2026 NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Register- Report 1 - About the Championships

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FM Smith,Adani Clarke, KC Wilkinson sweep 2026 National Chess Championships

 

 

(from left)
FI, IO Ian Wilkinson - WINNER Seniors National Champion
WFM Adani Clarke - Winner Womens National Champion
FM Shreyas Smith - Winner Absolute National Champion

The 2026 Champions

  • Absolute Champion: FM Shreyas Smith Smith secured his 7th national title (and his third consecutive win since 2024), bringing him into a tie with the legendary Shane Matthews for the second-most national titles in Jamaican history.

  • Women's Champion: WFM Adani Clarke Clarke captured her 2nd national title, following an impressive performance where she entered as the top-seeded female player in the country.

 

Final Standings & Performance Highlights

The championships, held in Kingston, featured a "round-robin" format for the top 12 players in the Absolute section and a competitive field in the Women's section.

Rank Absolute Section (Top Finishers) Women's Section (Top Finishers)
1st FM Shreyas Smith WFM Adani Clarke
2nd FM Raheem Glaves WCM Kaia Gayle
3rd FM Jaden Shaw WCM Gabriella Watson

 

Ian Wilkinson Captures Third National Senior Title

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – In a masterful display of grit and veteran composure, JCF President KC" Ian Wilkinson, emerged victorious at the 2026 National Senior Chess Championships. This victory marks Wilkinson’s third time lifting the Senior trophy.

The Battle of the Veterans

The tournament was a grueling test of stamina, but Wilkinson’s path to the gold was defined by his ability to navigate high-pressure positions. After losing his first gane to diedrick he scored six straight victories to bring home the title.

The veteran Michael Diedrick played the "spoiler" role to perfection. Diedrick’s tenacious style earned him a well-deserved second-place finish, leapfrogging the top seed to claim the silver medal. CM Mark Holness, despite entering as the favorite, found himself fighting for every inch, ultimately securing the third-place spot on the podium.

 

"Chess is a lifetime journey," said a spectator at the closing ceremony. "To see the Squire return to the top of the podium for a third time, especially against a field this strong, is an inspiration to every junior player in the room."

 

2026 National Senior Standings

Rank Player Status
1st Ian Wilkinson 2026 Senior Champion
2nd Michael Diedrick Runner-Up
3rd CM Mark Holness 3rd Place

 

Jamaica’s Top Minds Clash at the 2026 National Chess Championships in Kingston

 

 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF), in proud partnership with Burger King, is thrilled to announce the 2026 staging of the Burger King National Chess Championships.

As the title sponsor, Burger King continues its legacy of investing in Jamaican excellence and youth development. This year’s championships will see the nation’s top-ranked players compete in the Absolute and Women’s sections, with the winners earning the right to represent Jamaica on the international stage. The Tournament is also co sponsored by the Magnificent Chess Foundation and the Sports Development Foundation.

This prestigious event runs from January 23rd to February 1 2026 and gathers the nation’s most elite chess players to compete for the ultimate titles in Jamaican chess: the National Absolute Champion title, the National Women’s Champion titlea nd the National Senior Champion Title.

The 2026 championships will feature a 12-player round-robin format in both the Absolute and Women’s sections. This year’s field includes a mix of seasoned veterans, including former multi-time champion FM Shreyas Smith, and rising stars like FM Raheem Glaves and FM Jaden Shaw. The Female National Championships will include stars such as CM Gabriella Watson, and WFM Adani Clarke all vying for top honors and a spot on the national team for the upcoming international Olympiad.

The Senior National Championships will run alongside both the Male and Female Absolute Campionships and will feature Eight of Jamaica's senior players headed up by Candidate Master Mark Holness, KC Ian Wilkinson and legendary veteran chess player Michael Diedrick who holds a slight lead after four rounds.

 

 

"The National Championship is the pinnacle of chess in Jamaica.]. "It is not just a test of skill, but a showcase of the mental discipline and strategic growth that our local players continue to demonstrate.on the world stage."

Event Details:

  • Dates: January 23 – February 1, 2026

  • Official Title: The 2026 Burger King National Chess Championships

  • The Stakes: National titles, international ranking points, Prizes and selection for the National Team.

  • Location: Kingston, Jamaica (JCF Headquarters: [Oakton House ,Hagley Park Plaza])

  • Format: Standard FIDE Time Control (90 minutes + 30-second increments)

  • Organizers: Chief Organizer FM Warren Elliott and Chief Arbiter Ras Malaku Lorne

Members of the public and the media are invited to witness the intensity of the "Sport of Kings." Live game transmissions and daily summaries will be available through the JCF’s official social media channels and website.

About Burger King Jamaica

Burger King, operated by Restaurant Associates Limited, is a leading quick-service restaurant chain in Jamaica. Beyond serving world-class meals, the brand is deeply committed to national development through its extensive support of education, sports, and youth empowerment initiatives across the island.

 

About the Jamaica Chess Federation

The Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) is the governing body for chess in Jamaica, dedicated to promoting the game as a tool for educational development and competitive excellence across the island.