Chess Clubs in Swansea, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Swansea, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Swansea and nearby Metro East Illinois communities will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 20-minute drive of Swansea, offering options for both casual and competitive players.
1. Swansea Chess Club
Location: Swansea Public Library – 1300 N Illinois St, Swansea, IL 62226
Description: The Swansea Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:30 PM in the library’s community room. This welcoming group accommodates players of all ages and skill levels. The library provides tournament-style chess sets and digital clocks. Monthly activities include casual play, strategy discussions, and occasional mini-tournaments.
2. Belleville Chess Society
Location: Belleville Public Library – 121 E Washington St, Belleville, IL 62220
Description: Just 10 minutes from Swansea, this active chess community gathers every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 PM. The Society offers structured programming with beginner lessons available upon request. The group hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains an email list for announcements.
3. Fairview Heights Chess Collective
Location: Fairview Heights Public Library – 10017 Bunkum Rd, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Description: A 15-minute drive from Swansea, this family-friendly chess group meets Saturday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Collective emphasizes chess education with teaching boards available for group instruction. Special events include youth tournaments and summer chess workshops.
4. O’Fallon Chess Academy
Location: O’Fallon Public Library – 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Academy hosts quarterly rated tournaments and maintains a collection of chess literature available for checkout. Several club members compete in regional championships.
5. Shiloh Chess Circle
Location: Shiloh Community Center – 1 Park Dr, Shiloh, IL 62269
Description: This casual chess meetup occurs every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Circle maintains a relaxed atmosphere with optional coaching sessions for beginners. The community center provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
6. St. Louis Chess Club (Missouri)
Location: 4657 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Description: While located across the river in Missouri (25 minutes from Swansea), this world-class chess facility offers excellent opportunities for serious players. The club hosts daily rated tournaments, lectures, and open play sessions, serving as one of the premier chess destinations in the Midwest.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the Metro East area include:
Swansea Spring Open (April)
Metro East Championship (June)
Belleville Fall Classic (October)
For serious competitors, the Illinois Chess Association hosts statewide tournaments throughout the year. Most local clubs recommend contacting them in advance as schedules may adjust for holidays. Whether seeking casual games or serious competition, chess players in the Swansea area will find welcoming communities and regular playing opportunities. Several clubs participate in inter-community chess challenges and collaborative events.
