CUCC 2026 Logo
Hart House Chess Club Logo

Get Involved

Photo by John Upper of the Chess Federation of Canada.

Why Volunteer?

This is a great opportunity to:

  1. Be part of one of Canada's largest university chess events
  2. Gain hands-on experience working with event organizers and teams
  3. Meet players, coaches, and chess enthusiasts from across the country
  4. Contribute to growing the university chess community

Roles Available

Below, you'll find some of the available roles that we are looking for volunteers to support us.

Commentary Assistance

We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about media. In particular, we plan on setting up a Commentary Booth which will be some of the best commentary ever conducted by a university chess club.

Responsibilities include:

Ensuring quality of video streams

Assisting commentators with technical difficulties

Assisting players with setting up their streams

Assisting in technical implementations of video streaming technologies (video cameras, lights, microphones)

Chess Game Analysis and Selection

We are looking for folks to help provide written game analysis and recaps of the top games each day. We will provide the scoresheets and we ask that you analyze the top games for updates.

Additional Requirements:

Must have knowledge of reading a scoresheet

Expected Hours: 3 hours per day (end of day)

Technical Engineering

We have new technologies being deployed at CUCC 2026. We need technically minded people to help assist with troubleshooting, design, and implementation of these solutions.

Electronic Boards

12 electronic boards will be in use at CUCC 2026 broadcasting the top games from the tournament. There is a need to ensure that these boards are functioning properly and maintained to the highest standards.

Automatic Game Input

We have new technology being implemented to ensure that after every game finishes players will walk out of the hall with the scores updated quickly.

Website

We have a new website implemented which allows us to update players with announcements, showcase our sponsors, show live games, and post updates.

Additional Requirements:

Must have relevant technical experience

Expected Hours: 3 hours per day (end of day)

Floor Arbitration

We are pleased to offer this option for select volunteers interested in gaining experience with arbitration. Our Chief Arbiter will personally provide a training session and discuss how to become an arbiter at the event. Volunteers will be given with the lower sections (U1800) and ample training. We hope that this encourages community members to contribute back to the community and learn how to become a professional arbiter.

Additional Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years of age

Must have basic chess knowledge

Expected Hours: Full event or Half event

Application Details and Expectations

After submission, we will contact you to conduct an interview and discussion to determine best fit. If selected, we will assign you with an Organizing Committee Member who will help onboard and assist you.

There are rolling applications and positions may become open/close at any moment. Those interested we will try our best to help get you involved in the event.

Priority for volunteering will go to current U of T students and high-school students. We will accept alumni and community members as well.

Perks of Being a Volunteer

  • Meals provided for the duration of the shift
  • Snacks
  • Recognition as a Volunteer (certificate)
  • Thank You in Event Report and on Website
  • Merchandise (t-shirt, other merch)

Minimum Requirements

Must be at least 15 years of age

Photos of Volunteers

Gain a sense of what our volunteers do from the photos below.

Curving abstract shapes with an orange and blue gradient

Photo by John Upper at the Chess Federation of Canada.


Deepanshi Matai volunteering at a Hart House Chess Club tournament in 2024. Photo taken by Jay Bhadreshwara

Chief Organizer of the 2025 CUCC alongside Commentator Koosha Jaferian. Photo taken by Deepanshi Matai.

Cindy Qiao volunteering at a Hart House Chess Club event in 2025. Photo by Jay Bhadreshwara.

DGT Boards from the 2025 Hart House Reading Week Open. Photo by Derek Ma.

From the 2024 Hart House October Open. Photo by Derek Ma.

How to Apply

If you're interested in joining us, please email us at info@cucc2026.ca with your name, the positions interested, and relevant experience. We also encourage you to reach out to ask questions or let us know if you have additional ideas to contribute to making CUCC 2026 exceptional.

We look forward to working with you to make CUCC 2026 an unforgettable championship!