Choosing the Right Chess Club for You and Your Child

In a 24/7 connected world, it’s sometimes hard to find connections in real life. For players who want to make new friends, improve their game, play regularly, and compete in tournaments, joining a chess club is the logical solution!

Chess clubs can be focused on children, adults, or be open to all ages. They can be informal gatherings for casual play, or highly organized meetings with regularly scheduled sanctioned tournaments. Metropolitan areas may have many options to choose from, and technology has opened up access to online clubs for everyone. No matter what your chess goals are, there’s a club out there for you.

Types of Chess Clubs

There are thousands of chess clubs worldwide, and each has its own unique identity. They fall into four general categories.

School and Recreational Clubs

If you want to meet other casual players on a regular basis and socialize, a recreational club is the place to start. Schools, public libraries, and parks and recreation departments may have free or low-cost clubs available. Senior centers also have chess clubs that welcome community members of any age to drop in and play. These clubs may not require membership at all. Parks and recreation offerings usually require a sign-up and a small fee to reserve your spot.

Businesses in your area may offer meet-ups as well, with the hope that the chess players will bring in some extra customers. Coffee shops and gaming stores are two places that may be open to having a chess night.

School clubs for kids vary widely in terms of what they offer. Your school may provide a room and equipment with an enthusiastic parent volunteer, or it may have an experienced coach and a tournament schedule. The advantages of a school club include low or no fees, an inclusive environment (everyone was always welcome at my club!), convenient logistics, and the opportunity to socialize with kids they know. If you’re lucky enough to have a highly organized, active school club, it should be a strong contender in your search.

Nonprofit Clubs

Many chess clubs are nonprofit organizations set up to provide the benefits of learning and playing chess to everyone. Many world-class clubs are 501(c)(3) charitably entities that rely on donations for part or all of their funding, making the dues surprisingly affordable. To find clubs in your area, start with the website of your state chess association. You should find a list of chess clubs by city or region.

If you’re lucky, you may have access to flagship chess clubs like the Saint Louis Chess Club or Charlotte Chess Center. Don’t hesitate to check these clubs out, no matter your level or goals! There are often a wide range of play and development opportunities available, including casual play meet-ups. One advantage of these clubs is a robust roster of training and development seminars, often featuring celebrated players. Historic clubs, such as the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club in San Francisco, California (operating continuously since 1854), still hold regular meetings and welcome newcomers.

A large number of nonprofit clubs focus on chess for kids as their mission. These chess centers are wonderful places for kids to learn about all aspects of the game, from how the pieces move to time controls to etiquette in amateur matches. In-house tournaments and organized trips to outside tournaments are commonly offered. Many new friends are made at chess club meetings!

Commercial Clubs

Chess clubs can be a private business venture. These tend to have the highest fees, but they may be able to provide services that can be difficult for a nonprofit to support, like after-school care or private coaching. One advantage of these clubs is typically a full roster of tournaments and events meant to increase skills and ratings. They often provide a regular schedule of coaching and private lessons with staff, which is convenient when managing busy schedules.

Larger commercial clubs may have multiple locations and a standard “curriculum” that can be accessed online. If you're looking for a self-paced chess learning program with support from coaches, this may be a suitable option. Again, the fees are typically higher, so ensure you know the cost of all the club features you intend to use.

Nonprofit and commercial clubs may look much the same in your area, so it pays to check out what the clubs offer and see which may be a better fit for you and your family.

Online Clubs

One innovation in chess has been the advent of online chess clubs. Unconstrained by geography, these clubs offer players a chance to match up against a live opponent and socialize via chat and video. These clubs have experienced significant growth in the last five years! More than just connecting players, these online spaces often have tournaments and organized events.

Club Features to Consider

Once you’ve decided what type of club fits your social and chess goals, there are some additional features you will want to research.

