Chess Clubs in Shorewood, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Shorewood, IL Chess Clubs and Beyond
Shorewood- and Will County-area chess players have their pick of organized play, from more casual gatherings to serious tournaments. This guide focuses on local chess offerings within a 20-minute drive of Shorewood.
Shorewood Chess Collective
Where: Shorewood-Troy Public Library – 650 Deerwood Dr, Shorewood, IL 60404
Details: This social chess group gathers each Wednesday evening in the lower level of the library. The Collective accepts all playing levels and ages, offering up casual games as well as instructional sessions. The library provides tournament-style sets and clocks, with experienced players on hand to teach newcomers the basics.
Joliet Chess Club
Where: Joliet Public Library (Black Road Branch) – 3395 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60431
Description: Just 15 minutes from Shorewood, this club has Saturday afternoon meetings all year. The group draws serious players from around Will County, keeps an active ladder and plays monthly rated tournaments. For competitive matches, players will need to provide their own chess clocks.
Plainfield Chess Society
Where: Plainfield Public Library – 15025 S Illinois St, Plainfield, IL 60544
Details: This family-friendly club meets Thursday nights with two sections, one for beginners and one for experienced players. The Club focuses on chess education with a weekly puzzle, and quarterly simultaneous exhibitions with local masters. The library also has a circulating collection of chess books.
New Lenox Chess Academy
Venue: New Lenox Public Library – 120 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL 60451
Description: The instructional oriented club meets every Tuesday evening at 6 PM for beginners lessons; general play is at 7 PM. The Academy offers bimonthly rapid tournaments and sends a team to compete in suburban chess leagues. Equipment will be provided – digital clocks!
Romeoville Chess Circle
Where: Romeoville Branch Library – 201 W Normantown Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446
Description: Chess Meet Up is an informal set of gatherings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the afternoon. The Circle is casual including optional coaching as well as thematic tournaments (like pawn-storms or opening themed plays). All without players of all ages are welcome.
Bolingbrook Chess Guild
Where: Fountaindale Public Library -300 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Description: Based 20 minutes from Shorewood, this competitive club meets on Friday nights and has US Chess Federation affiliate status. The Guild runs regular rated tournaments and plays team matches against other suburban clubs. Top-level players can take part in coach-led analysis meetings.
Tournament Opportunities in Will County
Annual events that cater to local players include:
- Will County Open (March, Joliet)
- Shorewood Summer Classic (June)
- Plainfield Fall Championship (October)
There are many regular rated tournaments in a 45 minute drive at the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie and Chicago Chess Center, for serious competitors. For most local clubs it’s a good idea to check their websites for up-to-date schedules before heading over. Whether you want something casual or to take your game to the next level, chess players in Shorewood will find friendly people and good games.
