Chess Clubs in Chicago, IL

The city's chess identity comes from depth. Chicago gives Illinois a large player base, visible tournament traffic, and a social scene that ranges from scholastic improvement all the way up to expert and master competition. For many Midwestern players, it remains one of the most dependable places to find strong over-the-board action.

• Clubs are the best starting point for regular over-the-board games and a local group to improve with.
• If the local list is short, widen to nearby cities — players often treat the whole area as one scene.