.00pm
Round 4: Sunday 9.00am
Round 5: Sunday 12.00pm
Round 6: Sunday 3.00pm
Presentations: At completion of Round 6

Please note that unless requested prior, players will be paired for Round 1. Any players not at their seats within half an hour of the games commencing will be forfeited.

Time Control

60 minutes per player + 10 seconds per move

Open Prizes

1st – $1000
2nd – $600
3rd – $400
Rating Groups (3)
- 1st – $250

Junior Prizes

1st – Trophy
2nd – Trophy
3rd – Trophy
Rating Groups (2)
- 1st – Trophy

Team Prizes (Open)

1st – $300
2nd – $200
3rd – $100

Team Prizes (Junior)

Trophies for 1st – 3rd teams

For any questions, bye requests (1/2pt byes available in rounds 1-4), please email [email protected].

View All Events

Holiday Programs

Gardiner Chess holiday programs run from 8.30am to 4.00pm on selected days during the school holidays in both Brisbane and Gold Coast. During the day, students will have the chance to undertake lessons, play tournament matches and enjoy some fresh air. Holiday programs are often followed by a tournament on the final day which is open to all players. Most importantly students will have FUN!

Learn More

Join our newsletter and save!

Save 5% on your first order when you subscibe to Gardiner Chess.

Spam Free. Unsubcribe Anytime.

Throughout the year, as the Chess Teacher at Fernvale State School, I have regular contact with the staff of GardinerChess at the QLD Inter-School Chess events they conduct. They are professional, approachable and knowledgeable. GardinerChess is our ‘go-to’ for all our Chess-related requirements.

Geoff ButlerPosition - Teacher, Fernvale SS

Firstly, chess has taught our students patience, determination, responsibility, strategic thinking and most of all, how to have fun with the game! I now have students asking to play chess at every break and I’m referring to high achieving athletes who would normally prefer a game of soccer or football on the oval. That’s simply sensational!

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

Secondly, the improvement in students’ concentration has been noted by classroom teachers. Increased engagement in the curriculum and learning opportunities means increased academic results for these students.

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

Thirdly, the ‘relative gain’ in NAPLAN (Numeracy) from Year 3 to Year 5, has been significantly higher than not only the state, but also the nation. I firmly believe the instruction and opportunities Gardiner Chess provide, has had a direct correlation to these gains.

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

The tournament was wonderful and perfectly organized for players and spectators. I can only hope NSW could hold such an event before I retire from chess.

Andriy BukreyevPosition - Competitor

The tutors are doing a fabulous job on a Wednesday morning here at Ashgrove. We have a large number of quite young students and the routines put in place, are allowing things to flow really well. The students achieve plenty in the hour they attend. The feeling in the room is so positive and we are certainly seeing interest in Chess grow. Lots of students are also doing weekend tournaments now - making friendships, gaining skills and enjoying the game of Chess.

JodyPosition - Ashgrove SS Coordinator

Chess Coaching

Inter-School Tournaments

Fantastic Chess Products

Holiday Programs and Clubs

What we do