Chess Clubs in Matteson, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Matteson, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Matteson and nearby south suburban communities have several options for organized play, tournaments, and skill development. This guide covers active chess clubs within a reasonable distance of Matteson, including locations in adjacent suburbs and Chicago’s south side.
Local Chess Clubs in Matteson
1. Matteson Community Chess Club
Location: Matteson Public Library, 801 S. School Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443
Description: The village-sponsored chess club meets bi-weekly at the public library, offering open play for all ages and skill levels. The club emphasizes casual games with occasional beginner lessons. Senior players and homeschool groups are particularly active in this welcoming environment. Check the library calendar for current meeting schedule.
2. Rich Township High School Chess Team (Open Play Nights)
Location: Rich Township High School, 20550 S. Cicero Avenue, Richton Park, IL 60471
Description: While primarily for students, the school hosts monthly community chess nights where local residents can play against team members and coaches. These events often include simultaneous exhibitions and strategy workshops. Contact the athletic department for upcoming dates.
Nearby Chess Clubs in South Suburbs
3. Flossmoor Chess Collective
Location: Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, IL 60422 (10 minutes from Matteson)
Description: This active club meets every Saturday afternoon with separate sessions for children and adults. The group organizes quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a lending library of chess books. Strong players from Chicago’s south side frequently participate.
4. Park Forest Chess Knights
Location: Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 (15 minutes from Matteson)
Description: A competitive-oriented club that meets Wednesday evenings. Players range from 1200-2000 USCF rating, with regular blitz tournaments and opening theory workshops. New members must complete an orientation session.
5. South Suburban Chess Academy (Tinley Park)
Location: Tinley Park Community Center, 17001 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477 (20 minutes from Matteson)
Description: Professional coaches run this chess school offering structured lessons and tournament preparation. The facility features electronic chess clocks and demo boards. Saturday sessions include rated games with analysis.
Chicago South Side Chess Options
6. Hyde Park Chess Club
Location: Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615 (25 minutes from Matteson)
Description: One of Chicago’s oldest continuous chess clubs, featuring master-level players and regular tournament events. The club maintains a classical time control tradition while offering speed chess nights.
7. Pullman Chess Initiative
Location: Pullman Community Center, 10355 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628 (20 minutes from Matteson)
Description: Focused on youth development with free weekly instruction. Adult players can participate in evening open play sessions and monthly quick chess tournaments.
Tournament Venues Near Matteson
8. Olympia Fields Chess Open
Location: Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Description: Hosts annual USCF-rated tournaments attracting regional masters. The venue provides professional tournament conditions with electronic pairing systems.
9. Southland Chess Festival
Location: Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Description: Biannual event featuring multiple sections including scholastic competitions. The festival includes vendor booths and book signings by chess authors.
Specialty Chess Programs
10. South Suburban Senior Chess Circle
Location: Matteson Senior Center, 5210 W. 25th Street, Matteson, IL 60443
Description: Morning chess sessions tailored for older adults, including instruction on digital chess platforms. The group participates in regional senior chess olympiads.
11. Southland Homeschool Chess League
Location: Various locations throughout Matteson and Park Forest
Description: Traveling chess program that meets at different libraries and community centers. Focuses on chess curriculum integration with mathematics and logic.
Final Recommendations
For casual play, the Matteson Public Library and Flossmoor Chess Collective offer the most accessible options. Serious competitors should consider the Park Forest Chess Knights or make the short drive to Hyde Park. Youth players have multiple quality programs to choose from, particularly the Pullman Chess Initiative and South Suburban Chess Academy.
Most clubs welcome walk-ins, but contacting organizers in advance is recommended, especially for tournament participation. Several locations offer loaner sets for first-time visitors. The south suburban chess community continues to grow, with new initiatives developing each season.
