Chess Clubs in Bradley, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Bradley, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Bradley and nearby Kankakee County communities have several options for organized play. This guide covers local chess opportunities within a 20-mile radius of Bradley, catering to both casual and competitive players.
1. Bradley Chess Club
Location: Bradley Public Library – 296 N Fulton Ave, Bradley, IL 60915
Description: The Bradley Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s community room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all skill levels, with experienced members available to mentor beginners. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks. Monthly activities include casual tournaments, puzzle-solving challenges, and strategy discussions.
2. Bourbonnais Chess Society
Location: Bourbonnais Public Library – 250 W John Casey Rd, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Description: Just 10 minutes from Bradley, this active chess community gathers every Saturday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons at 1:30 PM followed by competitive play. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a lending library of chess strategy books.
3. Kankakee Chess Collective
Location: Kankakee Public Library – 201 E Merchant St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Description: This diverse chess group meets Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Collective emphasizes chess education with teaching boards available for group instruction. Special events include simultaneous exhibitions with local masters and an annual city championship tournament each spring.
4. Manteno Chess Club
Location: Manteno Veterans Memorial Library – 379 W Second St, Manteno, IL 60950
Description: A 15-minute drive from Bradley, this club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00 PM. The group welcomes families and junior players, with special youth programming during summer months. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets for players.
5. Momence Chess Circle
Location: Momence Public Library – 206 E Washington St, Momence, IL 60954
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every Friday evening from 6:30-9:00 PM. The Circle maintains a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The library recently added a chess book collection available for checkout.
6. Watseka Chess Guild
Location: Watseka Public Library – 201 S 7th St, Watseka, IL 60970
Description: While a 30-minute drive from Bradley, this established club offers quality playing opportunities for Iroquois County residents. The Guild meets Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-6:00 PM and hosts monthly rapid chess tournaments. Several club members compete in regional championships.
Tournament Opportunities in Kankakee County
Annual chess events in the area include:
Bradley Winter Open (January)
Kankakee River Valley Championship (April)
Bourbonnais Summer Classic (July)
Iroquois County Fall Tournament (October)
For serious competitors willing to travel, the Illinois Chess Association hosts statewide tournaments in Chicago, Peoria, and other major cities. Most local clubs recommend contacting them in advance as schedules may adjust for holidays. Whether seeking casual games or competitive play, chess players in the Bradley area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities. Several clubs participate in inter-library chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.