If you are looking for official events that will count toward your individual chess rating, make sure your club is a US Chess Affiliate. Affiliates can report the results of in-house tournaments to US Chess as ratings-eligible events. The searchable Club Search and Affiliate Directory will give you the most up-to-date listing of Affiliates near you.

Like many other sports, chess can be a budget-friendly activity or a very expensive one. Consider these common costs. First, there are fees or dues to become a club member. These fees may be annual or monthly and vary widely depending on the club's format and size.

Two, optional fees for private lessons or coaching. Some clubs include instruction or seminars as part of the membership, while others require separate arrangements. Next, will you be traveling as part of a club team? Most clubs expect you to foot the bill for all your travel expenses. Finally, if you’re looking for a club for your child, be sure to know what’s included—after-school care is typically an additional cost, for example.

Chess Tournaments and Chess Teams

For players who want to test their chess skills in tournaments, joining a club opens the door to many more opportunities. Club matches can be informal or US Chess rated events. Larger clubs may host national or even international events. Most clubs have a schedule online that will help you understand if the tournaments offered meet your needs.

Chess clubs are also a valuable conduit for exchanging information and coordinating chess tournaments outside the club. One great example is scholastic chess. Parents may find it overwhelming to track and make arrangements for the numerous tournaments available. Stories abound of kids showing up and being the only child in a room of adults. Club directors will do the necessary footwork for you, ensuring the tournament is a good fit for the participant's skill level and age.

Joining a club team opens doors to even more tournament opportunities. In addition to competing in special team sections at tournaments, playing with a team provides camaraderie in a sport that is most often played solo.

Special Considerations for Chess Kids

Current Level and Aspirations

The first step in choosing a club should be evaluating what you and your child hope to gain from the experience.

Second, take some time to assess your chess kid’s current level of play. A beginner may feel more comfortable in a less competitive club where they can develop their skills without the pressure of rankings. Some children have a natural affinity and talent for chess and may need to be challenged by a more competitive environment.

Lastly, consider how much personal attention your child may want or need. For casual players, a club with group exercises and informal games may be the perfect fit. If your child has the drive to win, they may want a club with coaches who will spend one-on-one time with them to work on specific aspects of their game.

Remember—you may not be an expert on chess, but you are the world’s foremost expert on your child! If the club you sign up with seems like a poor fit socially or isn’t providing what your child needs, switching to another club or format is perfectly fine.

Balance Is Key to Long Term Success

Many children today are involved in more than one activity, including sports, the performing arts, and academic pursuits. Serious competitive chess play can be all-consuming when chasing rating points or qualifiers. Ensure you select a club format that accommodates time for school, other activities, and downtime. Competitive chess can be very intense, and burnout is real. Evaluate whether the meeting schedule and expectations are reasonable for your family.

Safety of the Environment

We have all had to become more aware of the safety of kids in activity and sports spaces. Familiarize yourself with the club’s rules for adults interacting with young players and make sure you’re comfortable with the protocols. It’s fairly standard now for adults working with kids to undergo a background check, for example. Don’t feel awkward about asking these questions—it takes all of us to keep the chess kids safe!

Finding a Good Fit

It’s important to have a chess club you look forward to attending. If the club isn’t a good fit socially, or it strains your finances, it becomes a source of stress in your life instead of joy. If you don’t know someone to recommend a club, you can check a new club out before committing.

Attend a meeting or two as a guest. Some clubs don’t require membership to attend meetings, but certain benefits or club tournaments may be exclusive to members. Commercial clubs often have a trial period.

Ask questions. If you’re primarily interested in informal club matches and the schedule seems like a very serious training regime, ask about it! This is especially important with kids. You may have expectations for your young player’s development and opportunities that the club can’t meet — better to find that out before you’ve spent the time and money on a disappointment.

We Want You in the Chess Community

Chess clubs vary as much as chess players do! If you’re ready to dive into club play with some new friends, compete in tournaments for fun and/or ratings, and be part of something special, consider joining your local chess club soon. With a little research, you’re sure to find a chess home that’s a perfect fit!