Chess Clubs in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The list of addresses.

Chess Clubs in Lincolnwood, IL and Surrounding North Suburban Area

Chess players in Lincolnwood and nearby north suburban communities will find several excellent options for organized play and chess education. These clubs cater to all skill levels from absolute beginners to tournament veterans.

Lincolnwood Chess Society

Location: Lincolnwood Public Library – 4000 W. Pratt Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Description: The Lincolnwood Chess Society meets every Tuesday evening in the library’s community room. This well-established club offers structured programming including beginner lessons at 6:30 PM followed by open play from 7-9 PM. The club maintains a lending library of chess books and provides tournament-quality sets for all players. Monthly rapid tournaments attract competitors from across the north suburbs.

Skokie Chess Club

Location: Skokie Public Library – 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60077
Description: Just 10 minutes from Lincolnwood, the Skokie Chess Club hosts one of the most active chess programs in the region. The club meets Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, featuring separate sessions for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced competitors. USCF-rated tournaments occur monthly, with special events like simultaneous exhibitions several times per year.

Niles Chess Collective

Location: Niles Public Library – 6960 W. Oakton St, Niles, IL 60714
Description: This growing chess community gathers Friday nights in Niles. The collective emphasizes chess education with weekly lectures on openings, tactics, and endgame theory. Players can then apply these concepts in practice games with analysis from stronger players. The club provides digital clocks and DGT boards for tournament preparation.

Morton Grove Chess Academy

Location: Morton Grove Public Library – 6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Description: The Morton Grove Chess Academy offers comprehensive programming for players of all levels. Tuesday nights feature structured lessons and game analysis, while Thursday sessions focus on competitive play. The academy’s unique mentoring program pairs experienced players with newcomers for personalized instruction.

Evanston Chess Center

Location: Evanston Chess Club – 1014 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
Description: Approximately 20 minutes from Lincolnwood, the Evanston Chess Center operates seven days a week with different programs each day. The facility includes a tournament hall with electronic boards, a study library, and computer analysis stations. Rated events occur weekly, while daytime hours cater to casual players and seniors.

Park Ridge Chess Forum

Location: Park Ridge Community Center – 100 S. Western Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Description: The Park Ridge Chess Forum meets Saturday afternoons in a dedicated chess room at the community center. This club specializes in youth chess development while maintaining strong adult participation. Their innovative “Chess Lab” program allows players to work through curated positions with instructor guidance.

Online and Scholastic Opportunities

Several Lincolnwood area schools including Lincolnwood Elementary District 74 participate in the Illinois Elementary Chess Association tournaments. For online play, local clubs recommend the Chicago Chess League’s virtual tournaments in addition to major platforms. The North Suburban Chess Conference organizes inter-club team matches and lectures featuring master-level players.

Conclusion

Lincolnwood’s central location provides easy access to some of the most vibrant chess communities in the north suburbs. Whether seeking casual recreation, serious competition, or structured learning, players will find suitable options within a 15-minute drive. Most clubs welcome new members without advance notice and provide all necessary equipment. With regular tournaments, instructional programs, and special events, the area offers exceptional opportunities for chess enthusiasts to develop their game year-round.