Chess Clubs in Sun Lakes, Arizona. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Sun Lakes, AZ and Surrounding Communities
Chess enthusiasts in Sun Lakes and nearby areas of Arizona have several options for organized play, ranging from casual meetups to competitive clubs. Whether you’re a retired player looking for relaxed games or a serious competitor seeking tournament action, the following clubs provide welcoming environments for players of all skill levels.
1. Sun Lakes Chess Club
Location: Sun Lakes Country Club – 25601 N Sun Lakes Blvd, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
Description: The Sun Lakes Chess Club meets weekly in the Oakwood Country Club card room, offering both casual and competitive play. This active senior-dominated group welcomes players of all abilities, with many members having decades of experience. The club maintains a friendly atmosphere while still encouraging competitive play, with occasional internal tournaments and strategy discussions.
2. Chandler Chess Club
Location: Chandler Downtown Library – 22 S Delaware St, Chandler, AZ 85225
Description: Just 15 minutes from Sun Lakes, the Chandler Chess Club is one of the most active groups in the East Valley. They meet weekly with separate sessions for casual play and rated tournament games. The club attracts a diverse mix of players, from beginners to masters, and frequently hosts simultaneous exhibitions with visiting strong players.
3. Gilbert Chess for All
Location: Gilbert Regional Park – 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298
Description: This outdoor chess gathering meets weekly at the park’s shaded ramadas, about 20 minutes from Sun Lakes. Players bring their own sets (though extras are usually available) for casual games in a relaxed environment. The group includes families, seniors, and working professionals, creating a nice cross-section of the chess community.
4. Mesa Chess Club
Location: Mesa Main Library – 64 E 1st St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Description: About 25 minutes from Sun Lakes, the Mesa Chess Club offers one of the most comprehensive chess programs in the area. They host regular rated tournaments, beginner lessons, and casual play nights. The club has a strong junior program, making it ideal for families with children interested in chess.
5. Ahwatukee Chess Group
Location: Ahwatukee Community Center – 4700 E Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Description: This smaller, more intimate group meets biweekly about 30 minutes from Sun Lakes. The focus is on friendly competition and chess improvement, with players often analyzing games together after playing. The group maintains an email list to coordinate special events and playing sessions.
6. Tempe Chess Meetup
Location: Tempe Public Library – 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
Description: The Tempe Chess Meetup provides a casual, drop-in style chess environment about 20 minutes from Sun Lakes. No membership is required – players can simply show up and find a game. The group includes several strong players who enjoy helping beginners improve.
Starting Your Own Chess Group in Sun Lakes
For residents who prefer not to travel, starting a local chess group in Sun Lakes is relatively simple. Potential locations include:
Sun Lakes Chapel Center (9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd N)
Cottonwood Country Club (25630 S Brentwood Dr)
Palo Verde Recreation Center (23615 S Oakwood Blvd)
The Sun Lakes community’s active retirement population makes it particularly suitable for developing a strong chess culture. Interested players might begin by posting notices in community centers or placing an ad in the Sun Lakes Splash newspaper.
Tournament Opportunities
Several nearby clubs host regular tournaments:
Chandler Chess Club’s monthly rated tournaments
Mesa Chess Club’s quarterly championship events
Gilbert Regional Park’s occasional outdoor speed chess tournaments
Final Thoughts
Sun Lakes residents have excellent chess opportunities within easy driving distance. The variety of nearby clubs ensures players can find the right fit, whether they prefer casual social games or serious competition. For those interested in establishing a more local presence, the community’s demographics and facilities provide ideal conditions for developing a thriving chess group. Current meeting times and any schedule changes can typically be found on community bulletin boards or by contacting the hosting venues directly.
