# Belper Chess Club | Derbyshire > One of Derbyshire's largest chess clubs, offering both social and competitive chess! ## Posts - [James Tiltson Wins the Belper Chess Club Championship 2025/26](https://belperchess.club/news/james-tiltson-wins-the-belper-chess-club-championship-2025-26/): Belper Chess Club has a new name on its honours board: James Tiltson, who claimed the 2025/26 Club Championship title after a dramatic tie‑break victory. In his first year entering the competition (having joined the club midway through the 2024/25 season), James delivered a remarkable performance across the six‑round Swiss‑style tournament, finishing on 5½ points. This placed him level with John Potter, the dominant force of recent years and winner of the last four consecutive championships. With both players tied at the top, the title came down to a decisive tie‑break match. In a tense encounter, James held his nerve […] - [Club Championship Play‑Off Looms as Potter and Tilton Finish Level After Six Rounds](https://belperchess.club/news/club-championship-play-off-looms-as-potter-and-tilton-finish-level-after-six-rounds/): The 2026 Belper Chess Club Championship is set to produce one of its most dramatic finishes in recent memory. After six rounds, John Potter and James Tilton stand tied at the top of the table, each scoring an impressive five wins and a single draw (the draw coming from their head‑to‑head encounter). With no clear winner emerging from the standard swiss format, the title will now be decided by a special championship play‑off, marking the first time in many years that the club has required a tie‑breaker to settle the competition. John and James will meet again on 13th May […] - [Belper E Celebrate Promotion But Miss Out On Title After Final‑Day Drama](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-e-celebrate-promotion-but-miss-out-on-title-after-final-day-drama/): Belper Chess Club’s E team have secured a well‑deserved promotion to Division 3 after a superb campaign in the Derbyshire Chess League — yet the Division 4 title was lost by the narrowest of margins. Going into the final round of matches, Belper E knew they had to win and they delivered emphatically. A commanding 3½–½ victory over Wirksworth Feathers ensured they finished the season on 16 points having completed 8 victories in 12 matches. With their own match completed, the team could do nothing more but wait and hope. All eyes then turned to Rolls‑Royce F’s final fixture against […] - [Belper D Crowned Division 3 Champions](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-d-crowned-division-3-champions/): Belper D sealed the Division 3 title in style tonight with a hard‑fought 2½–1½ win over Spondon A in their last game of the season. Knowing that avoiding defeat would be enough to secure the championship, the team showed real composure under pressure to deliver when it mattered most with the win taking Belper D to an unassailable 17 points at the top of the table. The victory not only confirms Belper D as champions but also earns them a well‑deserved promotion to Division 2 for the upcoming season. Their success means Belper will now have two teams, Belper C […] - [Belper C Secure Division 2 Survival](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-c-secure-division-2-survival/): Belper C’s season has been shaped by a tense, season‑long battle to avoid relegation from Division 2. Last night they faced fellow strugglers Rolls Royce D in a match that had the potential to define both teams’ campaigns. A composed 3–1 away victory finally put Belper C’s worries to rest. The two points gained guarantee their safety, with neither of the bottom two sides now able to catch them. With Belper D also enjoying success at the top of Division 3, the club can now look forward to the prospect of having two teams competing in Division 2 next season […] - [Division 1 Champions again!](https://belperchess.club/news/division-1-champions-again/): Belper Chess Club has secured the Division 1 title in the Derbyshire Chess Association league for the second year running. Their final match of the season, a 3 ½ to ½ victory over the Burton & Litchfield A Team, was enough to seal the 2025/26 championship. The Belper A Team lost only one match all season, finishing as fully deserving champions. Considering the club had gone 20 years without lifting the trophy before this recent run, this achievement is something truly special. The team’s success even caught the attention of local media, earning coverage on the Derbyshire Times and Amber Valley Info […] - [Belper Chess Club Enters Crucial End‑of‑Season Run‑In Across All Divisions](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-chess-club-enters-crucial-end-of-season-run-in-across-all-divisions/): Belper Chess Club are