Chess Clubs in Prospect Heights, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Prospect Heights, IL and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Prospect Heights and nearby northwest suburban communities will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 15-minute drive of Prospect Heights, offering options for casual players and serious competitors alike.
1. Prospect Heights Chess Collective
Location: Prospect Heights Public Library – 12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Description: This community chess group meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 PM in the library’s meeting room. The Collective welcomes players of all skill levels, with experienced members available to help beginners. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and clocks. Monthly events include themed tournaments and strategy workshops.
2. Arlington Heights Chess Club
Location: Arlington Heights Memorial Library – 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Description: Just 10 minutes from Prospect Heights, this established club meets Saturday afternoons year-round. The group balances casual play with competitive preparation, featuring rated players and regular tournament opportunities. The club maintains an active email list for chess-related announcements and game coordination.
3. Mount Prospect Chess Society
Location: Mount Prospect Public Library – 10 S Emerson St, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Description: This well-organized chess community gathers every Thursday evening. The Society offers structured programming including beginner lessons at 6 PM and advanced strategy sessions at 7 PM. Demonstration boards are used for group analysis of classic games and tournament positions.
4. Wheeling Chess Academy
Location: Wheeling Public Library – 799 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090
Description: Meeting Tuesday evenings, this instructional-focused club provides chess education for all levels. The Academy features electronic chess boards for interactive lessons and hosts quarterly rated tournaments. Special youth programming is available during summer breaks.
5. Buffalo Grove Chess Circle
Location: Buffalo Grove Public Library – 1120 Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday afternoon. The Circle maintains a welcoming atmosphere with optional coaching sessions and thematic tournaments. The library provides both standard and oversized chess sets for players.
6. Elk Grove Village Chess Guild
Location: Elk Grove Village Public Library – 1001 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Description: A 15-minute drive from Prospect Heights, this competitive club meets Friday nights and maintains US Chess Federation affiliation. The Guild organizes 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:
Northwest Suburban Open (April, Arlington Heights)
Prospect Heights Summer Classic (July)
Mount Prospect Fall Championship (October)
For serious competitors, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie (25 minutes away) hosts regular rated tournaments and master-level events. 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 Prospect Heights area offers quality chess opportunities for all interests and skill levels.
