Chess Clubs in Hazel Crest, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Hazel Crest, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Hazel Crest and nearby south suburban Chicago areas have several options for organized play. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 15-minute drive of Hazel Crest, offering both casual and competitive environments.
1. Hazel Crest Chess Club
Location: Hazel Crest Public Library – 3000 W 170th Pl, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Description: The Hazel Crest Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s community room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all ages and skill levels. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and digital clocks. Monthly activities include casual play, strategy discussions, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Homewood Chess Society
Location: Homewood Public Library – 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430
Description: Just 10 minutes from Hazel Crest, this active chess community gathers every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons available upon request. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains an email list for chess-related announcements.
3. Flossmoor Chess Collective
Location: Flossmoor Public Library – 1000 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor, IL 60422
Description: A 15-minute drive from Hazel Crest, this family-friendly chess group meets Saturday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Collective emphasizes chess education with teaching boards available for group instruction. Special events include youth tournaments and summer chess workshops.
4. Olympia Fields Chess Academy
Location: Olympia Fields Park District – 20701 Western Ave, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy features electronic demonstration boards for interactive lessons and hosts quarterly rated tournaments. Special youth programming is available during school breaks.
5. Matteson Chess Circle
Location: Matteson Public Library – 801 S School Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Circle maintains a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
6. South Suburban Chess Guild
Location: South Suburban College – 15800 S State St, South Holland, IL 60473
Description: For serious competitors, this college-affiliated club meets Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM. The Guild hosts regular rated tournaments and maintains an active ladder system. Players should bring their own clocks for timed games.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the south suburbs include:
Hazel Crest Spring Open (April)
South Suburban Summer Classic (July)
Cook County Fall Championship (October)
For serious competitors, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie and Chicago Chess Center host regular rated tournaments within reasonable driving distance. Most local clubs recommend checking their websites for current schedules before visiting. Whether you’re learning the game or seeking serious competition, the Hazel Crest area offers quality chess opportunities for all skill levels. Many clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.
