From Vegemite to victory: Carlton Gardens Chess Club makes its move in the west

Out in Melbourne’s rapidly growing west, where footy ovals meet multicultural kitchens and V/Line trains rattle past Hoppers Crossing, a new kind of clash took centre stage – one fought over chequered battlegrounds, not turf.

With parents sipping long blacks and contenders clutching juice boxes, it was a tourney as western as Bunnings snags and barking back fences.

For the first time ever, the Victorian Junior Chess Championship took place at Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Woodlea campus, reflecting the rising interest and chess talent in the Western region.

Hobsons Bay Chess Club (HBCC) and Wyndham Chess Club (WCC) stepped up to co-host the event, shattering previous participation records – with more than 360 junior chess players participating – and also marking a cultural milestone: a shift from a single-club model to a more collaborative, community-powered format, bringing in broader representation and fresh energy.

Despite the significant commute and time commitment over the school holidays, inner-city Melbourne was well represented with four students from the Carlton Gardens Primary School, including the Batyrbekov brothers – Kaisar and Aidan.

They have both scored six out of seven points, with Kaisar scoring two draws on Day 2 against top seed Harry Wilford and fourth seed Ashwin Ramanathan and going undefeated in the Under-10 Open tournament – securing the first runner-up state title in his age group.

Having lost a game in Round 4 versus Neev Jyothi Nikhil, Aidan has recovered strongly to finish with three wins, including over second-seeded Preston Liu in the last round, to ultimately share the first-place finish with Neev in the Under-8 Open group.

The Victorian Junior Chess Championship stands as one of the most significant and enduring events on the Australian chess calendar. For more than two decades, it has provided a crucial stepping stone for young Victorian chess players and has helped shape the careers of many of Australia’s top talents, such as FIDE International Masters Ari Dale and James Morris.

The championship was established in the early 2000s, as junior chess began gaining serious momentum in Victoria. Recognising the need for a high-quality, state-level event dedicated to juniors, Chess Victoria formalised the Victorian Juniors as an annual championship with age-based sections to ensure accessibility and fairness. The goal was to create a structured, inclusive environment where young players could compete, improve, and aspire. From the beginning, the tournament wasn’t just about competition – it was about community. It became a hub for parents, coaches, schools, and chess clubs to come together and celebrate the growth of the game.

Today, the Victorian Junior Chess Championship is more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of youth, diversity, and the unifying power of chess. It stands as a testament to the dedication of volunteers, coaches, and clubs who work behind the scenes to make it all possible.

The 2025 edition introduced expanded chess notation workshops, new school partnerships, and professional-grade trophies and certificates that underscored the growing prestige of the event.

As Victoria’s junior chess landscape continues to evolve, the championship remains the crown jewel of the junior calendar – a launchpad for future stars and a place where lifelong friendships, rivalries, and chess memories are made. •