Gardiner Chess prides itself on running first class events which cater to a variety of abilities. Whether a child is looking to play in their first tournament outside of school, through to the top players from Australia and overseas we have an event suitable for everyone. If you are not sure whether an event may be suitable for you/your child please let us know and we will be able to assist.
The Gold Coast Open is the marquee event in Queensland and has become established as one of the elite tournaments in Australia. Gardiner Chess’ aim with the Gold Coast Open is to provide an opportunity for players of all levels to compete with Minor, Major and Premier divisions. Our Premier division goal is to help generate GM and IM Norms for aspiring players, and IA or FA Norms for aspiring arbiters.
The organising team led by Andrew FitzPatrick would love to welcome you to the Gold Coast to compete in this wonderful event, which in 2025 will run from July 10 to 14 at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre.
Gardiner Chess is excited to present the Term 3 Brisbane One Day Challenge. This one day rapid event is perfect for juniors of all ages and abilities as there will be two divisions!
The OPEN division is for all rated players and for those trying hard to get a rating. The NOVICE division will be for unrated players only and is perfect for younger or newer players wanting to try a weekend tournament for the first time.
Other Tournament details are:
Come along and give this event a go and have a heap of fun! Parents can hang around.
Gardiner Chess is excited to present the Term 3 Gold Coast One Day Challenge. This one day rapid event is perfect for juniors of all ages and abilities as there will be two divisions!
The OPEN division is for all rated players and for those trying hard to get a rating. The NOVICE division will be for unrated players only and is perfect for younger or newer players wanting to try a weekend tournament for the first time.
Other Tournament details are:
Come along and give this event a go and have a heap of fun! Parents can hang around and enjoy some sunshine in the outside area or head across the road to the cafe and other eateries!
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
Schedule
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
Junior Prizes
Team Prizes (Open)
Team Prizes (Junior)
For any questions, bye requests (1/2pt byes available in rounds 1-4), please email [email protected].
Students will be able to learn new strategies, play over famous games of chess, take on challenging puzzles, and play tournament games.
Coaching will be available to all levels from beginner through to tournament player.
Students should bring their lunch and snacks, water bottle and a HAT!
When
Monday 22nd September — Wednesday 24th September, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Where
Citipointe Christian College, Senior Library
Cost
$70 per child per day, $130 for two days, or $180 for all three days.
$10 late fee on the day
Thursday is Tournament Day!
Brisbane South Spring Cup
When
Thursday 25th September 2025
(same venue)
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Cost
$45 per player. No Entries on the day.
A tournament open to students of all ages and abilities. There will be multiple prize categories on the day to ensure everyone has an opportunity to win a prize. The tournament will be submitted for QJ rating.
Players should bring water bottle, lunch, snacks and a hat.
When
Thursday 25th September, 2025
10:00am – 4:00pm (Rego from 9.30am)
Where
Senior Library Classrooms
Citipointe Christian College
Cost
$45 per player. No entries on the day
Students will be able to learn new strategies, play over famous games of chess, take on challenging puzzles, and play tournament games.
Coaching will be available to all levels from beginner through to tournament player.
Students should bring their lunch and snacks, water bottle and a HAT!
When
Monday 29th September — Wednesday 1st October, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Where
Somerset College, Galus Classrooms Upstairs
Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba
Cost
$70 per child per day, $130 for two days, or $180 for all three days.
$10 late fee on the day
Thursday is Tournament Day!
Gold Coast Spring Cup
When
Thursday 2nd October 2025
(same venue)
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Cost
$45 per player. No Entries on the day.
Find all of the relevant event policies here, including our photography policies, supervision policy, etc.
Check out all the results from previous events. We will have events from this year and last year available, whilst we have archives off-site for other results if required.
Event Name:
Registration for individuals is via our iClassPro app, and is only available on selected tournaments.
For all questions please contact our Events team on [email protected]
Please Note: This form is for School Teachers and Coordinators ONLY. Individual registration links are available for schools where there is no chess coordinator or official school entries. Please email [email protected] for further information.
Step One: Download the spreadsheet below and complete all details. For all questions please contact our events team on [email protected]
Step Two: Complete the form below and upload the spreadsheet.