Chess Clubs in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Old Saybrook, CT and Surrounding Areas
Chess players along Connecticut’s shoreline will find several welcoming clubs in the Old Saybrook area that cater to all skill levels. These organizations provide opportunities for casual play, competitive matches, and chess education in beautiful coastal settings.
1. Old Saybrook Chess Club
Location: Acton Public Library – 60 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Description: The Old Saybrook Chess Club meets weekly at the town library, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for shoreline chess enthusiasts. The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners learning the game to experienced competitors. Regular activities include casual games, strategy discussions, and occasional blitz tournaments.
2. Essex Chess Society
Location: Essex Library – 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
Description: Just 10 minutes from Old Saybrook, this club meets bi-weekly in a historic library setting. The Essex Chess Society attracts players from across the lower Connecticut River Valley and hosts occasional simultaneous exhibitions with visiting masters. The group maintains a collection of chess literature with a focus on classic games.
3. Westbrook Chess Academy
Location: Westbrook Public Library – 61 Goodspeed Drive, Westbrook, CT 06498
Description: Approximately 15 minutes from Old Saybrook, this club offers structured instruction in a scenic shoreline location. The Westbrook Chess Academy organizes beginner workshops and maintains a junior chess program for school-age players. Their monthly “Coffee & Chess” mornings are particularly popular with adult learners.
4. Clinton Chess Collective
Location: Henry Carter Hull Library – 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413
Description: About 20 minutes from Old Saybrook, this community-focused club meets weekly year-round. The Clinton Chess Collective emphasizes chess education for all ages, with special family chess nights held monthly. The library provides tournament-quality sets and clocks for members’ use.
5. Madison Chess Club
Location: Scranton Memorial Library – 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
Description: Located 25 minutes from Old Saybrook, this established club offers competitive opportunities with a shoreline flair. The Madison Chess Club hosts rated tournaments in a beautiful library setting and attracts strong players from across the region. Their summer “Chess by the Sea” outdoor sessions are a local favorite.
6. Lyme Chess Group
Location: Lyme Public Library – 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme, CT 06371
Description: Approximately 20 minutes from Old Saybrook, this intimate club meets bi-weekly in a picturesque rural setting. The Lyme Chess Group specializes in making chess accessible to small communities through personalized instruction and casual play.
Regional Tournament Opportunities:
The Shoreline Chess Championship rotates annually between Old Saybrook, Madison, and Clinton locations. These events feature Open, U1600, and Scholastic divisions with coastal-themed prizes. Several clubs also participate in the annual “Lighthouse Challenge” team competition.
Club Features:
Scenic shoreline locations
Scholastic and senior programs
Summer outdoor chess sessions
Chess libraries with ocean views
Personalized instruction
Family-friendly environments
Most clubs provide equipment, though serious players may bring their own sets. The Old Saybrook area offers a unique blend of competitive chess and relaxed shoreline atmosphere. Players should contact individual clubs for current schedules, as many adjust meeting times seasonally to accommodate summer visitors and coastal weather conditions.
