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Become a Member
We are always welcoming new members, regardless of age or experience. Whether you're a parent, amateur player or master, you'll find loads of benefits and information on becoming a member here.
Why join?
Become Part of a Community
You can join a warm community of over 100 members. Whatever type of personality you have, you'll be welcomed and find like-minded people here. We only ask our members are kind, respectful and follow our code of conduct.
We also host social events, if that's the sort of thing you'd like to be involved in. Some of our recent events include: a family BBQ, a picnic in Greenhead Park, an annual club meal, takeaway nights, bowling trips and a 24-hour chess marathon in the Summer.
Last year, we even had a Christmas party and gifted all our Junior members a club-branded beanie hat. This was kindly funded by donations from our Adult members, showing our strong sense of community.
For safeguarding reasons, we do have some restrictions on what Junior members can get involved in.
For example, we have WhatsApp groups where we organise and coordinate events and tournaments. Juniors are not allowed to join these. Instead, we invite Parents to the groups so they always know what's going on. You can learn more about our safeguarding practices in our Parents section.
Develop Your Game
If you're here, it means you or your child wants to play and/or get better at chess. We are dedicated to helping improve our members, whatever their ability.
We frequently run training sessions and instructional talks from our higher-rated, experienced players. Adults and Juniors can take part in these at Club Nights, learning things like:
- Chess principles
- Tactics
- Puzzle solving
- How to analyse games
- End game studies
We also have WhatsApp groups where Adult members analyse chess games and discuss problems in an open forum. As we mentioned above, Juniors are not able to join these groups for safeguarding reasons. Juniors instead get to take part in our Junior Training Academy.
Equally, if you just want to play and don't want to learn, that's fine! There's no pressure to take part. Take a look at our Club Nights Calendar to see what training events we have coming up.
The club has such a warm, friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Since joining, my son has massively grown in confidence, and not just in his chess playing. It’s absolutely wonderful to watch him now walking confidently into the club, and chatting to both his junior chess friends and also the adults.
Parent of a Junior member
Play Chess Competitively
If you want to try your hand at competitive chess, MaDD Chess Club is the place for you.
Every three months, we hold a whole-day chess tournament event in the local area. Last year, we got sponsored by Speedy Hire to put on a Blitz Tournament, where more than 40 Junior and Adult members played each other for prizes and trophies. This was a lot of people's first-ever tournaments and had an incredible atmosphere.
We also host several Online Areas every year, where all members can log in on their phones or computers to play each other in online tournaments.
Lastly, our club takes part in several local chess leagues through the week. These are more competitive and we usually wait a while before inviting people to join our league teams.
I never thought that, at my age, I would be making new friends with players of all ages. The conduct, enthusiasm and sportsmanship of our juniors still leaves me in awe.
Adult member
12-Month Membership Prices
Adult (16 and over)
£40
Junior (under 16)
£20
Annual renewal date 1st September. Prices reduced by 50% if joining 1st Feb - 30th June. Membership required to play for MaDD. ECF membership not included but required for tournaments. Prices correct for 2025/26 season.
Ready to join?
If you would like to become a member, or want to sign up a new Junior, you just need to get in touch with us! Here's how you can do that:
- Email us at melthamchess@gmail.com
- Message us on Facebook
- Speak to someone at a Club Night
It's free to try! We offer a one-month free trial for Juniors and Adults so they can get a feel for the club before joining.
Joining the chess club has been a fantastic experience. I’d only ever played online before, but the club’s welcoming atmosphere, catering for all rating abilities, has been amazing. Can't sing the club's praises enough.
Adult member