Weesper Schaakclub

♟️ About Weesper Schaakclub

Weesper Schaakclub (WSC) is a historic chess club based in Weesp, North Holland, Netherlands. Founded on November 7, 1923, the organization has provided organized chess in Weesp for more than a century. Today, the club welcomes juniors, adults, competitive players, and recreational chess enthusiasts from Weesp and the surrounding region. The club meets regularly at Het Lichthuis, its playing venue at Waagplein in central Weesp. Throughout the chess season, members take part in an internal classical competition, a blitz championship, cup competitions, Chess960 events, and other club activities. Moreover, WSC represents Weesp in competitions organized by the Schaakbond Groot Amsterdam (SGA). Youth chess has become an increasingly important part of the organization. For the 2026–27 season, demand grew enough for WSC to operate two separate youth training groups, each with capacity for up to 24 young players. In addition, the club fields youth teams in the SGA youth competition and combines lessons with tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, and competitive games.

🏆 Open Kampioenschap van de Stad Weesp

The best-known event organized by Weesper Schaakclub is the Open Kampioenschap van de Stad Weesp, an annual rapid chess tournament held in December. WSC has organized the championship since 1979. The tournament traditionally features seven rounds and welcomes players across a wide range of strengths. Therefore, experienced tournament players and amateur competitors can compete together in the same Swiss-system event. The competition has built a loyal following over several decades. The 45th edition in 2023 reached its maximum capacity of 80 players before the event. Meanwhile, the 47th edition took place in December 2025, with Eddy Sibbing winning the title for the third time. The club continues this long tradition with the 48e Open Kampioenschap van de Stad Weesp 2026, scheduled for December 12, 2026, at Het Lichthuis in Weesp.

🎓 Club Chess and Youth Development

Weesper Schaakclub runs chess activities on more than 40 Tuesday evenings during a typical season from September through June. Senior members compete in internal competitions, rapid and blitz events, cup tournaments, and regional team matches. At the same time, WSC places strong emphasis on introducing children to chess. Volunteer instructors provide lessons and organize internal competitions, simultaneous exhibitions, and small tournaments. Furthermore, the club cooperates with nearby chess organizations on recurring youth events. This cooperation has a particularly long history. WSC organizes youth chess meetings together with clubs such as Oosten-Toren from Diemen and Muider Schaak Kring from Muiderberg. These interclub youth events have continued for more than 40 years.

📜 History and Achievements

The origins of Weesper Schaakclub date to 1923. On October 23 of that year, local chess player Bergsma organized a simultaneous exhibition that attracted 27 players. The strong response led directly to the creation of a permanent chess association. The formal founding meeting took place on November 7, 1923, at the Handeldrijvende Middenstand building on Hoogstraat. The club finished its first season with 41 members. WSC later became involved in the early development of organized blitz chess in the Netherlands. During the 1960s, the club staged prominent speed-chess tournaments, and future Dutch chess star Jan Timman participated in one of these events while still a young player. A major milestone arrived on November 7, 2023, when the club celebrated its 100th anniversary. During the centenary celebrations, Weesper Schaakclub received the prestigious Koninklijke Erepenning – Royal Medal of Honor in recognition of its long-standing contribution to community and sporting life. More than a century after its foundation, WSC continues to combine tradition with an active program of club chess, junior development, regional competition, and tournament organization.