Chess Clubs in Little Colorado, Arizona. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Little Colorado, AZ and Surrounding Areas
While Little Colorado itself is a small unincorporated community, chess enthusiasts in the area have access to several playing opportunities in nearby towns across northeastern Arizona. This guide highlights organized clubs and casual meetups within reasonable driving distance of Little Colorado.
1. Winslow Chess Club
Address: Winslow Visitors Center/Hubbell Trading Post – 523 West Second St, Winslow, AZ 86047 (approx. 45 minutes southwest)
Description: The Winslow Chess Club meets weekly in the historic Hubbell Trading Post building. This friendly group welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. The trading post provides a unique Southwestern atmosphere for chess games, with occasional cultural events that incorporate chess.
2. Holbrook Chess Society
Address: Holbrook Public Library – 124 E Arizona St, Holbrook, AZ 86025 (approx. 1 hour southeast)
Description: This active chess group meets twice weekly at the Holbrook library. The club maintains a good mix of casual and competitive players, with several members participating in northern Arizona tournaments. The library provides tournament-quality sets and clocks for timed games.
3. Snowflake-Taylor Chess Circle
Address: Snowflake Public Library – 191 S 1st St W, Snowflake, AZ 85937 (approx. 1.5 hours south)
Description: Serving both Snowflake and Taylor communities, this chess group meets weekly with a focus on both recreational play and skill development. The club organizes occasional lectures on chess strategy and hosts an annual open tournament that draws players from across Navajo and Apache counties.
4. St. Johns Chess Meetup
Address: St. Johns Community Center – 125 W Cleveland St, St. Johns, AZ 85936 (approx. 1.5 hours southeast)
Description: This informal chess gathering occurs bi-weekly and attracts players from throughout Apache County. The group emphasizes the social aspects of chess while still maintaining good competitive play. Players often stay after games to analyze positions and discuss strategy.
5. Outdoor Chess at Petrified Forest National Park
Address: Petrified Forest National Park – 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028 (approx. 45 minutes west)
Description: While not an organized club, the park’s visitor center maintains several outdoor chess tables where players can enjoy games surrounded by the stunning high desert landscape. Rangers occasionally host “Chess in the Park” events during summer months.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Players from Little Colorado can participate in:
Northern Arizona Chess Championship (rotates between Flagstaff and Prescott)
Navajo County Open (held annually in Holbrook)
White Mountain Chess Festival (summer event in Pinetop-Lakeside)
Youth Chess Programs
Several area schools offer chess instruction:
Winslow Unified School District after-school chess clubs
Northland Preparatory Academy chess team (Flagstaff)
Holbrook Junior High chess program
Getting Involved
Most area chess groups welcome drop-in players without membership requirements. The Winslow and Holbrook clubs are particularly accessible for Little Colorado residents, with daytime and evening meeting options. Some groups suggest small donations ($1-3) to help maintain equipment.
Future Developments
Local chess organizers are working to:
Establish a permanent chess club serving the Little Colorado area
Create more youth chess programs in rural schools
Develop traveling chess events that visit smaller communities
Final Thoughts
While Little Colorado doesn’t currently have its own dedicated chess club, nearby communities offer welcoming environments for players. The region’s chess scene continues to grow, with particular strength in Winslow and Holbrook. Those interested should contact the Winslow Visitors Center or Holbrook Public Library for current chess activity schedules. The area’s stunning high desert landscapes provide a memorable backdrop for both casual and competitive chess play.
