Women’s & Girls’ FIDE / ECF Classical Congress – February 2027
The Women’s & Girls’ FIDE / ECF Classical Congress – February 2027 will take place on February 6–7, 2027, at Pancras Square Library in King’s Cross, London, England. Organized by London Women Chess Club, this two-day event brings together women and girls of different ages and playing strengths for a welcoming weekend of competitive classical chess.
The congress features five rounds of FIDE- and ECF-rated chess, with a time control of 60 minutes plus a 15-second increment per move. Three rating-based sections provide opportunities for experienced competitors, developing players, and newcomers to classical tournament chess. Additionally, selected games will be available through live-board coverage and commentary on Chess.com.
London Women Chess Club promotes greater participation, confidence, and community among female chess players. Consequently, the congress combines meaningful rated competition with an inclusive atmosphere where participants can gain experience, meet fellow players, and develop their skills.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 6–7, 2027 |
| 📍 Location | King’s Cross, London, England |
| 🏛️ Organizer | London Women Chess Club |
| 🏨 Venue | Pancras Square Library |
| ♟️ Format | Classical chess, 5 rounds |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 60 minutes + 15 seconds per move |
| 🧩 Sections | Three rating-based sections |
| 👩 Eligibility | Women and girls |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | Yes |
| ✅ ECF Rated | Yes |
| 📝 Registration | Official ECF entry form |
| 🎥 Live Coverage | Chess.com |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The congress consists of five classical games across two days. Every player receives 60 minutes for the game, with an additional 15 seconds added after each completed move.
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Five-round classical congress |
| Time Control | 60+15 |
| Rating Systems | FIDE and ECF |
| Playing Days | Saturday and Sunday |
| Rating Sections | Three |
The event offers players an opportunity to establish or improve their ratings through competitive over-the-board chess. Moreover, the separate rating groups help create appropriate competitive environments for participants of different strengths.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The congress features three rating-based sections designed to accommodate players across a broad range of experience and ability.
The strongest section is intended for experienced competitors, while the other groups provide opportunities for developing and lower-rated players. This structure helps newcomers enjoy competitive chess without necessarily facing the strongest participants in every round.
Women and girls of all playing levels are welcome, including those preparing for their first classical tournament.
Players should review the official entry information to determine which rating section matches their eligibility.
📅 Schedule
The tournament runs from Saturday, February 6, to Sunday, February 7, 2027.
| Date | Programme |
|---|---|
| Saturday, February 6 | Tournament begins at 9:30 AM |
| Sunday, February 7 | Tournament concludes at approximately 4:45 PM |
All times are local London time (GMT).
Five rounds will take place during the weekend. Participants should follow the organizer’s final round timetable, including any instructions regarding arrival, registration, breaks, and the closing activities.
📝 Registration
Players can access the event’s entry information through the official English Chess Federation listing.
Official ECF Tournament Page:
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/event/womens-girls-fide-ecf-classical-congress-7/
Entry Form Listed by the ECF:
https://britchess.wufoo.com/cabinet/faaef638-3df0-4f79-b539-55bec1e798e1
The congress welcomes women and girls at different stages of their chess development, from first-time tournament participants to experienced rated players.
Players should check their section eligibility and any applicable FIDE or ECF membership requirements before registering. Those requiring assistance with the entry process may contact London Women Chess Club directly.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: London Women Chess Club
Contact Person: Zoya Boozorginia
Email: info@londonwomenchess.org.uk
Website: https://londonwomenchess.org.uk/
London Women Chess Club is an inclusive chess organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for women and girls to learn, play, and compete. Founded by Zoya Boozorginia, the club organizes chess activities, rated tournaments, social sessions, and other initiatives that support female participation in chess.
📍 Venue
Pancras Square Library – 5 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG, United Kingdom.
The tournament will take place at Pancras Square Library, a public library and community facility in the King’s Cross district of central London. Its location offers excellent connections to London’s underground, national rail, and international rail networks.
The library is part of Camden’s modern King’s Cross development and provides an accessible public setting for community events. In addition, the surrounding area has numerous cafés, restaurants, shops, and accommodation options within walking distance.
Participants should confirm the designated tournament room with the organizers before arriving.
Venue Information:
https://www.camden.gov.uk/pancras-square-library
🚆 How to Get There
By Train and Underground
King’s Cross St. Pancras is the most convenient station for reaching the venue. The library is only a short walk from the station complex.
The station is served by six London Underground lines: Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan. Consequently, players traveling from different parts of London can reach the venue without needing a car.
London King’s Cross also provides national rail connections, while St. Pancras International offers domestic services and Eurostar trains from continental Europe.
