Chess Clubs in Gadsden, Alabama. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Gadsden, AL and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Gadsden, Alabama, and nearby communities will find several opportunities for organized play and chess education. This guide details local chess clubs, their locations, meeting schedules, and program offerings.
Chess Clubs in Gadsden
1. Gadsden Chess Club
Address: Gadsden Public Library (254 South College Street, Gadsden, AL 35901)
Meeting Times: Every Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Description: The primary chess organization in Gadsden hosts weekly meetings at the public library. The club welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Regular activities include casual games, strategy discussions, and occasional speed chess tournaments. The library provides chess sets and clocks for participants.
2. Etowah County Scholastic Chess Program
Address: Various Gadsden City Schools (contact program coordinator for locations)
Meeting Times: After-school hours during academic year
Description: This youth-focused initiative operates chess clubs at multiple Gadsden-area schools. The program emphasizes chess fundamentals, sportsmanship, and competitive preparation for Alabama Scholastic Chess Championship events. Volunteer instructors work with students in elementary through high school.
Nearby Chess Clubs
3. Anniston Chess Club
Address: Anniston Public Library (108 East 10th Street, Anniston, AL 36201)
Meeting Times: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Description: Located approximately 30 minutes from Gadsden, this established club attracts players from across Calhoun County. The group hosts monthly rated tournaments and maintains an active membership of adult and junior players. Beginners receive introductory lessons during the first hour of each meeting.
4. Jacksonville State University Chess Club
Address: Jacksonville State University Game Room (700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265)
Meeting Times: Biweekly on Fridays, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM during academic terms
Description: While primarily serving university students, this club welcomes community members to participate in their events. The group organizes simultaneous exhibitions, team matches against other Alabama colleges, and open tournaments. Parking is available in visitor lots near the Theron Montgomery Building.
5. Fort Payne Chess Group
Address: Fort Payne Public Library (200 Grand Avenue NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967)
Meeting Times: Second and fourth Sundays, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Description: This developing chess community serves players in DeKalb County. Meetings feature casual play with optional strategy workshops. The group collaborates with local schools to promote youth chess participation in the area.
Tournament Opportunities
The Alabama Chess Federation sanctions several annual tournaments within reasonable driving distance of Gadsden. Major events include:
Northeast Alabama Open (typically held in Anniston)
Big Spring Classic (hosted in Huntsville)
State Scholastic Championships (various locations)
Local clubs frequently organize unrated rapid and blitz tournaments for members. The Gadsden Chess Club hosts a monthly Saturday tournament open to all players, with sections divided by rating when participation warrants.
Learning Resources
Several clubs maintain lending libraries of chess books and DVDs. The Gadsden Public Library offers an extensive chess literature collection available for checkout. For digital learning, club members often collaborate through online platforms to analyze games and solve puzzles between meetings.
Prospective participants should verify meeting times in advance, as schedules may adjust for holidays or special events. Most clubs provide chess equipment, though serious competitors may prefer to bring their own tournament-approved sets and clocks.
