Our history
From youth chess in Moosach via Schachfreunde Gern to Munich's youngest chess club — the key milestones along our way.
- Beginnings
Roots in Moosach youth chess
The story begins with youth chess work in the north of Munich around Moosach — closely tied to schools such as the Gymnasium München/Moosach. From this enthusiasm for chess with children and teenagers, the later club grew.
- 2018
Founded as Schachfreunde Gern
The club is founded as a neighbourhood club in the west of Munich — the youngest chess club in Munich, both in history and in average age.
- 2020
Chess boom & online chess
During the coronavirus years chess experiences a boom. The club gains many new members from all over Germany and broadens its training: from now on both online and in person.
- from 2020/21
School chess begins
Around this time our school chess starts — first online during the pandemic, later directly at the schools. To this day a centrepiece of our youth work.
- Feb 2021
Renamed to Schachfreunde München e.V.
A whole week of events celebrates it all: the 100th member, the club's first titled player (FM Jan Juptner) and the new name, signalling ambitions beyond the neighbourhood.
- Mar 2021
Entry in the register of associations
The final step is complete: Schachfreunde Gern officially becomes Schachfreunde München e.V. (register number 208109 at the Munich register of associations).
- May 2021
German U10 vice-champions
A sensation at the very first appearance: at the German youth club championship in Magdeburg, the U10 surprisingly takes the vice-champion title.
- Oct 2021
First Bavarian U12 champions
The U12 becomes Bavarian champion for the first time and qualifies convincingly for the German club championship — another highlight of a strong generation.
- since 2023
Schachfestival München
Our sister club, Schachfestival München e.V., hosts the international Munich Chess Festival — with the Whitsun Open, the Wolfgang Unzicker Memorial, the youth open and more. It is responsible for tournament organisation.
- Dec 2023
Trophy at the German U10 club championship
The 2013 generation also shines in the U10 in Magdeburg, taking 5th place and a trophy at the German club championship.
- Dec 2024
Our girls on the podium
The girls' team storms to 3rd place in the U12 age group at the German club championship — onto the winners' podium.
- 2025/26
Reaching a new level
On the board things keep climbing: a first appearance in the Regionalliga, plus the defence of the Munich U16 title and with it qualification for the Bavarian championship. Munich's youngest club keeps growing — while staying true to its roots: nurturing the next generation.