The 2026 AIC Chess season delivered another outstanding competition across all year levels, with both the prestigious First IV Premiership and the Champion School Aggregate Shield decided in a dramatic final round. The season also marked another significant milestone for AIC Chess, with continued growth in participation and the ongoing expansion of the competition.

First IV Premiership

The race for the 2026 First IV Premiership went right down to the final fixture in a fitting conclusion to another highly competitive season.

Heading into the final round, St Peters had compiled a perfect record, winning all six of their opening matches. Standing in their way was St Laurence’s College, who had the opportunity to force a share of the premiership with a victory. Meanwhile, Villanova College, whose only defeat of the season had come at the hands of St Peters, watched on with interest, hoping their South Brisbane neighbours could create a three-team share of the title.

The championship match lived up to expectations. At the halfway point, the teams were locked at 4-4 after an afternoon of high-quality chess that reflected the exceptional standard seen throughout the season.

Following the break, however, St Peters produced a dominant finish, winning the remaining four games to secure a deserved undefeated premiership. The title is the school’s fifth First IV Premiership in AIC history and their third in the past five seasons.

Villanova College finished as runners-up, with St Laurence’s College claiming third place after another impressive campaign.

In another important development for AIC Chess, all First IV games played throughout the 2026 season will once again be submitted for inclusion in the Queensland Junior Chess Rankings. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to have their performances recognised, assisting with qualification and seeding for future Queensland Junior Chess events.

Champion School Aggregate Shield

Just as with the First IV Premiership, the battle for the AIC Champion School Aggregate Shield came down to the final round.

St Peters entered the final day aiming to secure a remarkable fourth consecutive Aggregate Shield, while St Laurence’s College was seeking to reclaim the title it last won in 2021.

With placings across each of the five premiership divisions contributing to the aggregate standings, every individual game carried significant importance. The result was a tense and captivating afternoon of chess, with momentum swinging between both schools as closely contested matches unfolded across the venue.

When the final games concluded, it was St Laurence’s College that emerged as the 2026 AIC Champion School, reclaiming the Aggregate Shield after an outstanding team performance. The strength of the St Laurence’s program was reflected in consistently high finishes across all five premiership divisions, with the College placing in the top three in each division that contributed to the aggregate standings.

St Peters finished a commendable second, while Padua College completed the podium in third place.

Premiership Division Results

Competition in all 5 Premiership divisions was close with all divisions coming down to the final week of competition.

*Indicates ‘Non-Aggregate’ Division

Primary Chess 

The future of AIC Chess is very bright with great participation and excellent skill on display each week in the Junior (Primary) divisions. In the Junior A division, Padua and St Peters led the way, each winning 6 of their fixtures. In the Junior B competition, Padua went through the season undefeated.

The 2026 season showcased not only the exceptional standard of chess played across the AIC competition but also the continued growth, depth and enthusiasm for the sport within AIC schools. Congratulations to all students, coaches, coordinators and schools for another successful season.

Photos supplied by AIC Colleges