Chess Clubs in Waterford, Connecticut. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Waterford, CT and the Southeastern Connecticut Region
Waterford Chess Enthusiasts
Location: Waterford Public Library – 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385
Meeting Time: Thursdays 6:00-8:30 PM
Description: The flagship chess club of Waterford meets weekly in the library’s quiet reading room. This group attracts 15-25 players per session across all skill levels, from absolute beginners to expert-level competitors. The first hour typically features casual games and instruction, followed by competitive matches using tournament-style clocks. The club maintains a lending library of chess books and provides sets for newcomers.
New London Chess Collective
Location: Bean & Leaf Café – 13 Washington Street, New London, CT 06320
Meeting Time: Wednesdays 5:30-9:00 PM
Description: This vibrant chess community gathers in a cozy coffeehouse atmosphere just 10 minutes from Waterford. Known for its lively blitz chess scene (5-minute games), the club also hosts monthly thematic tournaments focusing on specific openings or endgame techniques. The casual environment makes it particularly welcoming for college students and working professionals.
Norwich City Chess Club
Location: Norwich Arts Center – 60 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360
Meeting Time: Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM
Description: Housed in a historic downtown arts venue, this club blends chess with cultural programming. Monthly “Chess and Music” evenings feature simultaneous exhibitions by masters while local musicians perform. The club runs a robust youth program and partners with area schools to promote scholastic chess. Equipment includes professional tournament sets and digital clocks.
Mystic Chess Society
Location: Bank Square Books – 53 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Meeting Time: Saturdays 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Description: This unique bookstore chess club offers a literary twist on the game. Players can browse chess literature between matches, and the club hosts quarterly book discussions on classic chess texts. The emphasis is on slow, thoughtful games (30+ minutes per player) with thorough post-game analysis. Popular with retirees and serious students of the game.
Groton Naval Chess Club
Location: Groton Senior Center – 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340
Meeting Time: Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM
Description: Originally founded by submarine officers, this club maintains strong ties to the naval community while welcoming civilian players. The space features maritime-themed chess sets and a wall honoring notable games played by local servicemembers. The club specializes in correspondence chess and postal chess traditions, with ongoing games displayed on demonstration boards.
Regional Chess Resources
The Southeastern Connecticut Chess League organizes inter-club team matches from October through April, with Waterford-area clubs regularly fielding competitive squads. Local tournaments include:
Coastal Classic (January) at Connecticut College
Summer Seaside Open (July) at Ocean Beach Park
Fall FIDE Rated (September) at Mitchell College
For youth players, the Waterford School District offers after-school chess programs at all elementary schools, with advanced players competing in the Connecticut State Scholastic Championships. The region will host the 2025 New England Open at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Most clubs request a $5 weekly donation to cover venue costs, with discounts for students and seniors. Players should confirm meeting times before visiting, as some locations adjust schedules seasonally. The Waterford Chess Enthusiasts maintain an active Facebook group with up-to-date information on local chess events.
