Gardiner Chess run holiday programs in two locations: Brisbane and Gold Coast. Programs run from 8.30am through to 4.00pm and consists of 3-4 lessons each day where new concepts are learnt, plus tournament games and a chance to get fresh air!
Our holiday programs are a lot of fun, and a great way for kids to learn more about chess in a relaxed and engaging setting.
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.
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 and 30th September, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Where
Brisbane Boys College, Toowong
Middle School Precinct, access from Moggil Road
Cost
$70 per child per day or $130 for two days.
$10 late fee on the day
Wednesday is Tournament Day!
Brisbane Winter Cup
When
Wednesday 1st October 2025
(same venue)
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Cost
$45 per player. No Entries on the day.
The Cup days provide a great opportunity for students to put into practice what they have been learning at the holiday programs, or for new student to come along and just enjoy a tournament experience!
Students will play a minimum of 7 rounds across the day. Students should bring lunch, snacks, a water bottle and a hat for the day.
When
Wednesday 1st October, 2025
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Where
Brisbane Boys College, Toowong
Middle School Precinct, access from Moggil Road
Cost
$45 per child. No entries on the day.
Gardiner Chess currently runs several junior clubs in South-East Queensland.
The Brisbane Northside club runs from 6.00pm to 8.00pm every Tuesday night during term time at Nudgee College on Sandgate Road. Each night consists of students enjoying a combination of coaching sessions and playing time. The club also has different tournaments from time to time including their ACF rated club championship.
We have also added an extension group for Brisbane South on Thursday afternoons at Wishart State School from 4.15pm to 5.30pm headed up by FM Dusan Stojic! We will be running two groups with the aim of extending students with further coaching so this group is invite only. If you are interested, please contact us via [email protected].
On the Gold Coast we currently run a club out of our office on Mondays. This is invite only and runs from 4.15pm to 5.30pm. Please contact us if you are interested at all.
External clubs are a great way for students to meet new friends and be challenged by stronger players from different schools.
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.