About us
Join us, in the only Chess Club in the most traditional city in Japan for a night of fun and interactions!
Heads up, we have just started... You may just be taking part in what could become a foundation of the chess culture in Kyoto!
Saturday/18:00-22:00/1000JPY for Entry
@RAIMUNDA
Contact below for details--v
kyochessthrough@gmail.com or on our Instagram: KYOCHESS
*Due to the location, players U18 are unable to attend KNIGHT OUT!
Wait for the upcoming events, or contact Kyoto University Chess Circle, which can accommodate!
Upcoming events
4
- ¥4,000.00
KYOCHESS Spotlight
京都経済センター, 京都市下京区四条通室町東入函谷鉾町 78番地,, Kyoto, JP# ♟️ TWO GRANDMASTERS. ONE AFTERNOON. KYOTO.
### 🌏 From Kazakhstan to Kyoto — A Rare Chess Experience
Most chess players will never have the opportunity to sit across the board from a Grandmaster.
Even fewer will have the chance to meet two.
On June 14, KYOCHESS welcomes two distinguished Grandmasters from Kazakhstan for a special afternoon of chess, learning, and international exchange in the heart of Kyoto.
Featuring:
🏆 GM Darmen Sadvakasov
Former World Junior Champion
Former World Top 20 Player
🏆 GM Murtas Kazhgaleev
Kazakhstan National Team Member
International Chess Ambassador
For one afternoon, the distance between amateur and elite chess disappears.# 🌏 FROM KAZAKHSTAN TO KYOTO
This event is connected to Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI), an international project led by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with support from Freedom Holding Corp., FIDE, and the Asian Chess Federation.
Through FACI, chess communities across Asia are connected through education, cultural exchange, and shared experiences.
In 2026, that journey brings two Grandmasters to Kyoto.
And you're invited to be part of it.***
# ⚔️ CHALLENGE A GRANDMASTER
No livestream.
No engine.
No replay.
Just you and the board.
Take part in a Grandmaster Simultaneous Exhibition, where both Grandmasters will face multiple opponents at once.
♟️ Find your best move
♟️ Test your ideas
♟️ Create complications
♟️ See how long you can hold your ground
Whether you're a beginner, casual player, or tournament regular, facing a Grandmaster is an experience you'll remember long after the final move.***
# 🎤 HEAR THE STORIES BEHIND THE TITLES
What does it take to become a Grandmaster?
How do elite players prepare?
How do they deal with pressure, setbacks, and expectations?
Following the simul, hear directly from the Grandmasters as they share experiences from international competition, professional chess, and life at the highest level of the game.***
# 🧠 SEE WHAT THEY SAW
Selected games from the simul will be reviewed live.
Discover:
💡 Critical moments
💡 Missed opportunities
💡 Hidden tactical ideas
💡 How Grandmasters evaluate positions
The moves are only half the story.
The ideas behind them are where the real lessons begin.***
# 🌍 MEET PEOPLE THROUGH CHESS
KYOCHESS brings together people from different countries, backgrounds, and walks of life through a shared love of chess.
At this event, you'll meet:
🇯🇵 Local Japanese players
🌏 International residents
🎓 Students
✈️ Travellers
♟️ Casual enthusiasts
🏆 Competitive tournament players
Come for the chess.
Stay for the conversations.***
# 📍 EVENT DETAILS
📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026
📍 Kyoto Economic Center
⏰ 13:00 – 17:00***
## 🗓️ Schedule
🕐 13:00 Registration
♟️ 13:30 GM Simul (Simultaneous Exhibition)
☕ 15:20 Break
🎤 15:30 Lecture
👋 16:10 Closing***
# 🎟️ TICKETS
👤 General Admission — ¥4,000
👥 Pair Registration — ¥3,000 per person
🧒 Under 18 — ¥2,000
♟️ Chess sets provided
🌱 All playing levels welcome***
# ✨ A RARE OPPORTUNITY
Kyoto doesn't often get the chance to host players of this calibre.
For one afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to challenge Grandmasters, learn directly from them, and experience a project connecting chess communities across Asia.
Whether you're looking to improve your chess, meet new people, or simply experience something unique, we'd love to welcome you.
Join us for an afternoon where chess, culture, and international exchange meet in Kyoto.# 📝 REGISTRATION(From Here!)
