Mad Hatters Play Chess at Chiswick Town Hall
Tournament held to encourage young children to take up the game
Chess Master Meri Grigoryan (left) wanted an alternative to the dismal tournaments of her childhood
June 29, 2025
The second ever annual Mad Hatter's Chess Party Tournament was held this Saturday (28 June) at Chiswick Town Hall.
It is an annual children’s rapid chess event held in a whimsical, Alice-in-Wonderland themed, fancy-dress setting.
Designed by local Chess Master Meri Grigoryan to promote chess-playing among young children, the tournament has the full backing of the English Chess Federation.
She says, “I remember taking part in chess tournaments when I was 8 years old and they were dismal, terrifying ordeals. I want kids to enjoy the thrill of competitive chess but in a fun and upbeat environment.”
30 children from 5 to 13 years of age came to play 6 rounds of chess, punctuated with costumes, music and plenty of cake - as befits the Mad Hatter theme. There were trophies in 4 categories, medals and certificates for all, plus cash prizes to encourage the players to pursue their chess careers further.
The participants in this year's Mad Hatter's Chess Party Tournament
“Parents are keen for their kids to learn chess and develop their skills at mastering the game and developing winning strategies” explains Meri who has been teaching chess to kids around South West London for over 20 years. “With the popular TV drama Queen’s Gambit, I saw an upswing in interest in playing chess competitively. I want more kids to engage with the game and maybe take it on into their teens, Who knows where it will get you?”
The Mad Hatter’s Chess Tournament is planning to be a fixture on the last Saturday of June and you can find out more by contacting Meri at Chesspionage@gmail.com.
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