Chess Clubs in McHenry, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in McHenry, IL and Surrounding Areas
For chess enthusiasts in McHenry and the surrounding communities of northern Illinois, several clubs and playing opportunities exist for players of all ages and skill levels. From casual meetups to competitive tournaments, here are the best places to play chess in the McHenry area.
1. McHenry Chess Club
Location: McHenry Public Library – 809 Front St, McHenry, IL 60050
Description: The McHenry Chess Club meets weekly at the public library, offering a welcoming environment for players of all abilities. The club focuses on casual play, with occasional instructional sessions for beginners. Players are encouraged to bring their own sets, though some are available for use.
2. Crystal Lake Chess Club
Location: Crystal Lake Public Library – 126 Paddock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Description: Just a short drive from McHenry, the Crystal Lake Chess Club meets regularly for casual and competitive play. The group includes players of varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced tournament competitors. The club occasionally hosts rated events and welcomes new members.
3. Woodstock Chess Enthusiasts
Location: Woodstock Public Library – 414 W Judd St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Description: This friendly group meets weekly for open play and chess discussion. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their game. The library provides chess sets, and players of all ages are welcome.
4. Lake County Chess Club (Grayslake)
Location: Grayslake Public Library – 100 Library Ln, Grayslake, IL 60030
Description: Located about 30 minutes from McHenry, the Lake County Chess Club offers structured play sessions and occasional tournaments. The club attracts a mix of casual and serious players, with opportunities for both rapid and classical time controls.
5. Barrington Chess Club
Location: Barrington Area Library – 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010
Description: A bit farther from McHenry but worth the trip for dedicated players, the Barrington Chess Club meets weekly for casual and competitive games. The club includes a mix of adults and juniors, with some members participating in regional tournaments.
6. Northern Illinois Chess Center (Palatine)
Location: 1585 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL 60074
Description: For those seeking serious competition, the Northern Illinois Chess Center in Palatine hosts regular rated tournaments, classes, and open play. The center is one of the premier chess destinations in the region, attracting strong players from across northern Illinois.
Youth Chess Opportunities
Several local schools and community centers in McHenry County offer chess programs for young players. The McHenry County Chess for Kids program, held at various locations, provides instruction and tournaments for school-aged children.
Tournament Play in the Region
Players looking for competitive events can participate in tournaments hosted by the Illinois Chess Association, including:
McHenry County Open (occasional)
Northern Illinois Challenger (Palatine)
Lake County Chess Championship (Grayslake)
Final Notes
Chess players in McHenry have multiple options for casual and competitive play, with clubs in nearby Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and Grayslake providing additional opportunities. For serious players, the Northern Illinois Chess Center in Palatine offers high-level competition. Most clubs are free to join, though tournaments may require entry fees.
Before visiting, check with each location for current meeting times, as schedules may vary. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the McHenry area has a growing chess community with options to suit all interests.
