Chess Clubs in Simsbury, Connecticut. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Simsbury, CT and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Simsbury and nearby Farmington Valley communities will find several welcoming clubs offering opportunities for casual play, competitive games, and skill development. These groups cater to players of all ages and experience levels in Connecticut’s scenic northwest corridor.
Simsbury Chess Club
Location: Simsbury Public Library – 725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070
Meeting Times: Thursdays 6:00-8:30 PM
The Simsbury Chess Club meets weekly in the library’s community room, providing a relaxed yet stimulating environment for players. This active group organizes casual games, strategy discussions, and occasional guest lectures by local masters. The club maintains a lending collection of chess literature and hosts quarterly themed tournaments.
Avon Chess Society
Location: Avon Free Public Library – 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001
Meeting Times: Wednesdays 5:00-7:30 PM
Just 10 minutes from Simsbury, this well-established club offers a balanced mix of social and competitive play. The Avon Chess Society features monthly rated tournaments, a ladder system for members, and dedicated beginner sessions. Players appreciate the club’s extensive digital chess resource library.
Farmington Valley Chess Collective
Location: Farmington Library – 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington, CT 06032
Meeting Times: Sundays 2:00-5:00 PM
About 15 minutes south of Simsbury, this regional club draws players from throughout the valley. The collective emphasizes skill development through structured lessons, game analysis sessions, and regular simultaneous exhibitions. Separate playing areas accommodate different skill levels.
Canton Chess Group
Location: Canton Public Library – 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton, CT 06019
Meeting Times: First and third Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 PM
This northern neighbor to Simsbury offers a cozy, community-oriented chess environment. The Canton Chess Group specializes in casual play with optional clock games for those seeking more competitive matches. The club frequently collaborates with local schools on youth chess initiatives.
West Hartford Chess Club
Location: Faxon Branch Library – 1073 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
Meeting Times: Fridays 4:00-7:00 PM
Located about 25 minutes from Simsbury, this active club provides serious competition in a welcoming setting. The West Hartford Chess Club hosts regular rated tournaments and maintains one of the region’s most comprehensive chess libraries. Their annual championship tournament attracts players from across central Connecticut.
Granby Chess Meetup
Location: Granby Public Library – 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035
Meeting Times: Second and fourth Saturdays 1:00-4:00 PM
About 20 minutes north of Simsbury, this friendly group meets twice monthly. The Granby Chess Meetup focuses on social play and chess education, with special events including living chess demonstrations and historical game recreations.
Additional Chess Opportunities
Several area schools and community centers offer chess programs. The Simsbury Parks and Recreation Department runs seasonal chess workshops, while local private schools often host interscholastic matches open to spectators.
For competitive players, the Connecticut State Chess Association organizes tournaments at locations within 30 minutes of Simsbury. The Farmington Valley Chess League coordinates inter-club team matches between local organizations.
Final Notes
Most clubs welcome drop-in visitors, though tournament participation may require US Chess Federation membership. Players should verify meeting schedules in advance, as some locations adjust times seasonally. Whether seeking casual games, serious competition, or skill development, chess players in the Simsbury area will find welcoming communities and quality opponents.
