Chess Clubs in Riverdale, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Riverdale, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Riverdale and nearby south suburban Chicago areas will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 15-minute drive of Riverdale, offering options for players of all skill levels.
1. Riverdale Chess Club
Location: Riverdale Public Library – 208 W 144th Pl, Riverdale, IL 60827
Description: The Riverdale Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s community 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. Dolton Chess Society
Location: Dolton Public Library – 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL 60419
Description: Just 5 minutes from Riverdale, 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. South Holland Chess Collective
Location: South Holland Public Library – 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland, IL 60473
Description: A 10-minute drive from Riverdale, 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. Harvey Chess Academy
Location: Harvey Public Library – 15441 Page Ave, Harvey, IL 60426
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Wednesday 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. Calumet City Chess Circle
Location: Calumet City Public Library – 660 Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
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. Chicago Heights Chess Guild
Location: Chicago Heights Public Library – 25 W 15th St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
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:
Riverdale 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 Riverdale area offers quality chess opportunities for all skill levels. Many clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.