Checkmate! University of Warwick to host 2026 British Chess Championships
The University of Warwick will welcome over 1,000 players from across the UK next summer as it hosts the 2026 British Chess Championships – bringing one of the country’s longest-running and most prestigious sporting events back to the region.
Taking place from 1–9 August 2026, the championships will see some of Britain’s top grandmasters, rising stars, and junior players compete across a wide range of age-group tournaments – from under-8s through to seniors. The event will be staged across venues operated by Warwick Conferences, the University’s award-winning conference and events service.
The tournament will mark the 112th edition of the British Chess Championships, a series which has run almost unbroken since 1904. Coventry last hosted the event in 2015, when Grandmaster Jonathan Hawkins took the national title and Akshaya Kalaiyalahan won the women’s championship. The city also welcomed the Championships in 1970.
Paul Bartlett, Director of Warwick Conferences, said: “We’re proud to be hosting the British Chess Championships here at the University of Warwick. Our campus combines excellent transport links, modern event spaces, and a strong track record in delivering major events – all set within a friendly and self-contained environment that works well for competitors and visitors alike.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming players from across the country to a campus that champions ambition, focus and community – qualities that align well with the game of chess.”
The University has one of the largest and most successful university chess clubs in the UK. Since 2015, the Warwick Chess Club has gone on to win the British Universities’ Championship three times.
Alex Holowczak, Director of Events for the English Chess Federation, said: “We’re delighted that the Championships will return to the University of Warwick in 2026. The event continues to grow in size and significance, and Warwick provides the facilities, experience and chess pedigree needed to support that growth. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event in Coventry.”
The 2025 Championships will take place in Liverpool, with reigning champion Gawain Jones defending his title.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
About Warwick Conferences
Warwick Conferences is dedicated to transforming the way training, events and conferences are run by providing innovative environments and excellent service. With an impressive range of 300 event and meeting spaces available within three venues, the company is very well positioned to cater to a range of client needs. Warwick’s facilities range from theatres and lecture rooms to outdoor and creative spaces to inspire visitors. Endless possibilities are available for organisers, whether it’s conferences, dinners, team building, board meetings or brainstorming sessions. For large-scale operational events, Central Campus Venues can host up to 1,200 delegates. The facilities inspire and enable delegates to flourish. This is achieved by focusing on wellbeing, enhancing the experience and creating memorable events.
22 August 2025