Chess Clubs in Mattoon, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Mattoon, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Mattoon and nearby communities have several options for organized play and chess education. Here’s a detailed guide to chess opportunities in the area:
Mattoon-Based Chess Clubs
1. Mattoon Chess Club
Location: Mattoon Public Library – 1600 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938
Description: The Mattoon Chess Club meets weekly at the public library, offering a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. The club provides chess sets and clocks, with experienced members available to help beginners learn the game. Regular meetings include casual play, puzzle solving, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Lake Land College Chess Society
Location: Lake Land College – 5001 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 61938
Description: This student-run organization welcomes both college students and community members. The group meets biweekly during academic semesters, focusing on skill development through structured lessons and competitive play. The society hosts an annual open tournament that attracts players from across central Illinois.
Nearby Chess Clubs
3. Charleston Chess Club
Location: Charleston Carnegie Public Library – 712 6th St, Charleston, IL 61920 (15 miles west of Mattoon)
Description: Just a short drive from Mattoon, the Charleston Chess Club offers weekly meetings with a mix of casual and competitive play. The club maintains a friendly atmosphere while providing opportunities for serious improvement through game analysis and strategy discussions.
4. Effingham Chess Enthusiasts
Location: Effingham Public Library – 200 N 3rd St, Effingham, IL 62401 (30 miles northeast of Mattoon)
Description: This active group meets twice monthly for casual play and instruction. The Effingham Chess Enthusiasts organize quarterly rated tournaments and maintain a lending library of chess books and DVDs for members.
5. Terre Haute Chess Club
Location: Vigo County Public Library – 1 Library Square, Terre Haute, IN 47807 (50 miles east of Mattoon)
Description: For players willing to travel across state lines, this Indiana club offers robust chess programming including weekly rated games, lectures, and monthly Swiss-system tournaments. The club attracts players from Illinois and Indiana.
Youth Chess Opportunities
6. Mattoon Youth Chess Initiative
Location: Mattoon Middle School – 1509 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938
Description: This after-school program introduces chess to students in grades 3-8 through structured lessons and supervised play. The initiative runs during the school year and prepares participants for regional scholastic tournaments.
7. Coles County Scholastic Chess
Location: Various schools throughout Mattoon and Charleston
Description: This traveling program brings chess instruction to multiple schools in the county, with periodic inter-school competitions. The program focuses on developing critical thinking skills through chess.
Tournament Opportunities
The Mattoon area hosts several chess events throughout the year:
Annual Lake Land College Open (March)
Mattoon Autumn Classic (October)
Coles County Scholastic Championship (February)
Various quick chess events at local libraries
Benefits of Joining a Local Chess Club
Participating in area chess clubs provides:
Regular opportunities for competitive play
Access to experienced players for skill development
Structured learning through workshops and lectures
Social interaction with fellow chess enthusiasts
Development of strategic thinking abilities
Getting Started
Most clubs welcome new players at any skill level. Beginners should consider:
Attending the Mattoon Chess Club for introductory play
Checking the library for beginner chess books
Exploring online resources to learn basic strategies
Participating in casual play before entering tournaments
For current schedules and event information, contact the individual clubs or visit the Mattoon Public Library’s community bulletin board. Whether you’re learning the game or seeking serious competition, Mattoon’s chess community offers opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
