Arts, music & chess · BC Chess Federation and Chess Federation of Canada

BC Youth Chess Championship and Canadian Youth Chess Championship

Rated chess tournaments for players under 18. Score 50% at a qualifier, such as the BC Youth Chess Championship, to play at the national CYCC each July.

☆ Save to my child's plan
Grades
K–Grade 12
Format
In-person, over-the-board tournaments.
Cost
Varies by tournament. Each organizer sets its own entry fee.
Official site
www.chess.ca

Key dates

  • Not confirmed yetBC Youth Chess ChampionshipUsually March (2026: March 21–22, SFU Burnaby)
  • Not confirmed yetQualifier results due to the CFCBy July 1
  • Not confirmed yetCanadian Youth Chess ChampionshipUsually July (2026: July 7–10, Ottawa)

What it is

The Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC) is Canada's largest yearly chess event, with Open and Girls sections from Under 8 to Under 18. The 2026 CYCC in Ottawa had a record 722 players, including about 60 from BC.

To play at the CYCC, a child must qualify. The main way is to play at least 3 games in a CYCC Qualifier tournament and score 50% or more.

The BC Youth Chess Championship (BCYCC) is BC's main youth event. In 2026 it was held March 21–22 at SFU Burnaby, with 206 players in sections by two-year age group and gender.

Qualifiers also run at local clubs. For example, the Richmond Chess Club held a CYCC qualifier on April 12, 2026.

A good fit if: Kids who already play chess regularly and want to try serious tournament play.

How to register

  1. Parents register directly with each tournament's organizer. It doesn't go through school.
  2. Find upcoming BC events and qualifiers in the BC Chess Federation's news and bulletins and on the Chess Federation of Canada website.
  3. After a qualifier, check that your child's name is on the CFC's CYCC Qualified Players list.

How to prepare

  • Play in a few local rated tournaments first, so your child gets used to clocks, notation and long games.
  • Players must be under 18 on December 31 of the championship year.

For grade-by-grade options see Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

How does my child qualify for the Canadian Youth Chess Championship?

Play at least 3 games in a CYCC Qualifier tournament and score 50% or more. Then check the CFC's qualified players list.

When is the BC Youth Chess Championship?

It's usually held in March. In 2026 it was March 21–22 at SFU's Burnaby campus. The 2027 date hasn't been announced.

What is the youngest age group at the CYCC?

Under 8. There are Open and Girls sections in each age group up to Under 18.

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.