Chess Clubs in Gages Lake, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Gages Lake, IL Area Chess Clubs
There are multiple opportunities for IL90 (Gages Lake) and area players to experience coach instructed chess play in two nearby locations. We’ve put together this guide to local clubs and where and what players can play.
Chess Clubs in Gages Lake, IL
Gages Lake Chess Meetup
Location: Gages Lake Public Library
Location: 158 N Milwaukee Ave, Gages Lake, IL 60030
Description: This is a casual gathering for people who like to play, or would like to learn how to play chess. The meetup is twice monthly, and offers a friendly setting for new players to learn the game and experienced ones to get in some good games. The library has chess sets on hand, but players are encouraged to bring their own.
Nearby Chess Clubs
Grayslake Chess Club
Location: Grayslake Public Library
Site: 100 Library Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030
Description: Only 10 minutes from Gages Lake, this club meets weekly and offers casual play as well as club challenges. The group schedules beginner lessons from time to time and puts on quarterly tournaments. Players at the facility are from school-age to seniors which are connect by the game of Chess.
Gurnee Chess Collective
Location: Warren-Newport Public Library
Location: 224 N O’Plaine Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031
Description: This active group meets every Saturday afternoon about 15 minutes north of Gages Lake. The group puts an emphasis on developing skills through organized play and game breakdowns. A handful of USCF-rated players show up each week and provide a challenge for better players.
Round Lake Chess Society
Location: Round Lake Area Public Library
Location: 906 Hart Rd, Round Lake, IL 60073
Description: This 20-minute drive from Gages Lake is where you can find a family-friendly chess scene. The society organizes monthly themed chess nights, including speed chess nights and puzzle-solving contests in addition to drop-in sessions.
Waukegan Chess Club
Where: Waukegan Public Library – Bradbury Branch
Location: 800 N Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
Description: Located 25 minutes north east of Gages Lake, this is a club focused on serious chess play that hosts USCF-rated tournaments every two months. The venue draws a competitive crowd from all over Lake County, but is also friendly to casual players.
Youth Chess Opportunities
The following is a short list of some local schools and organizations that have chess programs for young players:
- Woodland Elementary (Gages Lake) – After school chess club
- Grayslake Central High School – Sports 4th in State (as of Jan. 2019)Competitive Chess team
- Warren Township High School – Chess-club available to all!
Grayslake and Gurnee Park Districts will host chess workshops on breaks from school or during the summer.
Tournament Play in the Region
For more serious competition there a few good options in the reasonable vicinity:
- 13th Wonder Lake Chess Championship (monthly event in Grayslake)
- Illinois Chess Association events held during the year
- On the Wisconsin border, tourneys in Kenosha (45 minutes away)

Final Recommendations
The Gages Lake neighborhood offers a number of chess options within 25 minutes. Those just starting out may want to check out the local library meet up or Grayslake club, while more competitive players might prefer meet ups in Waukegan and Gurnee. Most clubs are happy to welcome drop-in visitors, but it’s always a good idea to contact the organizers first to confirm times. The evening and weekend hours of the meetings, too, accommodate both working adults and students.



