Chess Clubs in Texarkana, Arkansas. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Texarkana, AR and Surrounding Areas
Chess players in Texarkana, Arkansas, and the surrounding Four States region have access to several organized chess opportunities. While the local chess scene remains modest, players can find regular meetups and competitive events within reasonable driving distance.
1. Texarkana Chess Club
Address: Texarkana Public Library – Arkansas Branch, 600 W 3rd St, Texarkana, AR 71854
Description: The primary chess organization in the Texarkana area meets every Saturday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 PM. This casual group welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. The club provides chess sets and clocks, with members engaging in both friendly games and timed matches.
2. Texas High School Chess Club
Address: Texas High School, 4001 Summerhill Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503 (10-minute drive)
Description: One of the region’s strongest scholastic programs, this club meets weekly during the school year. Open to students and occasional community guests, the group focuses on competitive preparation for:
Texas UIL Chess competitions
Arkansas Scholastic tournaments
Regional high school matches
3. Shreveport Chess Club
Address: Shreve Memorial Library – Broadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105 (1-hour drive)
Description: Louisiana’s most active chess club outside New Orleans offers:
Weekly rated tournaments
Casual play nights
Regular visits from Louisiana master-level players
The club averages 20-30 players per session, making it worth the drive for serious competitors.
4. Hope Chess Society
Address: Hope Public Library, 206 W 3rd St, Hope, AR 71801 (30-minute drive)
Description: This growing chess group meets every other Friday evening. The casual atmosphere focuses on:
Social chess play
Beginner instruction
Youth development
About 8-12 players attend regularly, with equipment provided by the library.
5. Magnolia Chess Club
Address: Columbia County Library, 205 S Jackson St, Magnolia, AR 71753 (1-hour drive)
Description: A newer addition to the region’s chess scene, this monthly gathering attracts players from across southern Arkansas. The club balances casual play with occasional rated tournaments.
Tournament Play
Local annual events include:
Four States Open (Texarkana, October)
Red River Scholastic Championship (Shreveport, February)
Arkansas-Louisiana Border Classic (Hope, April)
Youth Chess Opportunities
Several area schools offer programs:
Arkansas High School Chess Team
Pleasant Grove ISD Chess Club (Texarkana, TX)
Shreveport Scholastic Chess League
Starting New Chess Activities
Texarkana residents can help grow local chess by:
Organizing library chess nights for beginners
Developing school chess programs
Partnering with community centers for tournaments
Conclusion
While Texarkana’s chess community remains small, quality playing opportunities exist at the public library and nearby cities. The Shreveport Chess Club provides the strongest competitive environment within driving distance, while local scholastic programs nurture young talent.
With its unique border-town location, Texarkana has potential to develop a more robust chess culture by drawing players from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The combination of existing clubs and regional tournaments ensures players at all levels can enjoy the game while benefiting from the Four States’ chess community.
