Chess Clubs in Richton Park, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Richton Park, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Richton Park and nearby south suburban Chicago areas will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 15-minute drive of Richton Park, offering options for players of all skill levels.
1. Richton Park Chess Club
Location: Richton Park Public Library – 4455 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471
Description: The Richton Park Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s meeting 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 discussions, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Matteson Chess Society
Location: Matteson Public Library – 801 S School Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Description: Just 5 minutes from Richton Park, this active chess community gathers every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons available upon request. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains an email list for announcements.
3. Park Forest Chess Collective
Location: Park Forest Public Library – 400 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest, IL 60466
Description: A 10-minute drive from Richton Park, 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 instruction. Special events include youth tournaments and summer chess camps.
4. Olympia Fields Chess Academy
Location: Olympia Fields Park District – 20701 Western Ave, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a collection of chess literature available for checkout. Several club members compete in regional championships.
5. University Park Chess Circle
Location: University Park Public Library – 84 Town Center Dr, University Park, IL 60484
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.
6. Flossmoor Chess Guild
Location: Flossmoor Public Library – 1000 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor, IL 60422
Description: For competitive players, this club meets Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM. The Guild hosts regular rated tournaments and maintains an active ladder system. Players should bring their own clocks for timed games.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the south suburbs include:
Richton Park Spring Open (April)
South Suburban Summer Classic (July)
Cook County Fall Championship (October)
For serious competitors, 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. Whether you’re learning the game or seeking serious competition, the Richton Park area offers quality chess opportunities for all skill levels. Many clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.
