Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club (RTCC) was formed in 1958 through the merger of Richmond Chess Club and Twickenham Chess Club. While the present club dates from that merger, our chess heritage extends much further back, reflecting almost two centuries of organised chess in the Richmond and Twickenham area.
Rather than being a single uninterrupted organisation, chess in our area has evolved through successive clubs, mergers and re-foundations. Today’s RTCC is proud to continue that tradition.
A Brief Timeline
Early Chess in Richmond and Twickenham
Organised chess was being played in Richmond as early as the 1840s, with several different clubs existing during the nineteenth century. The first Twickenham Chess Club was founded in 1880, while another Richmond Chess Club was established in 1893.
Like many voluntary organisations, clubs occasionally closed, merged or restarted as membership and circumstances changed. Before the Second World War, Richmond Chess Club merged with Kew Chess Club to become Richmond & Kew Chess Club, while Twickenham Chess Club also underwent several incarnations.
For those interested in a detailed chronology of local chess clubs, see our Timeline of Chess Clubs in Richmond & Twickenham:
https://rtchessclub.com/2024/06/25/timeline-of-chess-clubs-in-richmond-twickenham/
Rebuilding after World War II
Following the Second World War, organised chess in the area was rebuilt.
One of the driving forces behind this revival was John Edward “Jack” Redon, who helped establish the Georgian Chess Club in Richmond during 1945. The Georgian Club later became Richmond Chess Club, laying the foundations for the modern club that exists today.
Richard James has researched Jack Redon’s remarkable contribution in detail in his Minor Pieces article:
https://minorpieces.uk/2025/05/07/minor-pieces-78-john-edward-jack-redon/
At around the same time, Twickenham Chess Club was also re-established, restoring organised competitive chess across both communities.
The Formation of RTCC
In 1958, Richmond Chess Club and Twickenham Chess Club merged to create Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club.
Since then, RTCC has become one of London’s strongest and longest-established chess clubs, combining competitive league chess with friendly club evenings, coaching and community activities.
Today we compete successfully in the London, Surrey and Thames Valley leagues while
welcoming players of every age and playing strength.
Richmond Junior Chess Club
An important chapter in our history began in 1975 with the creation of Richmond Junior Chess Club (RJCC) by Mike Fox and Richard James.
RJCC originally operated as part of RTCC before becoming financially independent during the mid-1980s. Although the organisations now operate separately, they have remained closely connected ever since. Many junior players have progressed into RTCC, while numerous RTCC members have supported junior chess over the years.
The story of Richmond Junior Chess Club and its relationship with RTCC can be found here:
https://chesswithrichard.uk/rjcc-history/
Researching Our Chess Heritage
The history of chess in Richmond and Twickenham has been extensively researched by
Richard James, whose work documents not only local clubs but also many of the players and
organisers who helped shape English chess.
His Minor Pieces archive contains hundreds of articles covering forgotten figures, tournaments and clubs, many with direct connections to Richmond and Twickenham:
We are grateful for the work of local chess historians whose research has helped preserve the
story of chess in our community for future generations.
Further Reading
● Jack Redon – Minor Pieces #78: https://minorpieces.uk/2025/05/07/minor-pieces-78-john-edward-jack-redon/
● Richmond Junior Chess Club History: https://chesswithrichard.uk/rjcc-history/
● Minor Pieces Archive: https://minorpieces.uk/index/