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EnglishWhat is Norths Chess Club?
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Norths Chess Club is a chess club based in North Sydney, Australia, that has been operating since 1908, when it was established as Chatswood Chess Club. Its website, northsydneychess.org, serves as the club's public face: a place to learn about its history, read club news, and find the route to joining. If you are looking for a long-established local club to play, watch, or join, this is what the site represents.
A club with a long history
The club's own account traces its origins to 1908. One of its earliest venues was the School of Arts on Victoria Avenue, Chatswood — a site now occupied by The Concourse. That detail places the club's roots firmly in the Chatswood area before its identity became associated with North Sydney.
The historical record on the site also names the club's first officeholders: H. Edmunds as the first Club Champion and C. N. Backhouse as the first President.
Notable players associated with the club
The site states that members have included many famous names in Australian chess, among them Lajos Steiner, John Purdy, Terrey Shaw and Phillip Viner. It also describes the club as having been home to star players Max Ilingworth and Anton Smirnov. For a visitor, this is the clearest signal of the club's standing in Australian chess: it is not just a local meeting place but a club with a competitive pedigree.
What the website is for
The site functions as a club information and news hub rather than an online playing platform. From the homepage content, its main purposes are:
- Explaining the club — its history, venue heritage, and notable members.
- Recruiting members — a prominent "CLICK HERE TO JOIN US" link and a "come play!!!" invitation point visitors toward membership.
- Publishing news and events — the Latest News section lists upcoming activities.
Examples of news items listed
| Date | Item |
|---|---|
| Mon, 6 Apr 2026 | GM Mitrabha Guha Simul — a special night of chess with a Grandmaster |
| Sun, 22 Mar 2026 | Junior Coaching & Tournament — Sunday, 19th April at Norths Club (Auditorium) |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 | An Evening with GM Viswanathan "Vishy" Anand — Monday 23rd February, 7.30pm start |
These listings show the kind of activity the club runs: simultaneous exhibitions with titled players, junior coaching and tournaments, and special evenings with visiting grandmasters.
Who the site is for
- Prospective members who want to know what the club is and how to join — the join link is the direct route.
- Players looking for events — the news section is where upcoming simuls, coaching and tournaments are announced.
- Anyone interested in Australian chess history — the club's account of its founders, early venue and famous members is the main draw.
Practical points to check before you go
The site content summarised here confirms the club's history, notable members, joining invitation and recent news, but it does not state meeting times, membership fees, or the club's current regular venue. Before attending or joining, use the join link or the news items to confirm the details of the specific event or membership step you are interested in.