Chess Clubs in Cottonwood-Verde Village, Arizona. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Cottonwood-Verde Village, AZ and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Cottonwood-Verde Village and the surrounding Verde Valley region have several options for organized play, ranging from casual meetups to competitive clubs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced player seeking challenging games, these clubs provide welcoming environments for all skill levels.
1. Verde Valley Chess Club
Location: Cottonwood Public Library – 100 S 6th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Description: The primary chess gathering in the area meets weekly at the Cottonwood Public Library. This friendly group welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, with a mix of casual games and more serious matches. The library provides a quiet, climate-controlled environment perfect for thoughtful play. Several experienced players regularly attend and enjoy mentoring newcomers.
2. Sedona Chess Society
Location: Sedona Public Library – 3250 White Bear Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Description: About 20 minutes from Cottonwood, this club meets biweekly in Sedona’s modern library. The group has a strong following among retirees but welcomes all adult players. They maintain a balance between social play and competitive games, occasionally hosting small tournaments. The stunning red rock views make this one of the most scenic places to play chess in Arizona.
3. Camp Verde Chess Meetup
Location: Camp Verde Community Library – 130 Black Bridge Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Description: A 15-minute drive from Cottonwood, this growing group meets every Saturday afternoon. The meetup attracts a mix of local families, students, and adult players. Several sets are available for use, and players often bring chess clocks for timed games. The library’s children’s area makes this particularly welcoming for young players.
4. Prescott Chess Club
Location: Prescott Public Library – 215 E Goodwin St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Description: For those willing to drive 45 minutes, the Prescott Chess Club offers one of the most active chess scenes in northern Arizona. They meet weekly with separate sessions for casual play and tournament preparation. The club includes several rated players and frequently hosts rated tournaments open to all.
5. Clarkdale Chess Gathering
Location: Clarkdale Clubhouse – 19 N 9th St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Description: This informal group meets Wednesday evenings in historic Clarkdale, just 10 minutes from Cottonwood. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with players often enjoying coffee or snacks during games. The group maintains an email list to coordinate special events and playing sessions.
Starting Your Own Chess Group
For residents interested in establishing a more local chess presence, potential locations include:
Verde Valley Senior Center (500 E Cherry St, Cottonwood)
Cottonwood Recreation Center (150 S 6th St)
Verde Valley Christian Church (3605 Zalesky Rd, Cottonwood)
The growing retirement population in the Verde Valley makes this an ideal area to develop a stronger chess community. Interested players might begin by posting notices in local libraries or community centers.
Tournament Opportunities
While regular tournaments are limited in the immediate area, nearby options include:
Prescott Chess Club’s monthly rated tournaments
Annual Verde Valley Chess Challenge (rotates between Cottonwood and Sedona)
Northern Arizona Chess Association events in Flagstaff
Final Thoughts
Chess players in Cottonwood-Verde Village have several good options within a short drive, each offering a different chess experience. From the casual games in Clarkdale to the more competitive environment in Prescott, there are opportunities for every type of player. Those interested in the most current meeting times should contact the hosting venues directly or check local community boards.
With chess’s growing popularity among both retirees and families, the Verde Valley region has excellent potential for expanding its chess offerings. Players interested in helping grow the local chess scene might consider volunteering to teach at schools or starting a new club in their neighborhood.
