WELCOME
On behalf of the team at Chess Power I want to wish you a very warm welcome to the Chess Power Onsite Champions Trophy 2026 Chess Championship.
The Chess Power Onsite Champions Trophy is a chance for players to test themselves against strong opponents from across the country. Each game calls for careful thought, confidence and composure—and every player here has earned the opportunity to compete at this level.
We hope the tournament brings close games, new friendships and moments players can feel proud of, whatever the results. Thank you to the families, coaches and supporters who have helped these young chess players reach the event. We’re delighted to welcome everyone to the Champions Trophy.
Use the links below to access the online Champions Trophy event and other events in the Chess Power Nationals program.
Onsite Teams Nationals Finals 2026
JM Kaeden Govender
Overall Open Division Champion
To all the parents, teachers and supporters, thank you for encouraging your tamariki and helping them reach the Chess Power Onsite Champions Trophy. This year, we’re expecting 929 players across our Nationals programme, and we’re pleased to welcome the 191 Champions Trophy players to the onsite event. We appreciate your support and will do our best to make the tournament a positive and memorable experience for everyone.
DATE
Southwell School
200 Peachgrove Road,
Claudelands,
HAMILTON
Use this Google Map link for directions.
Note that all divisions for the onsite Teams Nationals on the previous day, Saturday, will also be held at Southwell School in the same space. A separate welcome letter will be sent to all registered players for the Team Nationals and a link to this letter is at the beginning of this page.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING
Hamilton Airport to Southwell School directions
If you are doing a road trip...
Use this map if you are travelling from the North to Southwell School
Or use this map if you are travelling from the South to Southwell School
PARKING
Entry to the venue is off Peachgrove Road. There is parking in the school carpark. For this event, you can park in both visitor and staff carparks.
Additional parking is available on Peachgrove Road, Bailey Avenue, Daisy Street, Pearsons Avenue, Enderley Avenue and East Street.
View our Team Nationals facilities map for access, parking and venue areas.
The opening welcome and tournament announcements will be held in the Performing Arts Centre. All teams should check-in in the atrium of the Performing Arts Centre. On completion of the opening announcements, all players participating in the senior division will move to the Gym.
Once all rounds are finished, all players will proceed to the Auditorium (within the Performing Arts Centre building) for the prize giving ceremony.
Refer to the Team Nationals facilities map for an overview of the school and layout of the school buildings.
The event runs from 9am to 5:30pm. Check-in will be available from 8am. We recommend you aim to arrive at the venue by 8:15am to enjoy a stress-free arrival.
8.00am Guests arrival start9.00am All guests should have arrived
9.30am Opening Announcements10.00am Start Round 110.35am Start Round 211.00am MORNING TEA BREAK11.20am Start Round 311.55am Start Round 412.30pm Start Round 51.00pm LUNCH BREAK1.30pm Start Round 62.05pm Start Round 72.30pm AFTERNOON TEA BREAK2.50pm Start Round 83.25pm Start Round 94.15pm Fun Activity!4.30pm Prize Giving5.30pm Tournament Close and Farewell
HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
It is important all participants and supporters are safe. You should be familiar with the health and safety policies and procedures to keep everybody safe and in case of an emergency such as a fire or lockdown situation.
WHAT TO EXPECT AND TOURNAMENT RULES
Results of games for all divisions will be recorded live and are available to view in Tornelo. You can also use this link to see the other players that will be participating in your division. View our Understanding Event Results page to learn more about interpreting results.
As this is an individual event, school uniforms are not required. We recommend you come smart casual in something that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
The Coffee Guy will be onsite from 7:30 - 10:00am. View the Coffee Guy menu.
Naswa and her team from Sambal Bali will also be onsite from 10:30 - 3:00pm for some spicy lunch options. View the Sambal Bali menu.
Scott from Just Dessert Me will be onsite from 12:30 - 3pm for yummy ice-cream and dessert treats. View the Just Dessert Me menu.
Other alternative food outlets close by include McDonald's, BurgerFuel, Noodle Canteen, Mr Katsu, King Kebab and Texas Chicken all within a two minute drive.
Refreshments (tea and coffee) will also be available for all adults throughout the day.
PRIZES
Trophies and Junior Master titles
The top female player in each division will receive the Best Female Champions Trophy to take home and keep and become the female champion for their division.
If two players get the same number of points, a tie-break is used based on the individual players performance to determine the overall winner.
Medals
The top players in the following age groups (below the overall division winner) will receive a special Champions Trophy age group medal.
Junior Division
- 7 and under
- 9 and under
- 11 and under
Intermediate Division
- 11 and under
- 12 and under
- 13 and under
Senior Division
- 14 and under
- 16 and under
- 18 and under
- Merit 4 points or below
- Credit 4.5 or 5 points
- Excellence 5.5 or 6 points
- Distinction 6.5 points or more
X-Chess is Back!
We’re extremely excited to bring back X-Chess again at this year’s Nationals! X-Chess means thinking from the very first move. Whether you're new to chess or a seasoned player, X-Chess provides a unique challenge, blending strategy and skill in ways that promise to engage and surprise.
This Nationals event you will be able to see the X-Chess boxed game and engage in the X-Chess online experience in our activities centre.
The Chess Power badge system will also be running throughout the event so you can earn and collect badges. In addition, prizes will be awarded for the biggest upsets and the biggest rating gainers.
Coaching Clinic and Activities Centre
We have a great chess coach to help you improve your game throughout the event. Brain challenges will also be available and some challenges can earn badges and rewards. And yes, we will have Chess-e, the Chess robot!
Additional Activities
Jo from Sparkles & Smiles will be onsite at the activities centre to do face painting - get into the Nationals spirit with an awesome face design! You will have to get in early to not miss out.
PRODUCTS
A good selection of chess products will be available for purchase at discounted prices including chess sets, clocks, and cool stuff! You can purchase onsite at our product desk or order online at ChessCity.nz, enter the code "NATIONALS2025" and we will courier your products to you. You can pay via Credit Card or bank transfer. The offer will be available until midnight 26 October 2025.
CLOSING NOTE
I personally wish you and your team the very best for the Chess Power Champions Trophy. We hope you enjoy the challenge, embrace the experience and create memories that will last well beyond the tournament day. We are confident that you and your supporters will enjoy a rewarding and memorable celebration of chess.
Yours in Chess,
Paul Macdonald
CEO
Chess Power