2026 NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Register- Report 1 - About Frederick Cameron

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

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.