United States

Titled Chess Coaches in Florida

Florida chess runs on a strong scholastic pipeline and a handful of long-running clubs, with St. Petersburg's early chess history and Orlando's modern tournament scene anchoring the state. This page keeps the focus on titled coaches while still connecting you to the broader local chess scene.

15
Clubs
36
Upcoming events
4,344
Florida USCF players
The state scene

The Florida Chess Association (FCA), founded in 1939, is the official US Chess state affiliate and organizes the state championship and Florida's scholastic events. St. Petersburg holds one of the state's oldest chess traditions: the St. Pete Chess Club opened in the early 1930s and is often cited as one of the oldest continuously operating chess clubs in the United States, still meeting in its original downtown building. Orlando's Central Florida Chess Club, established in 1987, has organized more than 400 US Chess-rated events and helped make the city a modern hub, one that hosted the U.S. Open in 2011, 2014, and 2019 (with nearby Kissimmee hosting in 1997). The annual state championship, once run in past years as the Arnold Denker Florida State Championship, is today the Harvey Lerman Florida State Chess Championship.

  • Play in or follow the Harvey Lerman Florida State Chess Championship, the FCA's marquee annual event.
  • Central Florida Chess Club in Orlando, running since 1987, is one of the most active US Chess affiliates in the state for regular rated play.
  • St. Petersburg carries the state's deepest chess history, with the St. Pete Chess Club dating to the early 1930s and still meeting in its original building.
Notable names tied to Florida chess
A

Arnold Denker

Two-time U.S. Chess Champion (1944, defended 1946) who lived in Fort Lauderdale and died there in 2005; the Florida state championship was run in his name for several years.

R

Ray Robson

Grew up in Largo and Clearwater, Florida, and became a grandmaster in 2010, at the time the youngest American to earn the title.

J

Julio Becerra Rivero

Grandmaster based in South Miami and a record nine-time Florida state champion, as well as an active coach in the South Florida scene.

USCF Chess in Florida by the Numbers

Official USCF rating list · July 1, 2026

4,344
USCF-rated players
815
Median rating
2865
Top rating
Top rated players in Florida
  1. 1Caruana, Fabiano2865
  2. 2Schwartzman, Gabriel2617
  3. 3Yip, Carissa Shiwen2537
  4. 4Becerra, Julio J2494
  5. 5Vazquez, Octavio2477
See full Florida USCF stats

Map

BC

The Bloomingdale Chess Club meets every Wednesday night at the Bloomingdale Regional library. The address is 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Boards, sets, clocks, and score sheets are provided free of charge. All a...

Titled Coaches

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Chess Clubs in Florida

15 results

Join local clubs, scholastic programs, and community organizers tied to Florida.

BC

The Bloomingdale Chess Club meets every Wednesday night at the Bloomingdale Regional library. The address is 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Boards, sets, clocks, and score sheets are provided free of charge. All a...

BC

Brevard Chess Club on Chess67

CF

Central Florida Chess Club is an established nonprofit chess club serving the Orlando and Central Florida chess community. Founded in 1987, CFCC hosts regular US Chess rated tournaments, weekend hotel events, scholast...

CT

More than chess. A transformation. CHESS TEAM FL is dedicated to building stronger players and better people through chess. We provide personalized instruction for children (ages 4+), competitive juniors, ambitious a...

CC

ChessMinds Chess Club is a South Florida chess community founded by Stephen Herreros, offering rated tournaments, lessons, and competitive events for players of different ages and rating levels. The club is especially...

EE

e4Everyone is the chess playing hub of the Treasure Coast.

EC

Endgame Chess Academy runs scholastic tournaments and training programs designed to help players improve in a structured, competitive environment. Events include USCF-rated tournaments with multiple sections based on...

FC

FishHawk Chess Club meets on Monday’s from 6-8 p.m. All ages welcome! See website for info on meeting location, matches, lessons, and tournaments!

FT

Join us for our weekly Chess Club meetings where students of all skill levels come together to play, learn, and enjoy the game of chess. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pick up the basics or an experienced player...

KS

Kava Social Chess Club is Bradenton’s go to spot for relaxed, social chess. Whether you’re just learning the game or a seasoned player, the club welcomes all levels from beginners to masters. The club meets twice a w...

