The English Chess Federation (ECF) was originally founded in 1904 under the title British Chess Federation. Although Ireland, Wales and Scotland had their own federations for many years, it was not until 2005 that the name was changed to reflect the fact that its primary role was the promotion of chess in England.

The ECF is the governing body for chess in England. It organizes the annual British Chess Championship, which has, with the exception of short interruptions during the two world wars, taken place every year since its inception in 1904. The ECF also organizes and finances the English team for the biannual Chess Olympiad.