The RA Chess Club is the place to play in Ottawa and is one of the largest and most active chess clubs in Canada.

Events

The Club schedules about 95 sessions at the RA Centre  throughout the season (September – August). On Thursday evenings, 7:00 p.m. – midnight (games start at 7:30, in the Outaouais Room) the Club holds a series of rated tournaments, most with regular time controls. The Club is also open on Sunday afternoons,  1–4 p.m. (usually in Outaouais Room, sometimes elsewhere, check at Info Desk) from September to May.  Sundays feature speed chess and “active” chess. Members who choose not to play in a scheduled event may play casual chess at any time.

Membership & Guests

Membership: Open to any member of the RA Centre who is age 14 or older and, at the Club’s discretion, persons younger than 14 who demonstrate chess ability and social maturity. [N.B. Persons younger than 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.] Memberships in the RA and the RA Chess Club may be purchased seven days a week at the RA Centre’s Main Desk (613-733-5100), located near the East Wing entrance. Annual fees are $46 for the RA Centre (ask about discount rates for Federal Government employees), plus $52 ($32 for juniors) for the RA Chess Club. Guests: Are welcome anytime and are encouraged to join the Club. On Thursday evenings non-members pay a guest fee of $4 a session.

CHESS FEDERATION OF CANADA (CFC) MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED TO PLAY RATED GAMES.

Almost all Thursday night events are rated by the CFC, so players also pay the CFC’s $3 rating fee for each rated tournament. CFC Membership ($48/year for Ontario residents, $30 for juniors) may be purchased from the CFC or from tournament directors on Thursday nights.