Key information
Turn up on a Tuesday for a friendly game. If you want to check anything before you come, just email us.
♜ About us
We are extremely fortunate to enjoy first-class club facilities at the Parkway Community Centre in Rhos on Sea. You can relax over a friendly game in well-lit, comfortable, and spacious surroundings, with a cup of coffee or tea to hand from the well-equipped kitchen.
The centre has been refurbished since it became our home in 2016, with a lounge, coffee bar, and playing area. As it was built for the local community, it is ideal for chess players young and old.
Find us
Parkway Community Centre, Park Way (off Rhos Road), Rhos on Sea, LL28 4SD. Please show courtesy to residents by parking carefully.
Club fees
We like to keep things simple for newcomers. You can just turn up and pay per visit.
- Adults: £4 per night
- Juniors: £2 per night
Cash is preferred on the night, but bank transfers are available.
If you become a regular, there are membership options set at the AGM. See regular membership details.
Juniors policy
- Juniors are usually accompanied by a responsible adult, and there are places to wait comfortably.
- Juniors may be left unsupervised if a disclaimer is signed.
♟ Who can join?
- The club is open to all, featuring step-free access and toilet facilities that are wheelchair-accessible.
- Players of all abilities are welcome; we have or have had members ranging from beginners to Candidate Masters, Welsh Champions, and UK Junior Champions.
👋 Your first visit - what to expect
Walking into a new club for the first time can feel a bit daunting - especially if the room is quiet and games are underway. We are a friendly group and someone will help you get settled.
Step-by-step
- Arrival: Doors open at 7.00pm. This is the best time to arrive.
- Who to look for: Say hello to anyone and ask for Barrie.
- What to bring: Just yourself. We provide boards, pieces, and clocks.
- Getting a game: We will pair you up for a friendly game.
- No pressure: You can also sit with a tea or coffee and watch.
Join the club
If you fancy a game, the easiest thing is to drop in on a Tuesday. If you are not sure about anything, send a quick email first.
♛ Social - competitive chess
We offer opportunities for both social and competitive chess.
- The club enters teams in both the Chester - North Wales league and the Gwynedd League.
- Both leagues include home and away matches, with some travel.
- All teams consist of 4 players, so we usually travel together in one car.
- Prefer not to travel? You can join an internal club competition.
♜ Club history
Colwyn Bay Chess Club has a long tradition in North Wales chess. The club was founded in 1897 and has been part of the local chess community for well over a century. Over the years the club has welcomed players of all abilities, from beginners enjoying their first games to strong competitors representing the club in regional leagues.
Many generations of players have passed through the club, helping to keep chess active in the Colwyn Bay area and contributing to the wider North Wales chess scene.
Further reading
A detailed history of the club’s early years — written by a former member — is available on the Welsh Chess Union website.
Regular memberships - grading
For regular players, the AGM has set these options to help cover venue hire and equipment:
- Option A: £20 per year plus £4 per attendance (juniors £10 base + £2 per night).
- Option B: £60 per half year (due in September and February).
Paying by bank transfer
If you prefer not to use cash, you can pay directly into the club bank account. Please email whenever you deposit, explaining what it is for, and use your name as the payment reference.
Bank details: Available upon request.
Grading and membership (ECF and WCU)
Games played in league matches and in the Gwynedd individual are graded by both the English (ECF) and Welsh (WCU) organisations. These are funded by annual fees.
The WCU membership is the cheaper option at £20 (£10 first-year introductory membership). Membership is only required if you play more than 3 times in a season, but it is good to support the national associations. You can pay directly, or give the money to us and we will submit a block booking from the club.
Fancy a game?
New faces are always welcome. If you would like to pop in, Tuesday from 7.00pm is the usual night. If you want to check anything first, just email.