Kaiy is a 3rd-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Having learned the game and its rules in early elementary school, he picked chess back up during the early days of the pandemic as a hobby after seeing friends playing a casual game online in 2020. This spark snowballed, and in high school, he became one of the founding members of the chess club, helping to organize and play in tournaments schoolwide and citywide.
Although still a casual player, he has previously played and volunteered at multiple tournaments at Hart House, including the Reading Week Open and Canadian Zonals. Through these experiences in the first and second years and seeing all of the hard work by all of the executive members and volunteers, he decided to run as a communication representative at the HHCC. He hopes to stand on the over-100-year history of the club and to further show the magic of the game to the university community at large.
Mark Li is a third-year undergraduate student at U of T majoring in Physiology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. First introduced to chess by his father and brother as a small child, he has grown to greatly love and appreciate the game of chess and its unique complexities. With the goal of beating his brother one day, he consistently played chess and was the president of his school chess club for 6 years where he managed to popularize and lead their competitive chess team to provincial tournaments. As a person who loves playing online and recently breaking the 2400 online rating barrier on chess.com, he hopes to start playing FIDE tournaments with aspirations to one day get a title.
Mark has joined the Hart House Chess Club executive team with aspirations to further support and improve the inclusive and supportive environment that the club offers to all chess players. With the goal of putting the players first, he will work to make sure all members of the U of T community fully enjoy their chess experiences.
Bingfei is a second-year undergraduate student at U of T’s Rotman Commerce program, specializing in finance. He currently serves as the President & Secretary of the Hart House Chess Club (HHCC) and is excited to contribute to the club’s vibrant community. At age 9, Bingfei discovered chess at a youth board game center and has been hooked ever since. He plays regularly at club meetups on Wednesdays and Saturdays, constantly honing his skills.
An active member of the chess community, Bingfei began coaching fellow players when he was in Grade 9, sharing his love for the game with younger students. By 16, he was already serving as a tournament arbiter, helping to run competitions smoothly. After immigrating to Canada, he continued competing in tournaments and steadily improved his game. His dedication is reflected in his current CFC (Chess Federation of Canada) rating of 2206, and he has earned a National Master norm.
Bingfei has proudly represented the University of Toronto and HHCC in major intercollegiate events. He has competed in the Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship, the Canadian University Chess Championship, and the annual U of T vs. UWaterloo match. As the club’s Secretary, he aims to uphold HHCC’s rich traditions while introducing new events to boost member participation and community involvement.
Outside of chess, Bingfei is an avid gamer and sports enthusiast. He was once ranked #46 in North America and #127 in China in the game Hearthstone. He’s a master-level player in Clash Royale. In his spare time, he enjoys playing badminton.
Deepanshi is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and English. They are excited to be part of the Hart House Chess Club executive team and be more involved in the community as one of the Communication reps.
Deepanshi grew up in India, where it was near-impossible to escape the excitement chess brought about with every major tournament. Even though they’ve been following chess since childhood, they only started playing recently and hope to keep improving. Deepanshi has previously worked as a photographer for the Club and volunteered at several events, including Zonals 2024. In their role as Communication rep, they hope to increase outreach and promote participation for beginners from diverse backgrounds.
When they’re not too busy blundering their pieces away, you will probably find Deepanshi reciting Shakespeare to themselves or on a badminton court.
The Hart House Chess Club will be conducting lessons this summer! We are happy to announce a lecture series for beginner to intermediate players from June through August. We hope to see you at Hart House on Fridays.
The Beginner to Intermediate Lessons run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM every Friday from June 7th to August 30th. No lesson on June 28 and July 19.
Targets beginners and intermediate players
Focus on:
Pawn structure
Imbalances
Middlegame strategy
Understanding endgames
Studying games of Masters
Taught by Uttam Dhungel
Free for all U of T students and Hart House Chess Club members. By donation for all others.
No formal registration required, just drop by at Hart House on Fridays!
About the Coach
Uttam Dhungel is from the country of Nepal. He has dedicated 13 years to the game of chess and earned the title of National Instructor in 2018. Teaching chess at various levels has been his passion since then. To Uttam, chess isn’t just a game — it’s a transformative pursuit that fosters positive change across various domains of life.
With the lessons at Hart House, Uttam plans to showcase the dimensions of chess. Players will be able to develop their understanding of the game in various ways and gain insight into the play of current Canadian champions.
The Hart House Chess Club is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of our annual Reading Week Open held over the Family Day weekend from Saturday, February 15th to Monday, February 17th. With six different sections to accommodate varying skill levels, the tournament is suitable for everyone – from experienced players to those playing their first ever tournament.
We are also running the Juniors section with a shorter time control, similar to the Junior section at the 2024 Holidays Open. The Junior-U1500 one day event (Feb 16) is a separate event geared towards children rated under 1500.
TIME CONTROL: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move for the Open
30 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move for Juniors
SECTIONS: Crown, U2200, U1900, U1600, U1300
Juniors – U1500
RATING: Sections will be determined using the highest of CFC or FIDE rating. All sections will be CFC rated. U1600 and above will also be FIDE rated. Crown section paired using FIDE ratings.
