Chess Clubs in Palos Heights, Illinois. The list of addresses.

Chess Clubs in Palos Heights, IL and Surrounding Southwest Suburbs

Palos Heights Chess Club

Location: Palos Heights Public Library – 12501 S 71st Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Description: The Palos Heights Chess Club meets every Thursday evening from 6-8:30 PM in the library’s meeting room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all skill levels, from beginners to tournament competitors. The club provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks, with experienced members offering free beginner lessons during the first hour. Monthly rapid chess tournaments are held on the last Thursday of each month.

Orland Park Chess Society

Location: Orland Park Public Library – 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462
Description: Just 15 minutes from Palos Heights, the Orland Park Chess Society hosts one of the most active chess programs in the southwest suburbs. The club meets every Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon, featuring separate sessions for casual play and competitive matches. USCF-rated tournaments occur quarterly, with special events like simultaneous exhibitions featuring master-level players.

Tinley Park Chess Collective

Location: Tinley Park Public Library – 7851 Timber Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Description: This growing chess community gathers every Friday night from 7-9:30 PM in the library’s board room. The collective emphasizes chess education with weekly strategy discussions and post-game analysis sessions. The club maintains a lending library of chess books and provides digital clocks for timed games. Beginner workshops are offered on the first Friday of each month.

Palos Hills Chess Academy

Location: Palos Hills Community Center – 8455 W 103rd St, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Description: The Palos Hills Chess Academy offers comprehensive programming at their Saturday afternoon sessions. Structured lessons in openings, tactics, and endgames are followed by practice games with instructor feedback. The academy’s unique mentoring program pairs experienced players with newcomers for personalized instruction. Tournament-quality equipment is provided.

Oak Lawn Chess Forum

Location: Oak Lawn Public Library – 9427 S Raymond Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Description: Approximately 20 minutes from Palos Heights, the Oak Lawn Chess Forum meets Wednesday evenings in the library’s meeting room. This club specializes in youth chess development while maintaining strong adult participation. Their innovative “Chess Lab” program allows players to work through curated positions with instructor guidance. Rated events occur monthly.

Worth Community Chess Group

Location: Worth Public Library – 6917 W 111th St, Worth, IL 60482
Description: The Worth Community Chess Group offers a relaxed Sunday afternoon chess environment perfect for casual players. Meeting weekly from 1-4 PM, this group focuses on friendly competition and skill-building for players of all ages. The library provides multiple chess sets and a comfortable playing area.

Online and Scholastic Opportunities

Several Palos Heights area schools including Palos South Middle School and Stagg High School participate in scholastic chess tournaments. For online play, local clubs recommend the Illinois Chess Association’s virtual tournaments in addition to major platforms. The Southwest Suburban Chess League organizes inter-club team matches throughout the academic year.

Conclusion

Palos Heights serves as a hub for chess activity in the southwest suburbs, with multiple quality options within a 20-minute drive. Clubs in the area cater to all types of players, from those seeking casual recreation to competitors preparing for tournaments. Most venues provide all necessary equipment and welcome walk-in participants. With regular meetings, instructional programs, and special events, chess enthusiasts in Palos Heights and surrounding communities have excellent opportunities to enjoy and develop their game throughout the year.