Chess Clubs in Norridge, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Norridge, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess enthusiasts in Norridge and nearby northwest Chicago suburbs will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 15-minute drive of Norridge, offering options for casual and competitive players.
1. Norridge Chess Club
Location: Norridge Public Library – 7500 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706
Description: The Norridge Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 PM in the library’s meeting room. This community group welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks. Monthly activities include casual tournaments, puzzle-solving sessions, and strategy discussions led by experienced players.
2. Park Ridge Chess Society
Location: Park Ridge Public Library – 20 S Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Description: Just 10 minutes from Norridge, this established club meets Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 PM. The Society offers both casual play and competitive opportunities, with rated tournaments held quarterly. The group maintains an email list for chess-related announcements and game coordination.
3. Harwood Heights Chess Collective
Location: Harwood Heights Community Center – 7300 W Wilson Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706
Description: This family-friendly chess group gathers 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 simultaneous exhibitions with local masters.
4. Elmwood Park Chess Academy
Location: Elmwood Park Public Library – 1 Conti Pkwy, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy features structured programming with beginner classes at 6:00 PM and advanced strategy sessions at 7:00 PM. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a chess book collection.
5. Schiller Park Chess Circle
Location: Schiller Park Public Library – 4200 Old River Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176
Description: A 15-minute drive from Norridge, this casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Circle maintains a welcoming atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
6. Chicago Northwest Chess Guild
Location: Portage Park Fieldhouse – 4100 N Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Description: For serious competitors, this US Chess Federation-affiliated club meets Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM. The Guild hosts regular rated tournaments and team matches against other suburban clubs. Digital chess clocks are provided for timed games.
Tournament Opportunities in the Northwest Suburbs
Annual chess events in the area include:
Norridge Winter Open (January)
Northwest Suburban Championship (April)
Park Ridge Summer Classic (July)
Cook County Fall Tournament (October)
For elite competition, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie and Chicago Chess Center host regular rated tournaments within reasonable driving distance. Most local clubs recommend checking their websites for current schedules before visiting, as meeting times may occasionally change. Whether you’re a beginner learning the game or an experienced player seeking competition, the Norridge area offers quality chess opportunities for all interests and skill levels.
