Hobsons Bay Chess Club

Why Hobsons Bay Chess Club is the Right Choice Now 1. Proven Capability – Recent Success

Hobsons Bay Chess Club (HBCC) successfully hosted the 2025 Victorian Junior Chess Championship, demonstrating our organisational strength, volunteer base, and technical expertise to deliver a high-profile statewide junior event at a professional standard.

The championship attracted a record number of participants, showcasing both the growth of junior chess in Victoria and HBCC’s ability to manage large-scale events. For the first time in Victorian Junior history, demand was so high that juniors had to be placed on a waitlist. This is clear evidence of the unprecedented growth of chess in the west, and HBCC’s unique role in driving that expansion.

Our tournaments also secured sponsorship from Bacchus Marsh Grammar, introduced event merchandise such as t-shirts, and engaged local politicians to officiate. This demonstrates our capacity to deliver events that not only serve the chess community but also attract broader community and institutional support.

2. Run by Professional Event Organisers

HBCC benefits from a diverse team of professionals with experience across multiple industries:

Experienced Arbiters providing authoritative event oversight,

Senior IT professionals from federal and multinational companies applying Agile and PMBOK methodologies to planning and delivery.

This mix of skills ensures our tournaments are organised with the discipline, structure, and professionalism of major corporate projects — an approach rarely matched at the club level.

3. Geographic Expansion and Accessibility

For decades, junior chess has been concentrated in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Awarding the Junior Championship to HBCC ensures fairer statewide access, particularly for families and schools in the west who have historically been under-served.

The western corridor is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions, with a significant South Asian demographic where chess is culturally embedded and increasingly popular — amplified by Gukesh’s recent World Championship victory.

This is not merely a trend but a demographic reality. The most common surname in Australia is Singh, reflecting the South Asian community’s prominence. In South Asia, chess is a national pastime second only to cricket.

HBCC is ideally positioned to harness this momentum, bringing new families and communities into Victorian chess. The west of Melbourne is the largest untapped market — as proven by Northern Star events in Sydney attracting 600+ players.

4. Strong Junior Development Pipeline

HBCC delivers a year-round junior program that supports players at every stage:

Rookies & Mini Tournaments – stepping stones for beginners,

Weekly classical events – competitive pathways for developing players,

ACF and FIDE rated events – recognition at state, national, and international levels.

From the 2025 Victorian Juniors, HBCC players dominated the event, securing top 3 places in all age categories. This holistic program nurtures both grassroots participation and elite performance, ensuring sustainability in junior chess growth.

5. Preventing a Monopoly on Junior Tournaments

For the past 12 years, the Victorian Juniors have been organised solely by Box Hill Chess Club. While their contribution is acknowledged, continuing this arrangement risks creating a monopoly of major junior events.

Awarding the Juniors to HBCC introduces balance, fairness, and shared opportunity, ensuring a healthier and more diverse chess ecosystem across Victoria.

6. Innovation and Modernisation

HBCC is at the forefront of digital innovation in tournament management, employing online pairings, live results, and integrated platforms for families and participants. This creates transparency, global visibility, and a professional event experience. (See our website for examples.)

7. Diversity and Community Impact

HBCC is proud to serve one of Victoria’s most culturally diverse communities. By engaging with schools and multicultural groups, we create opportunities for families who may not otherwise access organised chess.

Awarding the Junior Championship to HBCC would highlight Chess Victoria’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and statewide development.

8. Volunteer and Arbiter Development

Major tournaments are essential for training the next generation of organisers and arbiters. To date, these opportunities have been concentrated at a single club.

By awarding the Juniors to HBCC, volunteers and arbiters in the west will gain vital experience, building a broader and more sustainable administrative base for Victorian chess.

9. A Stepping Stone to Larger Events

Delivering the Victorian Juniors with excellence positions HBCC to host larger tournaments in future, including subcontinental or international junior events. This would raise Victoria’s profile on the global chess stage and open new opportunities for Chess Victoria to showcase its leadership.

10. Commitment by Sponsor

Bacchus Marsh Grammar (BMG) has committed to providing a larger venue to cater for the continued expansion in player numbers.

Conclusion

While Box Hill Chess Club’s junior program is unmatched in its legacy, Hobsons Bay Chess Club represents the future of junior chess in Victoria.

We bring:

A proven record with the most recent Victorian Juniors,

A professional organising team with cross-industry expertise,

A dedicated junior pipeline producing results at every level,

A strategic location expanding opportunities in Melbourne’s west,

And a commitment to diversity, innovation, volunteer growth, and international ambition.

Awarding the Victorian Junior Championship to Hobsons Bay Chess Club will not only maintain Victoria’s tradition of excellence but also expand access, strengthen inclusion, and secure the long-term future of junior chess across the state.