heading into the final weeks of the Derby & District Chess League with multiple teams locked in high‑stakes battles at both ends of their respective tables. With promotion, titles and relegation all still in play — and just two points separating many of the key positions — the closing stages promise to be some of the most dramatic in recent memory. Division 1: Belper A Go Two Points Clear in Title Race Belper A took a major step in the Division 1 title fight last night with a crucial victory over Derby B, lifting them to […] - [Analysis Night - 18th March](https://belperchess.club/event/analysis-night-18th-march/): On the 18th of March, we will be hosting another analysis night at the Chess Club in the main room. This will be an opportunity to share, analyse and learn together – all levels are welcome! - [Xmas Analysis Night, 17th December](https://belperchess.club/event/xmas-analysis-night/): Wednesday, 17th December is our pre-Christmas Analysis Night and will take on the same format as previous years: An open forum for anyone to share or ask for help with an interesting game/position. All are welcome and we normally have contributions from all levels – so please don’t be shy! - [Belper Club Championship 2025/26](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-club-championship-25-26/): The Belper Club Championship is an exclusive competition for Belper Chess Club members. Round 1 kicks off this Wednesday (1st October), with 19 players competing in a six‑round Swiss tournament across the 2025/26 season. The format ensures plenty of excitement, as each round pairs players on similar scores, keeping the matches close and competitive. With a mix of experienced regulars and ambitious newcomers, it’s set to be an interesting year! Late to the party? Although the first round draw has already taken place, late entries are being allow up until the draw for round 2 (which will happen towards the […] - [Boards Ready, Clocks Set!](https://belperchess.club/news/boards-ready-clocks-set/): …Go! The Derbyshire Chess Association 2025/26 league season is now underway! Our first fixture will be an all-Belper showdown on Wednesday 24th September with our E vs F teams going head-to-head in Division 4. Meanwhile, the reigning Division 1 champions, Belper A, will begin the defence of their title in early October, aiming to replicate last year’s outstanding form! Good luck to all our teams for the upcoming season and remember you can view all of our fixtures, results and league table positions here on our website: League Fixtures League Results League Tables - [Training Sessions Update - 3rd September](https://belperchess.club/event/training-sessions-update-3rd-september/): Unfortunately John Potter will not be available on Wednesday 3rd September to run a training session. However, the club will be open as usual if you want to come down and play! Training sessions with John are still planned for the 10th and 17th of September. - [Extra training session this Thursday, 19th June!](https://belperchess.club/event/extra-training-session-this-thursday-19th-june/): In addition to our normal club night on Wednesday, John Potter will be running a ‘Visualisation and Calculation’ training session from 8pm on Thursday 19th June at the Old Kings Head. If you are coming along, don’t forget to bring a pen! - [We've Relaunched Our YouTube Channel!](https://belperchess.club/news/youtube-channel-relaunched/): Our Belper Chess Club YouTube Channel has just been relaunched! This is now a publicly available educational resource for anyone inside or outside the chess club. The content focuses on chess endgames and covers some of the areas from our previous summer training sessions. - [Additional Training Date: Thursday 5th June](https://belperchess.club/event/addition-training-date-thursday-5th-june/): John Potter will be hosting an additional club training session this coming Thursday 5th June at the Kings Head, Belper. Remember to bring a pen with you if you are coming along!Note: The club will also continue to hold a normal club night on Wednesday 4th June. - [Summer Training Dates Announced!](https://belperchess.club/event/summer-training-dates-announced/): We have now scheduled seven Wednesday club training sessions across the summer: John Potter will being leading the training with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Visualisation and Calculation’. Up to four additional Thursdays may be announced depending on interest and venue availability. - [Derbyshire Chess Champion 2025](https://belperchess.club/news/derbyshire-chess-champion-2025/): Congratulations to Belper Chess Club’s John Potter who has won the County Individual 2024/25 Championship, claiming the title of Derbyshire Chess Champion for the second year running!  