Chess Clubs in Gages Lake, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Gages Lake, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Gages Lake and nearby communities have several options for organized play within a short driving distance. This guide details local chess clubs, their locations, and what players can expect at each venue.
Chess Clubs in Gages Lake, IL
Gages Lake Chess Meetup
Location: Gages Lake Public Library
Address: 158 N Milwaukee Ave, Gages Lake, IL 60030
Description: This informal gathering welcomes chess enthusiasts of all skill levels for casual play. The meetup occurs twice monthly, providing a relaxed environment for beginners to learn and experienced players to find worthy opponents. The library provides chess sets, though players may bring their own.
Nearby Chess Clubs
Grayslake Chess Club
Location: Grayslake Public Library
Address: 100 Library Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030
Description: Just 10 minutes from Gages Lake, this established club meets weekly for both casual and competitive play. The group organizes occasional beginner lessons and hosts quarterly tournaments. Players range from school-aged children to senior citizens, creating a diverse chess community.
Gurnee Chess Collective
Location: Warren-Newport Public Library
Address: 224 N O’Plaine Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031
Description: Approximately 15 minutes from Gages Lake, this active group meets every Saturday afternoon. The collective emphasizes skill development through structured play sessions and post-game analysis. Several USCF-rated players regularly attend, offering strong competition for advanced players.
Round Lake Chess Society
Location: Round Lake Area Public Library
Address: 906 Hart Rd, Round Lake, IL 60073
Description: This 20-minute drive from Gages Lake leads to a welcoming chess environment suitable for families. The society hosts monthly themed chess nights, including speed chess evenings and puzzle-solving competitions alongside regular play sessions.
Waukegan Chess Club
Location: Waukegan Public Library – Bradbury Branch
Address: 800 N Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
Description: About 25 minutes northeast of Gages Lake, this club offers serious chess play with USCF-rated tournaments held bi-monthly. The venue attracts competitive players from across Lake County while remaining welcoming to casual participants.
Youth Chess Opportunities
Several area schools and organizations offer chess programs for young players:
Woodland Elementary School (Gages Lake) – After-school chess program
Grayslake Central High School – Competitive chess team
Warren Township High School – Chess club open to all students
Local park districts in Grayslake and Gurnee occasionally run chess workshops during school breaks and summer months.
Tournament Play in the Region
Serious competitors will find several options within reasonable distance:
Lake County Chess Championship (annual event in Grayslake)
Illinois Chess Association tournaments throughout the year
Wisconsin border tournaments in Kenosha (45 minute drive)
Final Recommendations
The Gages Lake area provides multiple chess options within a 25-minute radius. Beginners may prefer starting at the local library meetup or Grayslake club, while competitive players should consider the Waukegan or Gurnee locations. Most clubs welcome drop-in visitors, though contacting organizers beforehand is recommended to confirm schedules. Evening and weekend meeting times make these clubs accessible to working adults and students alike.