EQUIPMENT: HHCC will supply all chess equipment.
FORFEIT TIME: Players who do not arrive within 30 minutes of the round start time will be forfeited.
BYES: Maximum 2 half-point byes in Rounds 1-4 if requested in advance before the start of Round 1
ORGANIZER: Hart House Chess Club with Tanner McNamara Chief Arbiter,
EMAIL: hhtournaments@gmail.com
CAPACITY:
210 for Open
40 for Juniors
Registration
Online registration is available until February 13th, 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House hours.
Entry Fees
Open: $70 by January 31st at 11:59 pm, $80 by February 13th at 11:59 pm
Juniors: $40 by February 13th at 11:59 pm
$35 discount for student members and unrated players (max one discount per player). Unrated players are not eligible for prizes. Free entry for IMs/WIMs/GMs/WGMs if registered by January 31st. Please email us for all discount information.
Playing up
Extra $20 to play up a section. Playing up is allowed only for players within 100 rating points of the section’s minimum rating. For example, a player in the Under 1600 section wanting to play up in the Under 1900 section must have a rating no lower than 1500. Play-up fees must be paid on-site at the tournament.
No playing up to the Crown section. Players must be 2200+ CFC or 2000+ FIDE.
Other Info
DGT boards: HHCC will utilize DGT boards for portions of the Crown section. Live games will be available here.
CFC memberships: Registrants must be current CFC members or bring payment prior to playing — please visit https://chess.ca/membership-fees for more info
Parking: Parking is available at a daily rate; however, it is limited. Be prepared and come early to find parking.
Prize Payments: Any prize less than or equal to $100 will be paid via Gift Cards. Direct deposit is required for prizes above $100. All prizes will be payable via direct deposit on request. Please expect 1 week – 3 weeks for payments to be processed
Photography: By signing up, you permit HHCC the ability to take and use photos from the tournament on its social media. If you would not like your photo used, please email us.
Foreign Ratings: All participants must disclose all foreign ratings at time of registration or via email. Accessibility and Visitor Information: Hart House is an accessible building and conveniently located. For further details, visit Visitor Information and Accessibility.
TEAM PRIZE: $400 ($100 per player), teams of 4 players, representing at least 3 different sections. All individual scores will be added up to find the winning team. Register your teams in-person before Round 2.
Questions? Any question regarding the tournament, including registrations, must be sent to hhtournaments@gmail.com, not the Hart House Hub.
Withdrawals: Last minute withdrawals, bye requests, inquiries, please email hhtournaments@gmail.com, and do not call Hart House.
Pre-Registered
Registration lists are updated weekly. Chess Results will be used for pairings and standings.
We are thrilled to announce to the Hart House community that the annual Hart House Holidays Open Chess Tournament is back for another year! We invite you to join us from Friday, December 20th to Sunday, December 22nd at Hart House for another edition of our annual flagship event. Featuring six sections designed to accommodate all skill levels, this presents the ideal opportunity to participate in a competitive chess tournament.
Tournament Details
WHERE: Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto.
Juniors (U1200): East Common Room, Hart House
WHEN: December 20th, 21st, 22nd.
SCHEDULE:
Crown, U2200, U1900, U1600, U1300, Wisdom: Friday 20th at 6:30pm, Saturday 21st at 10:00am & 4:00pm, Sunday 22nd at 10:00am & 4:00pm
TIME CONTROL: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 for all sections. 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 for Juniors (U1200).
STYLE: 5 Round Swiss split in 5 rating sections – Crown (2200+), Under 2200, Under 1900, Under 1600, Under 1300. 4 Round Swiss for Juniors (U1200).
WISDOM SECTION: Open to players 50+, one section, not separated by rating. Section must have 12 players or players will be placed into their section by rating.
RATING: All sections will be CFC-rated. Crown, U2200, U1900, and U1600 sections will also be FIDE rated. The Crown Section will be paired using FIDE ratings.
FORFEIT TIME: Players who do not arrive within 30 minutes of the round start time will be forfeited.
BYES: Maximum 2 half-point byes in rounds 1-4 if requested in advance before the start of Round 1.
ORGANIZER: Hart House Chess Club with FA Alex Ferreira as arbiter.
EMAIL: hhtournaments@gmail.com
CAPACITY: 220 players in the Great Hall
Registration
Online registration is available until Wednesday, December 18th at 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House Hours.
Entry Fees
$70 by November 30th at 11:59 pm, $80 by December 18th at 11:59 pm and $100 cash-only on-site if space permits.
$35 discount for student members and unrated players (max one discount per player). Unrated players are not eligible for prizes. Free entry for IMs/WIMs/GMs/WGMs if registered by Fri. November 30th. Please email us for all discount information. Juniors section $30 discount, no cash prizes.
Playing up
Extra $20 to play up a section. Playing up is allowed only for players within 100 rating points of the section’s minimum rating. For example, a player in the Under 1600 section wanting to play up in the Under 1900 section must have a rating no lower than 1500. Play-up fees must be paid on-site at the tournament.
