Chess at the RA
Ottawa’s RA Chess Club is one of the oldest, largest and most active clubs in Canada. Every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon from September through the end of June, members meet for both competitive and recreational play. The Club also hosts simultaneous exhibitions and lectures by some of the world’s best players as well as many weekend regional tournaments attracting top players from outside the region.
Chess Holiday Schedule
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The Sunday Rapid - Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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Competitive Tournament Play - Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
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JOIN THE CLUB!
2024/25 Season: Thursday September 5, 2024 to Thursday June 12, 2025
2024/25 Season: Thursday September 5, 2024 to Thursday June 12, 2025
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Membership Options
The RA Chess Club membership is a 10-month membership which starts in September and runs through the end of June. The membership includes access to the following two weekly playtimes:
Chess Club exception dates:
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Membership Fees
MEMBERSHIP FEES: ADULTS Fee (until December 31, 2024) (plus hst): $125 ADULTS Fee (effective January 2025) (plus hst): $125 + $9.38 Facility Renewal Fee* = Total Cost: $134.38 *A 7.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied. Read more about the Facility Renewal Fee here. JUNIORS: (ages 13 to 17): $100 (+ tax) Please register in person at the Guest Services Desk, located near the east entrance of the RA Centre. Debit and credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) accepted. No cash. or by telephone: 613-733-5100 ext 360. Only credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are accepted by phone. Please have your credit card ready when you call. If staff are busy serving a client, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon possible. |
Juniors
Juniors, ages 13 to 17, are welcome to participate year-round on Thursday evenings for tournament play and Sunday for casual play. Those wishing to participate must be knowledgeable chess players as determined by the Club Chair. The Club Chair may also waive the age requirement for exceptionally talented youngsters (less than 13 years of age who demonstrate chess ability and social maturity). Please contact Melody Rochon at [email protected] to make arrangements for an assessment. Note: Persons younger than 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
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Upcoming Tournaments
2024-25 Tournaments Winter Open - January 17, 18, 19, 2025 March Open - February 28, March 1, 2, 2025 Eastern Ontario Open - June 13, 14, 15, 2025 For more information, please contact Halldor at [email protected] or drop by during a chess club meeting. |
Chess Club Council - 2023-2024
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Chess Programs
Learn to Play Chess - Youth - Ages 6 to 14 years
The Learn to Play Chess – Youth program is crafted to immerse young players in the captivating world of chess. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will master the fundamentals of the game, including piece movements, basic strategies, and essential tactics. Our dynamic sessions are designed to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills while nurturing a passion for chess. Each class features interactive lessons and practice games, ensuring that every student builds a strong foundation and has an enjoyable learning experience.
- SUNDAYS | 9:30 - 11:30am | 8 Weeks
October 20 to December 8, 2024
Program Barcode: 300338
Fee: $180
Chess - Mastering Tactics & Strategy - Ages 8+ - New this winter
Intermediate to Advanced Chess Program: Mastering Tactics and Strategy. This program, open to individuals 8yrs and older, bridges the gap between casual and competitive play. Participants will build on their foundational knowledge to master intermediate and advanced tactics, endgame strategies, and tournament preparation. Through interactive lessons, practical exercises, and game analysis, players will gain the confidence to excel in professional chess environments. Please Note: this program runs twice a week Wednesday and Sundays.
- SUNDAYS, 10:00am-12:0pm & WEDNESDAYS, 6:00pm-8:00pm
January 26 to April 27, 2025
Fee: $540
Register with Program Barcode: 362786
Meet the Instructor - Athithya Jayaraman
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Athithya Jayaraman’s chess journey started at the age of 9, quickly igniting a profound and enduring passion for the game. With more than 3 years of coaching experience, Athithya has been able to help numerous budding players improve their skills and gain a deeper appreciation for chess. Athithya is an international chess player rated 1600+ in all formats by FIDE and has the same rating in the Canadian Chess Federation. He recently emerged first place in the U1600 category of the Eastern Ontario Chess Tournament, reflecting his competitive skill. Furthermore, Athithya is an Arena International Master which is given by FIDE Online Arena for Online chess and has a sustained 2000+ rating across all formats at Chess.com and Lichess. He brings forward a lot of experiences and accomplishments attained at this high level that prove extremely beneficial to aspiring chess players.
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Athithya Jayaraman Chess Instructor |
Drop-in Play
Open to everyone - No membership required
Drop-in play is available for both the Thursday and Sunday Chess Club sessions below:
Drop-in play is available for both the Thursday and Sunday Chess Club sessions below:
- Competitive Tournament Play - Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
- The Sunday Rapid - Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Drop-in Fees
DROP-IN FEE (until December 31, 2024): $5.00 /session (includes hst)
DROP-IN FEE (effective January 2025) (includes hst): $5 + $0.38 Facility Renewal Fee* = Total Cost: $5.38
*A 7.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied. Read more about the Facility Renewal Fee here.
Drop-in fees can be paid at the Guest Services desk in the East Wing.
Please present your receipt to the chair before the beginning of the play.
DROP-IN FEE (effective January 2025) (includes hst): $5 + $0.38 Facility Renewal Fee* = Total Cost: $5.38
*A 7.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied. Read more about the Facility Renewal Fee here.
Drop-in fees can be paid at the Guest Services desk in the East Wing.
Please present your receipt to the chair before the beginning of the play.
