History

ChessMates is a new(ish) name for an old chess club;- from 1945 till 2001 we were The WMC Chess Club, and met at Whyte Melville Working Mens' Club, which used to be in Giles Street, in the town centre. The name change was prompted not just by a change of venue, but also by our philosophy of providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in which to play chess.

In the 15 years since the advent of the Internet, we have been the only Northamptonshire chess club to have substantially increased its membership. Our 'strength in depth' makes us the only club with 2 teams in Division 1 of the Silver King (Northants) League. Our C and D teams compete in Division 2.

Our A team has won the League championship several times, most recently in 2006-2007. Likewise, we always compete fiercely for the Knockout Cup, and when we win it, we often do so 'against the odds'.