Chess Clubs in Lake in the Hills, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Lake in the Hills, IL and Surrounding Northwest Suburbs
Chess enthusiasts in Lake in the Hills and nearby communities have access to several active clubs that welcome players of all skill levels. These organizations provide structured opportunities for casual play, competitive matches, and chess education in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
Lake in the Hills Chess Clubs
1. Lake in the Hills Public Library Chess Club
Location: Lake in the Hills Public Library – 600 N Randall Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Description: The library hosts a weekly chess club featuring both open play and instructional sessions. The club maintains a collection of chess books and DVDs available for checkout, and organizes quarterly rapid chess tournaments with sections for different skill levels.
2. Huntley Chess Club
Location: Huntley Area Public Library – 11000 Ruth Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Description: Just 10 minutes west, this active club meets weekly with separate sessions for youth and adult players. The group hosts an annual open tournament and maintains partnerships with local schools for chess instruction programs.
Nearby Chess Clubs
3. Crystal Lake Chess Society
Location: Crystal Lake Public Library – 126 Paddock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Description: Located 15 minutes north, this established club offers structured play with clocked games and post-game analysis. The society participates in McHenry County inter-library chess matches.
4. Algonquin Chess Enthusiasts
Location: Algonquin Public Library – 2600 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Description: This growing community meets biweekly with a focus on skill development. The club maintains a mentor program pairing experienced players with beginners.
5. Cary Chess Club
Location: Cary Area Public Library – 1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Description: About 20 minutes east, this club hosts monthly themed nights focusing on specific openings or endgame techniques, alongside regular casual play sessions.
6. Barrington Chess Collective
Location: Barrington Area Library – 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010
Description: One of the strongest clubs in the region, this group meets weekly and attracts many tournament players. The collective hosts regular simultaneous exhibitions with masters.
Tournament Opportunities
The northwest suburbs host several annual events:
Fox Valley Open (Crystal Lake)
McHenry County Championship (rotating locations)
Northwest Suburban Scholastic Series
Special Programs
7. Northwest Chess Academy
Location: 125 E Algonquin Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Description: This professional training center offers:
Group classes segmented by rating level
Private coaching with experienced instructors
Tournament preparation programs
Computer lab with latest analysis software
Getting Started
Key details for new participants:
Most clubs welcome walk-ins without registration
Beginners should know basic rules and piece movements
Intermediate players may bring notation books
Tournament competitors should bring clocks
Current schedules available on library websites
Most meetings occur weekday evenings or weekends
The Lake in the Hills area offers exceptional chess resources with multiple high-quality clubs within a 20-minute radius. The concentration of active clubs and regular events makes this northwest suburban region an excellent location for both recreational players and serious competitors to develop their skills.
