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.
Drop-in Play
Open to everyone! No membership required.
Runs until Thursday June 14, 2026
Drop-in play is available for both the Thursday and Sunday Chess Club sessions below:
Drop-in Fees: $5 + $0.48 FRF* = $5.48 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
Runs until Thursday June 14, 2026
Drop-in play is available for both the Thursday and Sunday Chess Club sessions below:
- Competitive Tournament Play - Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
This drop-in is for more experienced players looking for serious, rated competition. Held Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, each player has 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move. These games are long and strategic — ideal for committed chess players. A 30-minute buffer allows games to be finished up to 10:30pm but all games must be completed by 10:30pm.
- The Sunday Rapid - Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ideal for newer players or those looking to ease into competitive play, the Sunday Rapid tournament features 5 fast-paced games starting at 1:00 PM each Sunday (starting Sept. 7). Each game is 10 minutes per player plus 5 seconds per move. Players of all skill levels are welcome to try it out. A courtesy 30-minute buffer allows games to be finished up to 4:30pm but all games must be completed by 4:30pm.
Drop-in Fees: $5 + $0.48 FRF* = $5.48 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
Join the RA Chess Club
2025/26 Season: Thursday September 4, 2025 to Thursday June 14, 2026
Adult mEMBERSHIP
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:
Fee: $125 + $11.88 FRF* = $136.88 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
The membership includes access to the following two weekly playtimes:
- Competitive Tournament Play - Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
A courtesy 30-minute buffer allows games to be finished up to 10:30pm but all games must be completed by 10:30pm. - The Sunday Rapid - Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
A courtesy 30-minute buffer allows games to be finished up to 4:30pm but all games must be completed by 4:30pm.
Fee: $125 + $11.88 FRF* = $136.88 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
Youth mEMBERSHIP
Youth 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 Chris Fritzsche 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.
Fees: $100
Note: Persons younger than 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Fees: $100
Upcoming Tournaments
For more information please contact Halldor at [email protected] or drop by a Chess Club Meeting
Ottawa Winter Open - January 16, 17, 18, 2026
Ottawa March Open - February 27, 28, March 1, 2026
Eastern Ontario Open - June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Ottawa Winter Open - January 16, 17, 18, 2026
Ottawa March Open - February 27, 28, March 1, 2026
Eastern Ontario Open - June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Chess Club Council
Halldor Palsson |
Chair |
Jeremy Sztuka |
Secretary |
Noah Guy |
Treasurer |
Stay in shape with an annual RA Member LifeFIT Upgrade!
Members of the RA Chess Club can purchase an annual LifeFIT Membership and save over 22%!
Chess Club Member Rate (Effective February 1): $391.68 + $37.21 FRF* = $428.89 (+HST)
Buy or renew your membership through Guest Services at the East Entrance! Learn about membership benefits here!
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
Chess Club Member Rate (Effective February 1): $391.68 + $37.21 FRF* = $428.89 (+HST)
Buy or renew your membership through Guest Services at the East Entrance! Learn about membership benefits here!
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.
2025-26 Chess Play exception dates:
- There will be no meetings on the following days:
- April 5 - Easter Sunday
- May 17 - Victoria Day Weekend
- No regular Sunday play will occur during scheduled tournaments. Upcoming tournament exception dates can be found above in the Upcoming Tournaments dropdown.