John set the bar high with an excellent score of 6/7 across the year – well done John! - [Summer Training 2025](https://belperchess.club/event/summer-analysis-2025/): Starting on Wednesday 28th May, our club’s annual programme of training will kick off.  This year’s theme will be “visualisation and calculation” with John Potter (2190 ECF) leading a number of sessions over the coming weeks! - [No Club Night Wednesday 21st May 2025](https://belperchess.club/news/no-club-night-wednesday-21st-may-2025/): Unfortunately, our club night is cancelled as the rooms in the Old Kings Head are in use for another purpose. Everything is back to normal the following week! - [Belper A Team wins top division!](https://belperchess.club/news/belper-a-team-wins-top-division/): Congratulations to the Belper A Team who have secured the division 1 trophy for the first time in 30 years and for only the second time in the clubs history – a fantastic achievement! ## Pages - [History](https://belperchess.club/history/): A Brief History of the Belper Chess Club (1975–2025) Early Mentions of Belper Chess There are newspaper articles indicating that a Belper Chess Club existed around the turn of the 20th Century, playing matches between teams from Derby at venue called the Century Café (location unknown). These details were discovered by founding member Norman Parkin whilst researching his heritage via Derbyshire newspapers. Origins of the Current Club The Chess Club we now have arose from two sources. First in the winter of 74/75 a chess tournament was organised by the then management of the Belper Sports Centre – Most probably […] - [League Tables](https://belperchess.club/league-tables/): League Tables Here you can see how the Belper Chess Club teams are performing in the Derbyshire Chess Association League Tables.  You can also view our: upcoming fixtures latest results Note: These league tables are sourced from the ECF League Management System. - [Newcomers](https://belperchess.club/newcomers/): Welcoming all Whatever your level, Belper Chess Club is always open to new members! If you’re near Belper or Derby and searching for a “chess club near me”, Belper Chess Club is one of the closest and most active places to play. We’re a friendly local chess club offering weekly over‑the‑board chess every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Old Kings Head in Belper. Players of all abilities are welcome, whether you’re looking for casual games, league matches, or a place to improve your chess. Feel free to come along to a few of our Wednesday club nights (at […] - [Contact Us](https://belperchess.club/contact-us/): Contact Us Thinking about joining our club? If so, check out our information for newcomers – We’d love to see you! Get in Touch contact@belperchess.club Club Nights Every Wednesday 7:30pm to 10pmLeague match start time: 7:30pm Venue Old Kings Head, 1 Days Lane, Belper, DE56 1NP Room Location Enter the pub through the main entrance, go through the door to the right of the bar, turn left up the staircase, and follow the stairs to the top. Note: Unfortunately, there is no accessible alternative to the stairs. - [News](https://belperchess.club/news/): News & Events Belper Chess Club’s latest announcements! - [Home](https://belperchess.club/): Belper Chess Club – Welcoming all from beginner to Grandmaster! Whether you’re learning the basics, looking for casual games, or seeking competitive play, you’ll find your place here.Club nights are every Wednesday 7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Old Kings Head pub in Belper. Find out more News and Events Check out our latest club announcements. View News 2025/2026 League Results View our latest match results for the current season. Check Results Contact Information Get in touch with us or find our location. Contact Us - [League Fixtures](https://belperchess.club/league-fixtures/): League Fixtures Here you can find the upcoming fixtures for Belper Chess Club teams across all divisions of the Derbyshire Chess Association League. You can also view our: latest results league table positions Notes: These fixtures are sourced from the ECF League Management System. The league runs from late September to early May. Out of season no fixtures will be displayed. - [League Results](https://belperchess.club/league-results/): League Results Below are Belper Chess Club teams league results for the current season across all divisions of the Derbyshire Chess Association League. You can also view our: upcoming fixtures league table positions Notes: These results are sourced from the ECF League Management System. The league runs from late September to early May.  Out of season results may not be shown. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/belperchess.club/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)