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.
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 30th June — Wednesday 2nd July, 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 Winter Cup
When
Thursday 3rd July 2025
(same venue)
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Cost
$45 per player. No Entries on the day.
Gardiner Chess is proud to be able to present the 2025 Queensland Junior Chess Championships. This prestigious event brings together the top junior players in Queensland to battle it out across 8 rounds of competition to see who will be crowned the State Champion.
| Prize Money | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Best Girl |
| Under 18 | $600 | $300 | $250 | $250 |
| Under 16 | $300 | $150 | $100 | |
| Under 14 | $300 | $150 | $100 | |
| Under 12 | $200 | $150 | $100 | $100 |
| Under 10 | $150 | $100 | $75 | $75 |
| Under 8 | $150 | $100 | $75 | $75 |
| Schedule | Tuesday 1st | Wednesday 2nd | Thursday 3rd | Friday 4th |
| U18 R 1/3/5/7 | 9.30am | 9.30am | 9.30am | 9.00am |
| U18 R 2/4/6/8 | 2.30pm | 2.30pm | 2.30pm | 2.00pm |
| U12 Start | 9.30am (R1-4) | 9.00am (R5-8) | ||
| U12 Finish (approx.) | 6.00pm | 5.30pm | ||
| U10 Start | 9.30am (R1-8) | |||
| U10 Finish (approx.) | 6.00pm | |||
| U8 Start | 9.30am (R1-8) | |||
| U8 Finish (approx.) | 4.30pm |
It is a requirement of entry that all players are CAQ financial members. Please see here to join / check your membership.
Other Information:
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
Thursday 3rd July 2025
Times
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Where
Somerset College, Gallus Classrooms Upstairs
Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba
Time Control:
15 minutes + 3 seconds per move.
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 7th July — Tuesday 8th July, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Where
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Aquatic Centre – Top Floor Classrooms
Cost
$70 per child per day, $130 for two days.
$10 late fee on the day
Wednesday is Tournament Day!
Sunshine Coast Winter Cup
When
Wednesday 9th July 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 7th July to Wednesday 9th July, 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
Thursday is Tournament Day!
Brisbane Winter Cup
When
Thursday 10th July 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 9th July, 2025
Times
Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm
Where
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Aquatic Centre – Top Floor Classrooms
Time Control:
15 minutes + 3 seconds per move.
Cost
$45 per player.
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.