A Week to Remember

There are moments in sport that are measured by trophies. There are moments that are remembered because of the journey behind them. For Queensland Chess School, the 2026 Queensland Junior State Chess Championships was both.

Across four inspiring days of competition, our students demonstrated courage, resilience and determination in Queensland's most prestigious junior chess event. From six-year-old beginners taking their first steps on the State Championship stage to experienced players competing for major titles, every student represented our school with pride.

The week concluded with an outstanding collection of State Champions, Best Girls, Runner-up finishes and podium results across multiple age divisions. More importantly, it showcased what years of consistent learning, dedicated coaching and a genuine love for chess can achieve.

Championship Highlights

Across every age division, our students displayed excellent sportsmanship, strong fighting spirit and impressive performances against many of Queensland's strongest junior players.

U8 Division — Big Dreams Begin Here

Every chess journey starts with a first tournament. For many of our youngest players, the U8 State Championship was an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, challenge and valuable learning opportunities.

Among the outstanding performances, two remarkable six-year-old girls delivered exceptional results.

Even more impressive, both champions competed confidently against older opponents, demonstrating maturity well beyond their years. Many of our youngest players, born in 2019 and 2020, also showed tremendous courage throughout the tournament.

U10 Division — Growing Through Competition

The momentum continued into the U10 Division, where our students once again produced outstanding performances throughout eight demanding rounds of competition.

Many of our players spent much of the tournament competing on the top boards, demonstrating confidence, resilience and excellent sportsmanship. Their performances reflected not only their improving chess ability but also their willingness to challenge stronger opponents and continue learning from every game.

U12 Division — Consistency Creates Champions

The U12 Championship once again demonstrated the strength and depth of Queensland Chess School. Over two days and eight demanding rounds, our students delivered one of the strongest performances of the entire championship.

Yashel and Zeqi both completed the tournament undefeated with an outstanding score of 6 wins and 2 draws, sharing first place and earning the privilege of having their names permanently engraved on the Queensland U12 Championship Trophy.

The success continued in the Girls' group, where Ishtar and Iris produced excellent performances to claim the highest honours in the U12 Girls' Division.

Senior Divisions — Rising to the Highest Level

As the championships progressed into the senior divisions, our older players continued to demonstrate outstanding determination and composure against Queensland's strongest junior competitors.

The highlight of the senior divisions, however, belonged to Owen S. After four days of competition and eight demanding rounds, Owen produced one of the finest performances of the entire championship. Finishing with an outstanding score of 6 wins and 1 draw, he was crowned the 2026 Queensland U18 State Champion, earning the honour of having his name permanently engraved on the prestigious Queensland U18 Championship Trophy.

Owen's Journey — Eight Years in the Making

Some victories are remembered because of the trophy. Others are remembered because of the journey behind them. Owen's State Championship is one of those stories.

We still remember 2 July 2018. A cheerful five-year-old boy walked into our classroom for his very first chess lesson. Curious, energetic and always smiling, he sat down in front of a chessboard for the first time. No one could have imagined where that first lesson would eventually lead.

Over the years, the chessboard became much more than sixty-four squares. It became a place where Owen learned patience, resilience, discipline and confidence — qualities that would shape not only his chess, but also his character. Eight years later, that same little boy stood proudly on the podium as the 2026 Queensland U18 State Champion.

When the final round ended and Owen's championship was confirmed, there were smiles, celebrations and even a few tears of joy. It was a moment that reminded us why we do what we do.

A Journey Through the Years

2019

First Tournament Medal

2020

Queensland U8 Champion

2022

Australian National Schools Team Champion

2026

Queensland U18 State Champion

Winning the Queensland U18 State Championship represents far more than a tournament victory. It reflects years of commitment, thousands of hours of practice, countless games analysed, victories celebrated, disappointments overcome and an unwavering passion for chess. For every young player currently beginning their own journey, Owen's story serves as a reminder that great achievements are built one lesson, one game and one challenge at a time.

More Than Medals

As proud as we are of the trophies won throughout the week, the greatest success cannot be measured by medals alone. Every tournament teaches young players how to think under pressure, how to recover from disappointment, how to remain humble in victory, and how to respect every opponent. These lessons extend far beyond the chessboard and help shape confident, resilient young people.

Some students returned home with trophies. Others returned home with valuable experience. Every one of them returned home having grown. That is what makes junior chess so special.

Looking Ahead

The conclusion of the Queensland Junior State Championships marks the beginning of another exciting chapter. Several of our students will soon represent Queensland at the Australian Junior Chess Championships, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the country's strongest young players. We are excited to continue supporting every student as they challenge themselves, pursue new goals and create even more unforgettable memories.