Chess Clubs in Lincoln, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Lincoln, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Lincoln and nearby central Illinois communities will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 30-mile radius of Lincoln, offering options for both casual and competitive players.
1. Lincoln Chess Club
Location: Lincoln Public Library – 725 Pekin St, Lincoln, IL 62656
Description: The Lincoln Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 5:30-8:00 PM in the library’s meeting room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all ages and skill levels. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks. Monthly activities include casual play, strategy discussions, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Bloomington-Normal Chess Society
Location: Normal Public Library – 206 W College Ave, Normal, IL 61761
Description: Located 35 minutes from Lincoln, this active chess community gathers every Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons available upon request. The group hosts monthly rated tournaments and maintains an email list for announcements.
3. Springfield Chess Collective
Location: Springfield Public Library – 326 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701
Description: A 45-minute drive from Lincoln, 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 simultaneous exhibitions.
4. Decatur Chess Academy
Location: Decatur Public Library – 130 N Franklin St, Decatur, IL 62523
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a collection of chess literature available for checkout. Several club members compete in regional championships.
5. Pekin Chess Circle
Location: Pekin Public Library – 301 S 4th St, Pekin, IL 61554
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.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in central Illinois include:
Lincoln Spring Open (April)
Central Illinois Championship (July)
Logan County Fall Tournament (October)
For serious competitors, the Illinois Chess Association hosts statewide tournaments throughout the year. Most local clubs recommend contacting them in advance as schedules may adjust for holidays. Whether seeking casual games or serious competition, chess players in the Lincoln area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities. Several clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.
