Chess Clubs in Decatur, Georgia. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Decatur, GA and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Decatur and the greater Atlanta metropolitan area will find several welcoming clubs that cater to all skill levels. These organizations provide opportunities for casual play, competitive matches, and chess education in DeKalb County and nearby communities.
1. Decatur Chess Club
Location: Decatur Recreation Center – 231 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
Description: The Decatur Chess Club meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. This USCF-affiliated club offers structured beginner lessons at 7:00 PM followed by open play. The club hosts monthly rated tournaments on the third Saturday of each month and maintains a chess book lending library.
2. Emory University Chess Society
Location: Emory University Student Center – 605 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322
Description: Located 10 minutes from Decatur, this student-run club meets Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. While primarily serving university students, the society welcomes community members to its Friday night open play sessions and quarterly rapid tournaments.
3. Avondale Chess Academy
Location: Avondale Public Library – 356 Covington Hwy, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Description: Approximately 5 minutes from Decatur, this club offers structured instruction on Thursday afternoons (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) during the school year. The academy focuses on youth development with programs for elementary through high school students.
4. Clarkston Chess Collective
Location: Clarkston Public Library – 951 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021
Description: About 15 minutes from Decatur, this diverse community club meets Sunday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The collective emphasizes chess as a universal language, offering multilingual instruction and hosting international-themed chess events.
5. Tucker Chess Club
Location: Tucker Recreation Center – 4898 Lavista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084
Description: Located 20 minutes from Decatur, this competitive club meets Friday evenings from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The club features several master-level players and hosts quarterly tournaments with cash prizes in open sections.
Regional Tournament Circuit:
The DeKalb Chess Association organizes:
Decatur Spring Open (April)
Emory Summer Classic (July)
Fall Metro Championship (October)
Club Features:
USCF-rated tournament options
Scholastic development programs
Master-led workshops
Equipment lending libraries
Community outreach initiatives
Collegiate chess opportunities
Most venues provide chess sets, though tournament participants should bring regulation clocks. The Decatur area offers particularly strong scholastic chess opportunities through partnerships with DeKalb County Schools. Players should confirm meeting schedules as some clubs adjust hours during academic breaks and summer months.
