Hammersmith, Northampton and Muswell Hill CONGRESS

[Adam Raoof]

Three excellent weekend congresses are coming up in quick succession, offering a perfect mini‑tour of over‑the‑board chess to round out March and carry you into Easter.

## This weekend: LCL Hammersmith Congress 20 to 22 March

The London Chess League FIDE Weekender returns to the London Mindsports Centre in Hammersmith this weekend, with five FIDE and ECF-rated rounds and familiar friendly but competitive vibes. The venue is the Mindsports Centre, 21 Dalling Road, London W6 0JD – a short walk from Ravenscourt Park and Hammersmith stations, with free or low‑cost parking at various times.

Sections run across multiple rating bands, and all games are both FIDE and ECF rated, making it ideal if you want serious classical games without leaving London. You will need ECF Gold or Platinum membership (or pay a small “pay to play” surcharge) and a FIDE ID to take part.

- Full details and online entry form:
https://form.jotform.com/223566285096970
- List of entrants (updated):
https://www.jotform.com/grid/230093816998065

If you’re free this weekend and want a properly tough warm‑up before Easter, this is the one to jump into.

## Next weekend: University of Northampton FIDE Congress, 28 an 29 March

The following weekend the action moves to the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus for a 5‑round FIDE & ECF-rated weekender. Played in the modern Learning Hub on the canalside campus, Northampton offers spacious playing halls, cheap on‑site parking and easy access from much of the Midlands and beyond.

There are multiple sections – typically Under 2400, Under 1900, Under 1600 FIDE, plus an ECF Under 1400 – so you’ll be paired with players around your own level, whether you’re chasing norms or just solid competitive games. The event is fully FIDE and ECF rated, with guaranteed prizes and accommodation deals available via the university.

- Online entry form (required for registration):
https://form.jotform.com/231114495377963
- Congress details and prize structure:
https://chesscircuit.substack.com/p/nor ... esses-2026

If you fancy a change of scene from London, Northampton gives you a proper “weekend away” congress with strong fields and a relaxed campus environment.

## Easter week: Muswell Hill FIDE Congress 7 and 8 April

Over Easter week, you can round off this little circuit back in north London at the Muswell Hill FIDE Congress. This is a compact, two‑day, 4‑round FIDE‑rated event (standard play) with rounds at 10:30 and 14:00 each day, giving you serious chess without losing your entire holiday.

The congress is FIDE and ECF rated, with an entry fee around £50 and a published prize fund, plus good local food options and an easy‑to‑reach venue in the Muswell Hill/East Finchley area. As with the other events, you’ll need ECF Gold or Platinum membership and a FIDE ID to play.

- Online entry form for Muswell Hill:
https://form.jotform.com/62384663046964
- Event overview and schedule:
https://chesscircuit.substack.com/p/hal ... returns-to

Whether you pick one event or commit to the full trio, these congresses offer a great mix of strong opposition, friendly organisers and accessible venues.