Are you looking for the perfect opportunity for your young chess enthusiast to compete at the highest level? The 40th Singapore National Age Group Championships 2025 is Singapore’s most prestigious youth chess tournament, and it’s happening this December! This FIDE-rated tournament welcomes young players from around the world to compete for national titles and potentially join Singapore’s elite training programs.
National Age Group Tournament Details
The Singapore Chess Federation, supported by Community Sports Network @ Tampines West, is organizing this spectacular 5-day chess championship from December 9-13, 2025. This tournament has grown tremendously over the years, with last year’s event featuring 692 participants from 22 countries, making it a truly international chess festival.
What makes this tournament special:
- Prize money for top performers ($300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd, $100 for 3rd)
- Winners become Singapore National Champions in their age groups
- Qualification opportunities for Singapore’s National Training Program
- FIDE rating gains for all participants
- Trophy awards for top 10 finishers in each category
At Chess Gaja, we’re incredibly proud that several of our Singapore students have excelled in previous National Age Group Championships. Aurik Joshi finished 4th in the National Under-10 Championship in 2024, while our other talented students like Kanav Raman and Vikram Seiyon continue to make impressive rating gains through consistent tournament participation.
National Age Group Tournament Venue & Requirements
Venue: Our Tampines Hub, Level 3 Auditorium
Address: 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Essential Requirements:
- FIDE ID is mandatory for all participants (apply through Singapore Chess Federation for Singaporeans/PRs)
- Recording of games is compulsory throughout each match
- Players must arrive on time – default time is 1 hour per round
- Age eligibility must be strictly followed
Tournament Schedule & Format
Schedule:
- December 9 (Tuesday): Tournament Brief (8:45 AM), Round 1 (9 AM), Round 2 (3 PM)
- December 10 (Wednesday): Round 3 (9 AM), Round 4 (3 PM)
- December 11 (Thursday): Round 5 (9 AM), Round 6 (3 PM)
- December 12 (Friday): Round 7 (9 AM), Round 8 (3 PM)
- December 13 (Saturday): Round 9 (9 AM), Prize Presentation (1 PM), Play-offs if needed (3 PM)
Format & Time Control:
- 9 rounds, FIDE-rated tournament
- 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1
- No draw agreements allowed before Black’s 30th move
- Play-offs for tied National Champions using rapid and blitz formats
Age Categories & Registration
The tournament features 6 age categories with boys and girls competing together but receiving separate prizes:
| Category | Age Eligibility |
| Under 7 | Born on/after January 1, 2018 |
| Under 9 | Born on/after January 1, 2016 |
| Under 11 | Born on/after January 1, 2014 |
| Under 13 | Born on/after January 1, 2012 |
| Under 15 | Born on/after January 1, 2010 |
| Under 20 | Born on/after January 1, 2005 |
Registration Fees (SGD):
- Early Bird (before Sept 30): Singaporeans/PRs – $174.40, Foreigners – $272.50
- Regular (Sept 30 – Nov 25): Singaporeans/PRs – $228.90, Foreigners – $327
- Registration deadline: November 25, 2025 (no late entries accepted)
Our Singapore Student Success Stories
Aurik’s Chess Journey: From Lockdown Hobby to Tournament Success
Seven-year-old Aurik Joshi started chess as a simple hobby when his father introduced him to the game. What began with ChessKid quickly evolved into serious passion. After just one year of focused training with Chess Gaja, Aurik achieved his first FIDE rating of 1521. His proudest moment came when he defeated a 1700-rated player, boosting his confidence tremendously. Currently maintaining ratings of 1653 (Standard) and 1748 (Rapid), Aurik draws inspiration from chess legends like Magnus Carlsen and rising star Gukesh. With online classes providing flexible learning after school, Aurik has developed remarkable focus and problem-solving skills that benefit his academics, especially mathematics. Watch his inspiring story here.
Vikram Seiyon: From Toy Shop Board to National Runner-Up
Vikram Seiyon’s chess adventure started two years ago when his parents bought a simple chessboard from a toy shop. His father taught him basic moves, and Seiyon quickly showed natural talent by defeating other players. Early success in school tournaments, where he won medals, fueled his passion for the game. Recently, Seiyon’s team secured second place in the 65th National Interschool Team Chess Championship international school category. With a current FIDE Rapid rating of 1465, he follows opening principles religiously and draws inspiration from Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh. Balancing chess with academics, Seiyon practices daily while representing his school team in tournaments. His parents discovered Chess Gaja Academy after seeking structured training, noting significant improvements in his performance and enthusiasm. Watch his complete interview here.
Contact & Registration
Ready to register your child for this prestigious tournament?
Tournament Registration: Visit the Singapore Chess Federation website at singaporechess.org.sg
Tournament Inquiries: singchess@singaporechess.org.sg
Ready to Join Chess Gaja’s Success Story?
Want your child to achieve similar success? Join Chess Gaja Academy – where champions are made! Our students consistently excel in international tournaments because we provide:
Why Choose Chess Gaja:
- Expert coaches available across all rating levels – from beginner to Grandmaster
- Advanced Learning Management System (LMS) with instant feedback, mobile alerts, and effortless class tracking
- Monthly parent-teacher meetings with GM Priyadharshan for detailed progress updates
- Open to students of all ages worldwide – no geographical boundaries
- Exclusive student newsletter with latest chess insights and pro tips
- Proven track record working with 6 national chess champions
- Structured study schedules tailored for maximum rating improvement
- Multiple monthly online tournaments to test skills in competitive settings
- Dedicated WhatsApp support team for quick assistance anytime
- Global community with over 150 active students from more than 18 countries
Ready to Start Your Chess Journey?
Contact Chess Gaja:
- WhatsApp: +91-9840436019
- Email: hello@chessgaja.com
- Website: chessgaja.com
The 40th Singapore National Age Group Championships represents more than just a tournament – it’s an opportunity for young minds to test their skills against international competition, potentially earn national titles, and take the next step in their chess journey. With proper preparation and training from Chess Gaja.
