Chess Clubs in Edwardsville, Illinois. The list of addresses.

Chess Clubs in Edwardsville, IL and Surrounding Areas

For chess enthusiasts in Edwardsville and nearby communities, several options exist for casual play, competitive tournaments, and skill development. This guide highlights local chess clubs and nearby organizations where players of all levels can engage in the royal game.

1. Edwardsville Chess Club

Address: Edwardsville Public Library – 112 S Kansas St, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Description: The Edwardsville Chess Club meets regularly at the public library, offering a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels. The club focuses on casual play with opportunities for beginners to learn from more experienced players. The library provides chess sets, and players are encouraged to bring their own clocks for timed games. Meeting times vary by season, so checking the library’s event calendar is recommended.

2. Collinsville Chess Club

Address: Collinsville Memorial Public Library – 408 W Main St, Collinsville, IL 62234
Description: Just 15 minutes from Edwardsville, the Collinsville Chess Club hosts weekly gatherings at their public library. This friendly group welcomes both recreational players and serious competitors. The club occasionally organizes small tournaments and strategy sessions. Players of all ages are welcome, with several regular members happy to teach newcomers the fundamentals.

3. St. Louis Chess Club

Address: 4657 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Description: Located about 35 minutes from Edwardsville, the world-class St. Louis Chess Club offers premier facilities and programming. The club hosts regular rated tournaments, lectures by grandmasters, and classes for all skill levels. Their extensive calendar includes beginner nights, simultaneous exhibitions, and major championship events. Membership options are available for serious players.

4. O’Fallon Chess Club

Address: O’Fallon Public Library – 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Description: Approximately 25 minutes from Edwardsville, the O’Fallon Chess Club meets weekly at the public library. The group maintains a casual atmosphere while still offering competitive opportunities. Players range from school-aged beginners to experienced tournament competitors. The club occasionally hosts guest instructors for special workshops.

5. Belleville Area Chess Club

Address: Belleville Public Library – 121 E Washington St, Belleville, IL 62220
Description: About 30 minutes from Edwardsville, the Belleville chess group gathers regularly at the main library branch. This club emphasizes community building through chess, with a mix of social play and light competition. The venue provides a comfortable setting with ample space for multiple games simultaneously.

6. Alton Chess Enthusiasts

Address: Various locations in Alton, IL (check local listings)
Description: The Alton chess community organizes informal meetups at coffee shops and community centers. While not a formal club structure, these gatherings provide opportunities for casual games. Locations and times vary, with some groups meeting weekly at establishments like Germania Brew Haus or the Alton Public Library.

7. Metro East Scholastic Chess

Description: Several schools in the Edwardsville area participate in scholastic chess programs. The Edwardsville School District, along with private schools and homeschool groups, fields teams that compete in regional tournaments. Interested parents and students should contact their school’s activities office for participation details.

Online and Alternative Options

For players unable to attend in-person meetings, several online platforms connect local chess enthusiasts. The “Metro East Chess Players” Facebook group organizes virtual games and occasional in-person meetups. Additionally, local parks often host informal chess games during pleasant weather months, particularly at City Park in Edwardsville.

Final Considerations

The Edwardsville area offers diverse chess opportunities, from casual library clubs to world-class tournament play just across the river in St. Louis. Most local clubs require no membership fees and welcome drop-in participants. Players should verify meeting times in advance, as schedules may change seasonally. With options ranging from beginner-friendly to professional-level competition, chess enthusiasts in the region can easily find suitable playing opportunities.