Chess Clubs in Morris, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Morris, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess enthusiasts in Morris and nearby Grundy County areas will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 30-minute drive of Morris, offering options for players of all skill levels.
1. Morris Chess Club
Location: Morris Area Public Library – 604 Liberty St, Morris, IL 60450
Description: The Morris Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s community room. This welcoming group accommodates both beginners and experienced players. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and digital clocks. Monthly activities include casual play, strategy workshops, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Ottawa Chess Society
Location: Ottawa Public Library – 321 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Description: Located 25 minutes from Morris, this active chess community gathers every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner instruction available upon request. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains an email newsletter for announcements.
3. Minooka Chess Collective
Location: Minooka Community Public Library – 109 N Wabena Ave, Minooka, IL 60447
Description: A 15-minute drive from Morris, this family-friendly chess group meets Saturday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Collective emphasizes chess education with teaching boards available for group lessons. Special events include youth tournaments and summer chess camps.
4. Joliet Chess Academy
Location: Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch – 3395 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy features electronic demonstration boards for interactive lessons and hosts quarterly rated tournaments. Several local high school chess team members regularly participate.
5. Coal City Chess Circle
Location: Coal City Public Library – 85 N Garfield St, Coal City, IL 60416
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Circle maintains a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the area include:
Grundy County Spring Open (April)
Morris Summer Classic (July)
Illinois Valley Championship (October, rotating locations)
For serious competitors, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie (90 minutes away) hosts regular rated tournaments. Most local clubs recommend contacting them in advance as schedules may vary seasonally. Whether seeking casual games or serious competition, chess players in the Morris area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities. Many clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges throughout the year.
