Chess Clubs in Shorewood, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Shorewood, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Shorewood and nearby Will County communities have multiple options for organized play, from casual meetups to competitive tournaments. This guide covers local chess opportunities within a 20-minute drive of Shorewood.
1. Shorewood Chess Collective
Location: Shorewood-Troy Public Library – 650 Deerwood Dr, Shorewood, IL 60404
Description: This community chess group meets every Wednesday evening in the library’s meeting room. The Collective welcomes players of all skill levels and ages, providing a mix of casual games and instructional sessions. The library offers tournament-style sets and clocks, with experienced players available to help beginners learn fundamentals.
2. Joliet Chess Club
Location: Joliet Public Library (Black Road Branch) – 3395 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
Description: Just 15 minutes from Shorewood, this established club meets Saturday afternoons year-round. The group attracts serious players from across Will County, hosting monthly rated tournaments and maintaining an active ladder system. Players should bring their own chess clocks for competitive play.
3. Plainfield Chess Society
Location: Plainfield Public Library – 15025 S Illinois St, Plainfield, IL 60544
Description: This family-friendly chess group gathers every Thursday evening, offering separate beginner and advanced sections. The Society emphasizes chess education with weekly puzzle challenges and quarterly simultaneous exhibitions featuring local masters. The library maintains a chess book collection available for checkout.
4. New Lenox Chess Academy
Location: New Lenox Public Library – 120 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL 60451
Description: Meeting Tuesday evenings, this instructional-focused club provides structured lessons for beginners at 6 PM followed by open play at 7 PM. The Academy hosts bimonthly rapid tournaments and maintains a team that competes in suburban chess leagues. Equipment is provided, including digital chess clocks.
5. Romeoville Chess Circle
Location: Romeoville Branch Library – 201 W Normantown Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday afternoon. The Circle features a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions and thematic tournaments (such as pawn-storm or opening-specific events). Players of all ages are welcome.
6. Bolingbrook Chess Guild
Location: Fountaindale Public Library – 300 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Description: A 20-minute drive from Shorewood, this competitive club meets Friday nights and maintains US Chess Federation affiliate status. The Guild organizes regular rated tournaments and team matches against other suburban clubs. Advanced players can participate in master-led analysis sessions.
Tournament Opportunities in Will County
Several annual events serve local players:
Will County Open (March, Joliet)
Shorewood Summer Classic (June)
Plainfield Fall Championship (October)
For serious competitors, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie and Chicago Chess Center host regular rated tournaments within a 45-minute drive. Most local clubs recommend checking their websites for current schedules before visiting. Whether seeking casual games or serious competition, chess players in the Shorewood area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities.
