We'd love your sponsorship & assistance - Who we are

Incorporation

The club was incorporated in 1981 and has met weekly on a Tuesday Night at the Buderim War Memorial Hall since 1997. From 2026 due to growing pains, we are now located at the Environmental Centre, Immanuel Lutheran College Buderim. 126-142 Wises Rd, Buderim QLD 4556

We are growing and looking for a larger place.

We are a small club, currently, averaging 150 members, we have are located more central and located at the Environmental Centre, Immanuel Lutheran College Buderim.

Our Interests

Not only do we hold clubhouse tournaments, but our club has also organised interschool tournaments with our affiliates for both primary and secondary since 1990, In the recent age championship over 200 hundred students attended the last tournament held at the Mountain Creek State School, this tournament is designed to give schools a chance to work out their school teams. Our representative tournaments will be held again this year, and the top two teams in both primary and secondary will go on to represent the Sunshine Coast at the Queensland Championships.

Opportunities

We have grown our Family Day Events each seasonal quarter over the years with the young and old, so we now know that there are still people wanting to play on weekends. These tournaments also give children opportunities to improve their Queensland ratings by playing adults, without the need to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, ratings are important criteria that the Queensland Chess Association of Queensland use to select students for their Elite Training Squad.

Our immediate goals

We would like to have more friendly day competitions, help juniors achieve their goals, and allow elderly chess players to play chess during the day, as they don’t like to drive at night. We would like to regularly have our Chess on the Beach activities continue and evolve however; volunteers are needed.

Community spirit

At Suncoast Chess, we believe the chessboard is one of the few places where the world’s barriers truly disappear. Our club is more than a venue for competition; it is a sanctuary for community spirit where every move made contributes to a culture of belonging and mutual respect.

We are deeply committed to ensuring our club remains a welcoming space for all, including our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander neighbours and the LGBTI community. For us, inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s the heartbeat of our Tuesday nights and weekend events, celebrating the diverse perspectives each member brings to the table.

Chess also offers a unique, structured language for those navigating Autism or cognitive challenges. In the quiet focus of a game, social and sensory pressures fade, allowing strengths in logic and pattern recognition to shine. Whether you are a seasoned strategist or just discovering how the pieces move, you will find a supportive family here ready to cheer on your progress.

At Suncoast Chess, everyone has a seat at the table. Join us in 2026 and beyond as we continue to build a community where the only thing that matters is the next move we make together.

Volunteering for our cause

More Volunteers Needed!

If you love what our organization stands for and love to assist in furthering the art of Chess in our community, we welcome you to join our team. There are so many opportunities to assist.

Please call to have a discussion on how you can help us

President: Christopher A. Koloszar +61 449 914 747

president@suncoastchess.com.au

Our Working Committee Members & associates

President - Christopher A. Koloszar

As the devoted president of the Suncoast Chess Club since 2018, I’ve poured my heart and soul into transforming our club into a thriving hub for chess enthusiasts. Tirelessly, I’ve championed events and tournaments, bridging generations—from the young prodigies to the seasoned players. My love affair with chess began when my father taught me the game, back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. To me, chess isn’t just a game; it’s a symphony of memory, mental acuity, and life lessons. It blends artistry, scientific precision, and the thrill of competition, all while bringing joy to those who play. As the proud leader of this vital community on the Sunshine Coast, I stand alongside my passionate committee members, ready to make every move count

Treasurer - Laszlo Bulatko

Laszlo Bulatko brings a strong analytical background and a steady strategic mindset to his role as Treasurer of the Suncoast Chess Club. Working professionally in financial services and analysis, he is highly experienced in navigating complex systems, interpreting data, and ensuring accuracy in financial decision‑making. These skills translate seamlessly to the club’s financial stewardship, where his precision and reliability are invaluable.

A lifelong admirer of logic and strategy, Laszlo finds a natural connection between his professional discipline and the intellectual demands of chess. He is an active player who enjoys refining his game, exploring new opening theories, and engaging with fellow enthusiasts across the Sunshine Coast chess community.

Chess is also a family passion for Laszlo. He is the proud father of three boys—aged 16, 14, and 12—who all participate in the game. His son Teo, aged 14, recently earned the prestigious Bill Powell Shield in the Club Championships, a milestone that reflects the family’s shared dedication to the sport.

Laszlo is fluent in Hungarian, a language deeply tied to one of the world’s great chess cultures. Hungary’s rich chess heritage continues to inspire his involvement in the game and his commitment to fostering a strong, vibrant club environment.

As Treasurer, Laszlo combines professionalism, strategic insight, and a genuine love of the game—helping to support the Suncoast Chess Club’s growth, stability, and welcoming community spirit.

Secretary - Peter Lubke

Peter Lubke first became involved in chess through his role as a supportive chess parent. While he recognises the competitive dimension of the game, his passion lies in fostering the “club” aspect of chess—creating an environment where players of all ages and abilities can enjoy the game, feel welcome, and stay engaged over the long term.

His son, Nathan, began playing chess in Year 5 at Buddina State School. When Nathan’s Year 7 high school offered no chess program, the family joined Suncoast Chess to continue his development and involvement in the game.

Peter brings to the club a professional background in Information Technology and Business Management, contributing valuable organisational and strategic skills to the chess community.

Senior Tournament Director - Aidan Leask

Aidan has been a long-standing member of the club for more than 15 years. He was here since he was a little kid and is now one of this clubs' strongest players as well as a Coach too. He has been helping out with the family day events as well as other tournaments around the sunshine coast for many years. He would describe chess as one word Limitless. Because he sees no limit to the potential of any person, he versus since there's no limit on who or what can play the only thing that is limited in this game is the play area. He would love to see you there reach your best level.!

Junior Development Officer - Tony Powell

My name is Tony Powell.

For the last 30 years I have been teaching Chess professionally in a large range of schools, to homeschoolers plus at fairs and festivals all over the Sunshine Coast.

In that time with the help of other teachers, Club members, plus Mums and Dads, we have seen this amazing ancient game grow from the little groups 20 years ago, to 365 in our most recent Inter-school event.

In this digital age it’s wonderful to see the passion, energy and interest in the Junior Chess scene.

What we do!

Family Day events

We host Family Day Events open to all young & old, all genders, and abilities.

Promotion of womens and girls events

We host Women's and Girls Events each year.

Organizing Junior Invitational events

Our Kids on the Coast are amongst the talented. We select and invite the best of the best to our once a year event.

Joint Hosting for Chess Day of Excellence events

Suncoast Chess Club Incorporated works with our Sunhine Coast Regional Schools to jointly host a special day of excellence for the students.