No playing up to the Crown section. Players must be 2200+ CFC or 2000+ FIDE.
Other Info
HHCC will utilize DGT boards for portions of the Crown section.
Registrants must be current CFC members or bring payment prior to playing — please visit https://chess.ca/membership-fees for more info
Parking is available at a daily rate; however, it is limited. Be prepared and come early to find parking.
Prize Payments: Any prize less than or equal to $100 will be paid via Gift Cards. Direct deposit is required for prizes above $100. All prizes will be payable via direct deposit on request. Please expect 1 week – 3 weeks for payments to be processed
Players will be placed in sections according to eligibility, based on the Dec 19 rating update, not necessarily according to how people registered themselves.
The Hart House Chess Club (HHCC) is pleased to host the Hart House October Open Tournament from Sat. October 26th – Sun. October 27th, 2024. The event is perfect for students and community members wanting to play a classical-rated tournament over only two days. The tournament will be a 5-round Swiss, with 60 mins plus a 30-second increment added per move. We hope to see new and old faces again!
Tournament Details
When:Sat. October 26th to Sun. October 27th. Rd #1 starts at 10:00 A.M.
Format: 5-round CFC-Rated, Swiss Tournament
Location: Hart House Debates Room, Committees Room, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
Prizes: Projected $3600 based on 100 fully paid players Organizers: Hart House Chess Club
Entry Fees and Registration
Entry Fees: $50 by September 25th, $60 by October 25th (see discounts below)
Registration: SOLD OUT Online registration by noon Friday, October 25th. No onsite registration. Registration is also available in person or via telephone at the Hart House Hub.
Additional Information
Byes: Up to one 1/2 point bye can be requested by emailing us by noon on October 25.
Section Eligibility: No playing up allowed. CFC regular ratings are used for pairings.
Discounts: $30 discount for unrated players in their first tournament and student members of the Club. Max one discount per player. Unrated players are ineligible for prizes. Free entry for IM/WIM by October 1st (email us for details).
Prize Payments: Any prize less than or equal to $100 will be paid via Gift Cards. Direct deposit is required for prizes above $100. All prizes will be payable via direct deposit on request. Please expect 1 week – 3 weeks for payments to be processed.
The Hart House Chess Club (HHCC) hosts the Hart House Summer Open Tournament from Sat. August 3rd – Sun. August 4th, 2024. The event is perfect for students and community members wanting to play a classical-rated tournament over only two days. The tournament will be a 5-round Swiss, with 60 mins plus a 30-second increment added per move. We hope to see new and old faces again!
TIME CONTROL: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move
SECTIONS: Crown, U1800, U1200
RATING: CFC Regular Rated.
EQUIPMENT: HHCC will supply all chess equipment
PRIZES: $3000 based on 100 players
REGISTRATION: Online registration is open until August 1st at 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House Hours until August 1st. – REGISTRATION FULL
Registration Details
Entry Fees: $50 by July 1st, $60 by August 1st. $30 discount for unrated players in their first tournament and UofT students. Max one discount per player. Unrated players are ineligible for prizes. Free entry for IMs/WIMs by July 15th — email us for details.
Section Eligibility: No playing up allowed. Highest of CFC Regular, CFC Quick, FIDE Standard, and will be used for section eligibility at arbiters’ discretion. CFC regular ratings are used for pairings.
Byes: Up to one 1/2 point bye can be requested via email by 11:59 PM on August 1st
Prize Payments: All prizes less than or equal to $150 will be paid via gift cards. Prizes greater than $150 will be paid via direct deposit OR via gift cards upon request.
The Hart House Chess Club is hosting a Summer Rapid and Blitz Festival this July 19th – July 20th! The event is a 7-round double-round blitz tournament on Friday, July 19th followed by a 6-round Rapid event on Saturday, July 20th. Come join us this summer for some fun! We’re also participating in the FIDE 100th Year International Chess Day festivities to break the Guinness World Record for most games played in a day!
REGISTRATION: Online registration is open until July 18th at 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House Hours until July 18th. Onsite registration available until 5:30 pm.
REGISTRATION: Online registration is open until July 18th at 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House Hours until July 18th.
ARBITERS: FA Alex Ferreira, NA Tanner McNamara, NA Victor Zheng, NA Ahmed Khalf
Registration Details
Entry Fees:
Blitz only: $15 by July 1st midnight, $20 by July 18th midnight. $10 discount for UofT students. Onsite: $20 before 5:30 pm.
Rapid only: $35 by July 1st midnight, $40 by July 18th midnight. $20 discount for UofT students
Rapid and Blitz: $40 by July 1st midnight, $50 by July 18th midnight. $20 discount for UofT students
Free entry for IMs/WIMs by July 1st — email us for details.
Section Eligibility: No playing up allowed. Highest of CFC Regular, CFC Quick, and FIDE Rapid/Blitz will be used for section eligibility at arbiters’ discretion. CFC Quick Ratings will be used for pairings.
Prize Payments: All prizes less than or equal to $150 will be paid via gift cards. Prizes greater than $150 will be paid via direct deposit OR via gift cards upon request.
Hart House Chess Club 