OC

Orlando Chess Club hosts regular rated tournaments and events for players across Central Florida. The club is focused on providing competitive yet welcoming events for players of all ages and skill levels, with a mix...

OR

https://www.orcachess.com

PS

Chess club for all ages from beginners to master strength. Two locations. Panera Bread 1707 St Lucie West Blvd, Port St Lucie, Fl Tues: 12 pm. Thur/Sun : 1pm Barnes and Noble, Jensen Beach FL Sat-12:30 pm

TC

Tampa Champions Chess hosts regular USCF rated events and training sessions for competitive players in the Tampa area. Weekly quads, tournaments, and structured events designed for serious improvement and consistent...

TK

"Make Moves. Meet People." Tampa Bay's Largest Social Chess Event Organizer. Meets: Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun

Upcoming Tournaments

18 results

Upcoming rated and unrated competition linked to Florida.

BW
Tournament
Today at 2:00 PM
Happening today
Starts in 6h 3m

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

TC
Tournament
Tomorrow at 7:30 PM
Tomorrow

Tampa Champions Expert and Master Quad

Weekly Monday event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Format 2 round USCF rated event Time control: 40 minutes with 5 second delay

Entry Fee $15 entry $30 prize to first place

Eligibi...

BW
Tournament
This Thursday at 6:45 PM
This Thursday

Weekly rated quick tournament at Panera Bread in West Melbourne.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play 4 rounds, results the same night

Format 4 round Swiss Time control G10 with 2 second delay

Sections may be s...

TM
Tournament
This Thursday at 8:00 PM
This Thursday

Blitz Tournament with Physical & Cash Prizes!&32; Match: Swiss Pairing with 5 total rounds. Time: 5 minute games with 3 second increment.

++Prizes++ Top Players of Each Section Receive Cash Prizes Based on Entry Poo...

BW
Tournament
Aug 2nd, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

TC
Tournament
Aug 3rd, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Tampa Champions Expert and Master Quad

Weekly Monday event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Format 2 round USCF rated event Time control: 40 minutes with 5 second delay

Entry Fee $15 entry $30 prize to first place

Eligibi...

BW
Tournament
Aug 6th, 2026 at 6:45 PM

Weekly rated quick tournament at Panera Bread in West Melbourne.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play 4 rounds, results the same night

Format 4 round Swiss Time control G10 with 2 second delay

Sections may be s...

BW
Tournament
Aug 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

TC
Tournament
Aug 10th, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Tampa Champions Expert and Master Quad

Weekly Monday event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Format 2 round USCF rated event Time control: 40 minutes with 5 second delay

Entry Fee $15 entry $30 prize to first place

Eligibi...

BW
Tournament
Aug 13th, 2026 at 6:45 PM

Weekly rated quick tournament at Panera Bread in West Melbourne.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play 4 rounds, results the same night

Format 4 round Swiss Time control G10 with 2 second delay

Sections may be s...

BW
Tournament
Aug 16th, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

TC
Tournament
Aug 17th, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Tampa Champions Expert and Master Quad

Weekly Monday event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Format 2 round USCF rated event Time control: 40 minutes with 5 second delay

Entry Fee $15 entry $30 prize to first place

Eligibi...

BW
Tournament
Aug 20th, 2026 at 6:45 PM

Weekly rated quick tournament at Panera Bread in West Melbourne.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play 4 rounds, results the same night

Format 4 round Swiss Time control G10 with 2 second delay

Sections may be s...

BW
Tournament
Aug 23rd, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

TC
Tournament
Aug 24th, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Tampa Champions Expert and Master Quad

Weekly Monday event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Format 2 round USCF rated event Time control: 40 minutes with 5 second delay

Entry Fee $15 entry $30 prize to first place

Eligibi...

FW
Tournament
Aug 26th, 2026 at 6:00 PM

FIT Weekly Meetings on Chess67

BW
Tournament
Aug 27th, 2026 at 6:45 PM

Weekly rated quick tournament at Panera Bread in West Melbourne.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play 4 rounds, results the same night

Format 4 round Swiss Time control G10 with 2 second delay

Sections may be s...

