Chess Clubs in Cahokia, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Cahokia, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Cahokia and nearby Metro East communities will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 20-minute drive of Cahokia, offering options for both recreational and competitive players.
1. Cahokia Chess Club
Location: Cahokia Public Library – 140 Cahokia Park Dr, Cahokia, IL 62206
Description: The Cahokia Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 5:30-8:00 PM in the library’s community room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks. Monthly activities include casual play, strategy discussions, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. East St. Louis Chess Society
Location: East St. Louis Public Library – 5300 State St, East St. Louis, IL 62203
Description: Just 10 minutes from Cahokia, this active chess community gathers every Thursday from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons available upon request. The group hosts quarterly tournaments and maintains an email list for chess-related announcements.
3. Belleville Chess Collective
Location: Belleville Public Library – 121 E Washington St, Belleville, IL 62220
Description: A 15-minute drive from Cahokia, this family-friendly chess group meets Saturday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Collective emphasizes chess education with teaching boards available for group instruction. Special events include youth tournaments and summer chess workshops.
4. Fairview Heights Chess Academy
Location: Fairview Heights Public Library – 10017 Bunkum Rd, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy features electronic demonstration boards for interactive lessons and hosts quarterly rated tournaments. Special youth programming is available during school breaks.
5. O’Fallon Chess Circle
Location: O’Fallon Public Library – 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Circle maintains a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
6. St. Louis Chess Club (Missouri)
Location: 4657 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Description: While located across the river in Missouri, this world-class chess facility is worth the 20-minute trip for serious players. The club offers rated tournaments, lectures, and open play sessions daily. It serves as one of the premier chess destinations in the Midwest.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the Metro East area include:
Cahokia Spring Open (April)
Metro East Championship (June)
Belleville Fall Classic (October)
For serious competitors, the Illinois Chess Association hosts statewide tournaments throughout the year. Most local clubs recommend contacting them in advance as schedules may adjust for holidays. Whether seeking casual games or serious competition, chess players in the Cahokia area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities. Several clubs participate in inter-city chess challenges and collaborative events.
