Chess Clubs in Benton, Arkansas. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Benton, AR and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Benton, Arkansas, and nearby Saline County communities have access to a surprisingly vibrant chess scene for a midsize Southern city. As the county seat and eighth-largest city in Arkansas, Benton hosts one of the state’s most active chess organizations along with several nearby options for players of all skill levels.
1. Benton Chess Club
Address: Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, 1800 Smithers Dr, Benton, AR 72015
Description: The flagship chess organization of central Arkansas meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:30-8:30 PM in the library’s meeting rooms. This US Chess Federation-affiliated club offers:
Weekly rated tournament games
Casual play sessions
Beginner instruction nights on first Thursdays
Annual Arkansas State Championship qualifier events
The club maintains about 40 active members ranging from scholastic players to senior masters, with an average of 15-20 players at weekly meetings. Their library venue provides ample space with 10 tournament-quality chess sets available for use.
2. Bryant Chess Society
Address: M.J. Hickey Public Library, 201 Prickett Rd, Bryant, AR 72022 (15-minute drive)
Description: This growing suburban chess group meets every Saturday afternoon from 1-4 PM. The atmosphere leans more recreational than competitive, making it ideal for:
Families with children learning chess
Adult beginners
Casual players seeking low-pressure games
The library provides basic chess sets, though many members bring their own equipment. Monthly “Chess Basics” workshops are offered for new players.
3. Little Rock Chess Club
Address: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library, 4800 W 10th St, Little Rock, AR 72204 (30-minute drive)
Description: As Arkansas’ largest and most competitive chess organization, this club offers:
Monday night blitz tournaments
Wednesday night rated games
Weekend Swiss tournaments
Regular visits from National Masters
The club averages 25-35 players per session and has produced multiple state champions. Serious competitors will find the strongest games here.
4. Hot Springs Chess Club
Address: Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 (45-minute drive)
Description: This more casual Saturday afternoon gathering focuses on:
Social chess play
Beginner instruction
Occasional unrated tournaments
The club attracts about 10-15 players weekly, with a mix of locals and visiting tourists. The scenic library location makes for a pleasant chess outing.
5. Benton High School Chess Team
Address: 211 N Border St, Benton, AR 72015
Description: One of Arkansas’ top scholastic programs competes in:
Arkansas Scholastic Chess League matches
Regional high school tournaments
Annual state championship events
The team practices weekly during school months and occasionally hosts open play nights for community members. Several alumni have competed at national collegiate levels.
Tournament Calendar
Major local events include:
Saline County Open (March)
Arkansas Senior Championship (June)
Benton Holiday Classic (December)
Central Arkansas Scholastic Championship (February)
Growing the Chess Community
Benton residents can get involved by:
Volunteering as chess mentors at local schools
Sponsoring tournament prizes through local businesses
Organizing corporate/community chess challenge events
Conclusion
Benton stands out as one of Arkansas’ chess hotspots, anchored by its exceptionally active library chess club. The combination of strong competitive play through the Benton Chess Club, quality scholastic programs, and accessible casual options in nearby communities creates a well-rounded chess environment.
With its central location between Little Rock and Hot Springs, Benton serves as a hub for chess activity in the region. The city’s chess organizations continue to grow, offering opportunities for players at all levels – from children learning the game to experienced tournament competitors. This thriving chess community makes Benton an excellent place for Arkansas chess enthusiasts to play, learn and compete.