BW
Tournament
Aug 30th, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Weekly rated blitz tournament at Nocturne Teas Kava Bar.

What to expect Show up, get paired, play multiple blitz games, results the same day

Format 5 round double Swiss (10 games total)

Time control Black chooses G...

Upcoming Events

18 results

Upcoming club nights, camps, workshops, and community events linked to Florida.

KG
Event
Today at 3:00 PM
Happening today
Starts in 7h 3m

The Knights Class is part of the Tampa Knights group improvement program. Come improve your chess with structured lessons! 3:00 PM - Fundamentals Section 4:00 PM - Advanced Section (recommend for players rated 900 -...

KC
Event
Today at 8:00 PM
Happening today

Sunday nights are our Kava Casual Chess&32;♟️✨, alternating between relaxed casual chess nights and structured rapid tournament brackets 🏆⏱️. Come hang out, meet other players, and enjoy casual games during our free...

TS
Event
Today at 8:00 PM
Happening today

Chess • DJs • Mini Games • Party! Be part of the first Tampa Knights x Kava Social Chess Club collaboration social party event.

Enjoy a night of chess variants, mini-games, free-play, Live DJ lineups, drinks, and pr...

MM
Event
Tomorrow at 6:00 PM
Tomorrow

Every Monday we meet at the Oviedo Mall Food Court from 6-9p for free, open play chess. It is open to all ages and skill levels. No registration required. Come join us!

TK
Event
Tomorrow at 8:00 PM
Tomorrow

The Knights Social offers the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and enjoy an evening full of chess!

BC
Event
This Tuesday at 6:00 PM
This Tuesday

Barkhaven Chess Night is going to continue weekly on Tuesdays. Come join us for some casual chess, great food and drinks, friends, and dogs!

Please note: if you’d like to bring your dog alon...

TT
Event
This Tuesday at 8:00 PM
This Tuesday

Join us for Tactical Tuesday: Guided Chess Study Night, a relaxed group session focused on learning, improving, and talking through positions together. We’ll study tactics, openings, strategy, and real games in a begi...

CT
Event
This Thursday at 6:00 PM
This Thursday

Join us Thursday evenings at Tin & Taco Sodo & Sodough Square's shared restaurant for some great food, friends, and fun. Free open play chess meetup every week. Join us!

MB
Event
This Thursday at 8:00 PM
This Thursday

Test your luck against some of Tampa Bay's best chess players! Thursdays the club hosts regular tournaments, open-play, & special events. All events offer both a beginner friendly guidance & advanced play sections.

OC
Event
This Saturday at 12:00 PM
This Saturday

Weekly club meetup open to players of all ages and skill levels.

What to expect Drop in, play games, meet local players, and enjoy a mix of casual and competitive chess

Free to attend

Rated and casual play both ava...

KG
Event
Aug 2nd, 2026 at 3:00 PM

The Knights Class is part of the Tampa Knights group improvement program. Come improve your chess with structured lessons! 3:00 PM - Fundamentals Section 4:00 PM - Advanced Section (recommend for players rated 900 -...

KS
Event
Aug 2nd, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Come hangout with some casual play and socilization! All levels welcome!

KF
Event
Aug 2nd, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Free Play Night is our relaxed, no-pressure chess hangout ♟️✨ Come play casual games, meet new people, learn from others, and enjoy a fun night with the Kava chess crew. Beginners are absolutely welcome 🙌 Whether you...

KS
Event
Aug 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 PM

Kava Social free play night on Chess67

MM
Event
Aug 3rd, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Every Monday we meet at the Oviedo Mall Food Court from 6-9p for free, open play chess. It is open to all ages and skill levels. No registration required. Come join us!

TK
Event
Aug 3rd, 2026 at 8:00 PM

The Knights Social offers the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and enjoy an evening full of chess!

BC
Event
Aug 4th, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Barkhaven Chess Night is going to continue weekly on Tuesdays. Come join us for some casual chess, great food and drinks, friends, and dogs!

Please note: if you’d like to bring your dog alon...

TT
Event
Aug 4th, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Join us for Tactical Tuesday: Guided Chess Study Night, a relaxed group session focused on learning, improving, and talking through positions together. We’ll study tactics, openings, strategy, and real games in a begi...

More Links

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