The Richmond Chess Initiative was set up in 1993 to:

Support and develop chess at all levels in the borough, particularly among the young.

Develop chess excellence in the Borough

Work towards setting up a chess centre in the longer term

Help demonstrate the social and educational values of chess to the individual and the community

Oversee, organise or provide chess tournaments, leagues, coaching, advice and equipment

To date the RCI has run seven Annual Schools Tournaments, two International Tournaments, and assisted the running of a range of other tournaments

The RCI steering group includes representatives from the local chess community, the local Council, and others committed to developing chess in the Borough.

RCI Steering Group Members (October 1999):

Cllr Anne Summers (Chairman)
Leslie Cavendish (Schools Liaison Consultant)
Sally Dimbleby (Circulation and Promotion Manager, Dimbleby Newspaper Group)
Stanley Grundy (Stanley Grundy Foundation): Founder Patron
Richard James (Director, Richmond Junior Chess Club): Chess Programme Manager
Stephen Mooring (Chairman, Richmond Junior Chess Club)
John Wright (Head of Leisure Services, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames)

Chess Patrons:

Dr Vincent Cable MP
Bamber Gascoigne
Dr Jenny Tonge MP

If your school would like any advice on setting up or running a chess club please let us know.

We can supply free chess equipment for schools, advice, coaching materials and much else. To find out more e-mail Richard James

We also run the Richmond Schools Chess League and the annual Richmond Schools Championships.