Welcome to the Steinitz Chess Club
Join us in celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of chess. Discover our club’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the love of chess in our community.
see us in action
Member game of the month
Reegan Palmer delivered a controlled and confident victory in the Sicilian Moscow, neutralising early pressure, seizing the initiative with well-timed pawn breaks, and transitioning smoothly into a superior endgame. His king activity and accurate pawn play steadily expanded his advantage, while White’s pieces became increasingly restricted. The final phase showcased clean technique as Reegan converted material and positional gains into a decisive win.
- Excellent central control with …e5 and …e4 at key moments.
- Strong simplification choices leading to a favourable minor-piece endgame.
- Active king play (…Kd6–Ke5) demonstrating sound endgame technique.
- Consistent pressure that forced structural weaknesses in White’s camp.
Recent news
A massive congratulations to Steinitz Chess Club’s very own Alex Akemdien (pictured here with GM Parham Maghsoodloo), who put on a flawless performance to become the 2025 Kraaifontein U10 champion. Alex scored a perfect 6/6, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. This brilliant result is a fantastic warm-up for the upcoming Nationals, and the entire club is incredibly proud of his achievement. Well done, Alex!
- Reegan Palmer: Placed 2nd in the Championship section with 4½/5, narrowly edged out only by Matfey Rogov. A fantastic showing in a competitive field..
- Ethan Samuels: Secured 2nd place in the Open Rapid section with a strong 5/6 score, losing only to Shabier Bhawoodien. Excellent effort, Ethan! We look forward to seeing you take on Shabier again next time.
- Benjamin and Bernard Dubbeld: Both made it into the top 10 in the Open Rapid section. Outstanding performance from both Benjamin and Bernard!
- Paul Vorster: Placed just shy of the top 10 in the Championship section. Paul faced a particularly tough set of opponents in his pairings, making his solid performance all the more commendable.
Steinitz Festival
Save the date: 20-22 March 2026
- This annual festival is a highlight within the CTCF calendar.
- Fairbairn College has graciously offered to host our club’s marquee event.
- Event details and entry form will be available closer to the time.
The Top Reasons to Choose Steinitz as your Chess Club
At the Steinitz Chess Club, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. We believe in fostering a spirit of inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of background, can find a place to learn and grow. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually improve and challenge ourselves, both on and off the chessboard. We value integrity, ensuring that all our interactions are characterized by honesty and respect. Lastly, we promote community engagement, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us through the game of chess.
- A legacy of 50 years of chess excellence
- Our club has produced junior, adult and senior SA champions
- Many of our players and coaches have competed internationally
What’s Included in Your Club Membership
Our annual club membership gives you access to the following benefits:
- A social community of chess enthusiasts
- Guidance from some of the most experienced chess coaches in the country
- The ability to play in the annual Cape Town club league
What people Are Saying About Steinitz Chess Club
We are proud of our achievements and the people who have supported us.
…Steinitz Chess Club - the most successful chess club in South Africa.
Dr Lyndon Bouah
Chief Director for Sport and Recreation - Western Cape
In essence, the Steinitz Chess Club exemplifies chess excellence and inclusivity.
Shaheed Tobias
Cape Town Chess Federation Technical Portfolio
…Steinitz chess club undoubtedly the most professional club in the country…
Reuben Salimu
Former Chess Development Officer - Western Cape