⚠️ Advance registration is required.
Due to the interactive nature of the event, participation is limited to 24 playing seats only.
Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your seat:
1️⃣ Complete the registration form
2️⃣ Submit payment in advance
3️⃣ Receive confirmation from KYOCHESS
Your registration is only confirmed once payment has been completed.
Please note that on-site payment will not be available.
As the number of seats is strictly limited, we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.
🎟️ 24 seats available2 attendees - ¥1,000.00
KYOCHESS KNIGHT OUT! - Chess Club in Kyoto
RAIMUNDA, 京都府京都市中京区備前島町３０７ ＰＬＥＸＵＳ 5F, Kyoto, JPLooking for a place to have a drink in Kyoto?
Interact and engage in an intriguing conversation with people from different backgrounds?
Or perhaps you're looking for a simple game of chess...
Join us for the KYOCHESS KNIGHT OUT!Located in a Shisha bar RAIMUNDA in Kyoto Kawaramachi, dive into a night to remember!
*Help us run the event smoothly by reaching out to us on SNS or email below!
Instagram:@Kyochess
Email: Kyochessthrough@gmail.comWe put our time, energy, and resources into making this event happen — to build a beloved, vibrant chess community in Kyoto.
By joining in, you're helping grow something special — thank you for being part of it!
Entry: 1000 JPY1 attendee - ¥500.00
DAYCHESS
Cafe Lex & Co, 京都府京都市下京区松原通新町東入中野之町164, Kyoto, JP## ♟️ KYOCHESS — March 28 (DayChess & Knight Out!)
We are hosting a full day of chess in Kyoto.
You are very welcome to join.
This event is split into two sessions at different venues:
a calm daytime session, and a relaxed social evening.
You can join one or both.***
## ☀️ DayChess — Lex & Co
Time: 13:00~17:00 (Entry time ~13:30)
Location: Lex & Co
164 Nakanonocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
A calm and easygoing chess session during the day.
This is a space to take your time, think, and enjoy the game.
You can:- Play longer games
- Practice openings
- Play casually at your own pace
- Meet other players in a relaxed environment
No pressure, no rating, no expectations.
***
## 🌙 Knight Out! — Raimunda
Time: 18:00~22:00
Location: Raimunda
307 Bizenjima-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (PLEXUS Building, 5F)
A social evening with chess and drinks.
More relaxed, more conversational, and open.
You can:- Play casual games
- Talk with other players
- Meet international participants
- Enjoy the atmosphere
This is about connection as much as chess.
***
## 💡 Pricing
- DayChess: ¥500
- Knight Out!: ¥1000
👉 If you join DayChess, Knight Out! is FREE
***
## 👥 Who can join
- All levels welcome
- Beginners are fully welcome
- International participants welcome
- No rating required
***
## 🥤 Venue requirement
Both venues are cafes / bars.
Please order at least one drink at each location.***
## ⏰ Arrival / Entry
- Please arrive within the entry time window
- If you will be late, please contact us in advance
***
## 🤝 What to expect
- Friendly, welcoming environment
- Small to medium group size
- Mix of local and international players
- Casual but structured atmosphere
***
## 📩 How to join
Please register via:
- Meetup / Website form / DM (choose your method)
If you have questions, feel free to contact us.KYOCHESS Homepage
1 attendee - ¥1,000.00
KYOCHESS KNIGHT OUT! - Chess Club in Kyoto
RAIMUNDA, 京都府京都市中京区備前島町３０７ ＰＬＥＸＵＳ 5F, Kyoto, JPLooking for a place to have a drink in Kyoto?
Interact and engage in an intriguing conversation with people from different backgrounds?
Or perhaps you're looking for a simple game of chess...
Join us for the KYOCHESS KNIGHT OUT!Located in a Shisha bar RAIMUNDA in Kyoto Kawaramachi, dive into a night to remember!
*Help us run the event smoothly by reaching out to us on SNS or email below!
Instagram:@Kyochess
Email: Kyochessthrough@gmail.comWe put our time, energy, and resources into making this event happen — to build a beloved, vibrant chess community in Kyoto.
By joining in, you're helping grow something special — thank you for being part of it!
Entry: 1000 JPY1 attendee
Past events
25
