Chess Clubs in Sun City West, Arizona. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Sun City West, AZ and Surrounding Areas
Chess enthusiasts in Sun City West and nearby communities have access to several organized chess clubs and casual playing opportunities. The active retirement community supports a vibrant chess scene with multiple options for players of all skill levels. Below is a detailed guide to chess activities in the area.
1. Sun City West Chess Club
Address: R.H. Johnson Recreation Center – 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375
Description: The official Sun City West Chess Club meets twice weekly in the dedicated game room at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center. This active group of primarily senior players welcomes visitors and new members, offering both casual games and competitive matches. The club maintains a lending library of chess books and provides tournament-quality sets. Special events include an annual championship tournament and occasional guest lectures by master-level players.
2. Surprise Senior Center Chess Group
Address: 15832 N Hollyhock St, Surprise, AZ 85374 (15 minutes from Sun City West)
Description: The Surprise Senior Center hosts daily informal chess games in their activity room. While not a formal club, this gathering attracts consistent players from throughout the Northwest Valley. The center provides chess sets and maintains a bulletin board for players seeking opponents of similar skill levels. Morning sessions tend to be more social, while afternoon games are typically more competitive.
3. Peoria Chess Club
Address: Peoria Community Center – 8335 W Jefferson St, Peoria, AZ 85345 (25 minutes from Sun City West)
Description: This established club meets weekly and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. The Peoria Chess Club organizes rated tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, and beginner lessons. Their annual open tournament attracts players from throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The club maintains an active email list for scheduling games outside regular meeting times.
4. Sun City Grand Chess Players
Address: La Montana Clubhouse – 19489 N 174th Dr, Surprise, AZ 85374 (10 minutes from Sun City West)
Description: Residents of Sun City Grand maintain an active chess group that meets three times weekly in their community clubhouse. The group focuses on friendly competition and skill development, with stronger players often mentoring newcomers. The club hosts quarterly round-robin tournaments and maintains a ladder ranking system for members.
5. Northwest Valley Chess Meetups
Several casual chess opportunities exist in the area:
Daisy Mountain Library (6161 W Dove Valley Rd, Phoenix) hosts monthly chess nights
White Tank Library (20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell) offers weekly chess hours
Various coffee shops along Bell Road frequently have impromptu chess games
Tournament Play
The Northwest Valley chess community participates in several annual events:
Sun Cities Senior Chess Championship (hosted alternately in Sun City and Sun City West)
West Valley Open held at the Peoria Community Center
Arizona Senior Games chess competition
Getting Involved
New players can contact the Sun City West Chess Club through the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center activities desk. Most area clubs require minimal membership fees to cover equipment and facility costs. Several groups offer introductory lessons for beginners throughout the year, particularly during the winter season when seasonal residents return.
Final Thoughts
Sun City West and its neighboring communities offer one of the most robust senior chess scenes in Arizona. With multiple clubs operating year-round and numerous casual playing opportunities, chess enthusiasts have ample options for both recreational and competitive play. The area’s concentration of retired players creates a unique environment where newcomers can benefit from decades of collective chess experience. Players are encouraged to visit multiple clubs to find the best fit for their playing style and schedule.
