Chess Clubs in Coventry, Connecticut. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Coventry, CT and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Coventry and northeastern Connecticut have access to several clubs offering opportunities for casual play, competitive matches, and skill development. These organizations welcome players of all ages and experience levels in the Quiet Corner region.
1. Coventry Chess Club
Location: Booth & Dimock Memorial Library – 1134 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238
Description: The Coventry Chess Club meets weekly at the town library, providing a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. The club emphasizes both recreational play and competitive development, with experienced members available to mentor beginners. Regular activities include casual games, strategy discussions, and occasional themed chess nights.
2. Willimantic Chess Society
Location: Willimantic Public Library – 905 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Description: Located 15 minutes from Coventry, this active club meets twice weekly for both casual and competitive play. The Willimantic Chess Society attracts players from across the region and hosts quarterly rated tournaments. The group maintains an extensive chess library with instructional materials.
3. Mansfield Chess Academy
Location: Mansfield Public Library – 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250
Description: Approximately 10 minutes from Coventry, this club offers structured chess instruction alongside regular play opportunities. The Mansfield Chess Academy hosts Connecticut Chess Association-sanctioned tournaments and maintains relationships with scholastic programs in area schools.
4. Storrs Chess Collective (UConn Affiliated)
Location: University of Connecticut Student Union – 2110 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269
Description: About 15 minutes from Coventry, this university-connected club welcomes community members to select events. The Storrs Chess Collective offers competitive play against collegiate opponents and hosts occasional open tournaments with electronic board demonstrations.
5. Tolland Chess Group
Location: Tolland Public Library – 21 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT 06084
Description: Located 20 minutes from Coventry, this community-focused club meets weekly for casual play and skill development. The Tolland Chess Group emphasizes a welcoming environment for families and new players, with dedicated beginner sessions.
6. Bolton Chess Society
Location: Bentley Memorial Library – 206 Bolton Center Road, Bolton, CT 06043
Description: Approximately 25 minutes from Coventry, this smaller club provides an intimate chess experience. The Bolton Chess Society meets bi-weekly and specializes in historical chess variants alongside standard play.
Regional Tournament Opportunities:
Several clubs in the area collaborate to host the Eastern Connecticut Chess Championship annually, rotating between Coventry, Willimantic, and Storrs locations. These events typically feature multiple skill divisions with prizes in open sections.
Club Features:
Regular rated tournament options
Scholastic and senior chess programs
Mentoring partnerships
Chess libraries and study materials
Electronic board demonstrations
Travel teams for inter-club matches
Most clubs provide equipment, though serious competitors may want to bring their own clocks. The Storrs club offers the strongest competitive opportunities through its university connections, while community clubs provide more flexible scheduling. Players should verify meeting times as some clubs adjust schedules seasonally. The Coventry area provides excellent opportunities for both recreational players and serious competitors through its network of active chess organizations.