By Air
International participants can reach London through several airports.
| Airport | IATA | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| London City Airport | LCY | DLR and Underground |
| London Heathrow | LHR | Piccadilly line to King’s Cross |
| London Gatwick | LGW | Thameslink to St. Pancras |
| London Stansted | STN | Stansted Express and Underground |
| London Luton | LTN | Rail connection to St. Pancras |
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest major commercial airport to the venue. However, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton also offer practical public transport connections.
From Heathrow, the Piccadilly line provides a direct Underground journey to King’s Cross St. Pancras. From Gatwick and Luton Airport Parkway, Thameslink services provide convenient access to St. Pancras.
By Car
Drivers should plan their journey carefully because the tournament is located in central London, where parking can be limited and expensive.
Public transport is generally the most convenient option. In addition, drivers should check applicable London congestion and emissions charges before traveling.
ℹ️ Other Information
Live Chess Coverage
The congress is advertised with live-board broadcasts and commentary on Chess.com. This gives chess enthusiasts and supporters the opportunity to follow tournament action remotely.
Accessibility
The English Chess Federation lists the event as disability-friendly. Furthermore, Pancras Square Library provides wheelchair-accessible facilities. Players requiring specific arrangements should contact the organizer in advance.
Supporting Women in Chess
The congress forms part of London Women Chess Club’s wider efforts to make competitive chess more accessible to women and girls. Its activities encourage participation across different ages and skill levels while helping players build confidence and lasting connections within the chess community.
Alongside rated competition, the tournament offers a supportive environment for players who are returning to over-the-board chess or making the transition from casual or online play to classical tournaments.
Organizer
♟️ About London Women Chess Club
London Women Chess Club (LWCC) is a London-based chess organization dedicated to creating more opportunities for women and girls to learn, play, and compete in chess. Established in 2022, the club describes itself as the first women’s chess club in England. It operates as a non-profit Community Interest Company and welcomes players across different ages and playing strengths, from complete beginners to experienced tournament competitors.
The club combines competitive chess with a strong community focus. Members can take part in weekly social chess sessions, coaching, league matches, rated tournaments, workshops, and other chess activities. Regular meetings take place at Pancras Square Library in King’s Cross, providing an accessible central London location for the club’s growing community.
Zoya Boozorginia is the Founder and Managing Director of London Women Chess Club. After returning to competitive chess as an adult, she identified the need for a stronger community specifically supporting women in the game. She subsequently developed LWCC into an organization that combines social chess, competitive opportunities, coaching, and tournament organization. The club is volunteer-led and also works with coaches and experienced players who support its members.
🏆 Tournaments & Activities
London Women Chess Club organizes FIDE- and ECF-rated tournaments specifically designed to increase competitive opportunities for women and girls.
Its tournament programme includes the recurring Women’s & Girls’ FIDE / ECF Classical Congress. These weekend events feature classical chess in several rating sections, allowing experienced players, developing competitors, juniors, and newcomers to participate at an appropriate level.
The club also organizes rapid chess events and other competitive activities. Selected tournaments include live-board coverage and online commentary, giving the events additional visibility beyond the playing venue.
Alongside tournaments, LWCC runs a Weekly Women’s Social Chess session every Sunday. These gatherings welcome beginners, returning players, and experienced competitors for casual games, analysis, learning, and social interaction.
Members can also represent the club in competitive league chess. Regular league matches provide another pathway from informal club chess into structured over-the-board competition.
🌟 Development of Women’s Chess
London Women Chess Club was created in response to the relatively low representation of women in traditional chess clubs and tournaments. Its programme aims to make the transition into organized chess easier and more welcoming.
Beginners can learn the game in an informal environment, while stronger players can access coaching, league competition, and nationally and internationally rated tournaments. This structure allows members to develop gradually while remaining part of the same chess community.
The club has been recognized by the English Chess Federation for its contribution to women’s chess. It has also received support from organizations including the ECF, ECF Grassroots, and the Francis Crick Institute.
Through tournaments, weekly sessions, coaching, mentoring, and community activities, London Women Chess Club continues to expand competitive and social opportunities for women and girls in London.
📜 History & Achievements
London Women Chess Club has been active since 2022 and has grown from a community of women meeting to play chess into an established London chess organization.
One of its important achievements has been the development of a regular programme of dedicated women’s tournaments. Its FIDE- and ECF-rated competitions give players opportunities to obtain and improve official ratings while competing in an environment focused on female participation.
The organization has also expanded into league chess and recurring classical and rapid tournaments. Its continued growth reflects increasing demand for accessible competitive chess opportunities for women and girls.
LWCC describes itself as an ECF award-winning community and continues to develop partnerships that support free sessions, tournaments, coaching, and wider participation in chess.
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