Humble Foundations: Bonteheuwel, 1976

The story of Steinitz Chess Club begins in 1976 at Spes Bona High School in Bonteheuwel, on Cape Town’s Cape Flats. It was here that a group of friends—Roland Willenberg, Shaun Willenberg, Mark Lewis, and Andrew Talmarkes—discovered a shared passion for chess and decided to form a club. What started as a school-based initiative soon grew into something far larger: a gathering place where young minds could sharpen their skills, build friendships, and dream of competing beyond their neighborhood.

This modest club emerged during a period of segregation and division in South African sport. It was founded in defiance of societal restrictions, nurturing a sanctuary of strategic thought, mutual respect, and camaraderie.

From Apartheid to Unity

During the apartheid era, the Cape’s chess scene was fractured—with separate leagues dividing communities. Yet from the very outset, the Steinitz Chess Club embodied values of inclusion. In 1991 and 1992, as national unity began to take shape within the chess world, the club participated in pathways toward reconciliation—hosting and competing in unity matches that paved the way for a unified Western Province Chess League under FIDE’s recognition.

Building Community & Champions

Over the decades, Steinitz grew from a high-school initiative into a community hub. The club became a breeding ground for informal mentorship, intergenerational bonds, and personal transformation. Founders like the Willenberg brothers, Mark Lewis, Andrew Talmarkes—and later leaders such as Dr Lyndon Bouah—acted as Men-tors: chess players who guided youth not just in strategy, but in life.

As the community center of Bellville’s chess world, Steinitz fostered regular gatherings—monthly meetings, annual AGMs, and events that cultivated connection, learning, and friendship.

A Force in Western Province Chess

Following unification in 1992, the Western Province Chess League became a vibrant, inclusive competition. Steinitz quickly emerged as a powerhouse—winning the inaugural league in 1993, and achieving an extraordinary nine championship titles, the most in league history.

Thanks to the club’s efforts, the local chess landscape flourished: participation more than doubled—from 394 league players in 2013 to 892 in 2019—reflecting a thriving grassroots ecosystem.

The Steinitz Chess Festival: Celebration in Motion

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2007, the club launched the Steinitz Chess Festival—a now-beloved annual event that brings together players across age groups and skill levels. Over the years, it’s grown into a highlight on Cape Town’s chess calendar, featuring Championship, Advanced, Intermediate and Development sections, and fostering both competition and community spirit.

Chess as Social Catalyst

Rooted in the Cape Flats and enriched by its social context, the club stands as a testament to chess’s transformative power. In the often-overlooked narratives of chess in South Africa, researchers have highlighted how Steinitz offers more than mentorship—it’s a place where identity, positive masculinity, resilience, and community intersect. Where parents become coaches, where young players find opportunity, and where chess becomes a vehicle for social cohesion.

Present-Day Steinitz: Our Vision and Values

Today, Steinitz Chess Club stands as a vibrant, inclusive community. Our members span generations—from the founding members of the late 1970s to rising young talents from the Cape Flats. We continue to cultivate strategic thinking, friendship, cultural pride—and a love for the game that goes beyond the board.

Our key pillars:

• Community & Inclusivity: Welcoming players from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Mentorship & Growth: Building the next generation of thinkers, both on and off the board.
• Heritage: Honoring our roots in the Cape Flats while embracing new chapters in our history.
• Excellence & Unity: Striving in competition, collaborating in community, leading by example.

Join the Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned player or setting foot on the chessboard for the first time, Steinitz invites you to be part of our story. Explore our club activities, participate in the Steinitz Chess Festival, and connect with a community where each move helps shape a brighter future—one thoughtful game at a time.