Chess Clubs in Madison, Connecticut. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Madison, CT and Surrounding Areas
Madison and its neighboring shoreline communities offer several excellent options for chess enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Here’s a comprehensive guide to local chess clubs and playing opportunities:
Madison Chess Society
Location: Scranton Memorial Library – 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
Meeting Time: Thursdays 3:30-6:00 PM
Description: The Madison Chess Society meets weekly in the library’s community room, offering a welcoming environment for players from beginners to experienced competitors. The club emphasizes both casual play and skill development, with experienced members available for mentoring. Special youth sessions are held monthly.
Guilford Chess Club
Location: Guilford Free Library – 67 Park Street, Guilford, CT 06437
Meeting Time: Tuesdays 4:00-7:00 PM
Description: Just 10 minutes from Madison, the Guilford Chess Club features a vibrant mix of recreational and competitive play. The club maintains an active tournament schedule while also offering beginner lessons. Their annual summer outdoor chess series on the Guilford Green is particularly popular.
Clinton Chess Collective
Location: Henry Carter Hull Library – 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413
Meeting Time: Wednesdays 5:30-8:00 PM
Description: This friendly club attracts players from throughout the shoreline area. The Collective focuses on game analysis and strategic development, with weekly themed sessions exploring different openings and endgame techniques. Their lending library includes over 50 chess books and DVDs.
Branford Chess Academy
Location: Branford Community House – 46 Church Street, Branford, CT 06405
Meeting Time: Fridays 6:00-9:00 PM
Description: A 20-minute drive from Madison, the Branford Chess Academy offers structured instruction alongside competitive play. The club features monthly simultaneous exhibitions, rated tournaments, and a strong scholastic program. Their coaching staff includes several expert-level players.
Old Saybrook Chess Club
Location: Old Saybrook Public Library – 1057 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Meeting Time: Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM
Description: This shoreline club combines casual play with serious study. The group maintains an active correspondence chess section and hosts quarterly problem-solving competitions. Their historic chess set collection includes replicas of famous tournament sets.
Regional Chess Opportunities:
The Shoreline Chess League organizes inter-club matches between Madison-area clubs and teams from New Haven to Old Saybrook. Notable annual tournaments include:
Madison Spring Open (May) at the Town Campus
Shoreline Scholastic Championship (September) in Guilford
Winter Chess Festival (January) in Branford
Madison Public Schools offer chess instruction through their enrichment programs, with competitive teams participating in Connecticut State Scholastic events. Several local cafes, including RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison and Ashley’s Ice Cream in Branford, host informal chess meetups.
Most clubs welcome new players with a small suggested donation ($3-$5) to support operations. Players should confirm meeting times before visiting as schedules may vary seasonally. For competitive players, the Connecticut State Chess Association provides information on rated tournaments throughout the region.
Whether you’re looking for casual games, serious competition, or skill development, Madison and its neighboring shoreline towns offer quality chess opportunities for players of all levels. The local chess community is known for being particularly welcoming to new members while maintaining strong competitive traditions.
