come play
47 W. Polk Street, Suite G9
Chicago, IL 60605
NOTICE: Our tournament location has moved! As of July 1st, tournaments will be held in the Loop at 166 W Washington Street Unit #600, Chicago, Illinois. If you have registered to play, please check your emails frequently for instructions on entering the building.
Who We Are
A world-class city deserves a world-class chess center . . . in the city.
The Chicago Chess Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to make chess accessible to all members of the community. It is our passion to nurture a welcoming chess environment where every individual—regardless of age, sex, ability, or economic background—has the opportunity to learn and compete in this beloved game. We believe chess is more than a game: it’s a catalyst for critical thinking, creativity, and camaraderie.
What We Do
We host weekly rated chess tournaments that range from casual weekday events to competitive weekend championships. Our center offers an environment where casual chess enthusiasts and serious competitors alike can engage, grow, and learn from each other. In our public events, we feature exhibition games, simuls, guest master lectures, and cash-prize chess nights.
Education is a crucial factor for one’s growth in chess. We offer classes, lectures, camps, and one-on-one coaching designed for all levels, from beginners learning the basics to chess professionals preparing for an upcoming challenge. We also partner with schools and scholastic educational groups. Our approach is to empower youth through chess, using the game to bolster academic skills and life lessons.
Helping Our Community
The backbone of our mission is in the belief that every individual, regardless of financial means or background, deserves equal access to high‑quality chess events. This game brings people from all walks of life together, bridging the gap between language and cultural differences to make for —in our very unbiased opinion— a more uniquely diverse and connected community. Because of this, we provide charitable and subsidized options—such as free or reduced‑cost tournament entry, and resource access—to participants from low‑income or marginalized communities. By removing financial barriers, we ensure that only passion and curiosity is the requirement to participate, not one’s ability to pay.
We need your support to fulfill our mission.
Please stop by and visit us! See our events page for hours and schedules.
Consider becoming a Chicago Chess Center volunteer or making a donation.
Your feedback helps us improve. Please contact us and let us know how we are doing.