Chess Clubs in Wauconda, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Wauconda, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Wauconda and nearby Lake County communities will find several organized playing opportunities. This guide covers local chess clubs within a 20-minute drive of Wauconda, offering options for both casual and competitive players.
1. Wauconda Chess Club
Location: Wauconda Area Public Library – 801 N Main St, Wauconda, IL 60084
Description: The Wauconda Chess Club meets every Thursday 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. Lake Zurich Chess Society
Location: Ela Area Public Library – 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Description: Located 15 minutes from Wauconda, this active chess community gathers every Tuesday 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. Mundelein Chess Collective
Location: Fremont Public Library – 1170 N Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
Description: A 20-minute drive from Wauconda, 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 camps.
4. Barrington Chess Academy
Location: Barrington Area Library – 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010
Description: This instructional-focused club meets Wednesday 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. Round Lake Chess Circle
Location: Round Lake Area Public Library – 906 Hart Rd, Round Lake, IL 60073
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 library provides both standard and oversized chess sets.
6. Libertyville Chess Guild
Location: Cook Memorial Public Library – 413 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
Description: For competitive players, this US Chess Federation-affiliated club meets Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM. The Guild hosts regular rated tournaments and maintains an active ladder system. Players should bring their own clocks for timed games.
Regional Tournament Opportunities
Annual chess events in the area include:
Wauconda Spring Open (April)
Lake County Summer Classic (July)
Northwest Suburban Championship (October)
For serious competitors, the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie (35 minutes away) hosts elite-level tournaments. Most local clubs recommend checking their websites for current schedules before visiting, as meeting times may occasionally change. Whether you’re learning the game or seeking master-level competition, the Wauconda area offers quality chess opportunities for all interests and skill levels. Many clubs participate in inter-library chess challenges and collaborative events throughout the year.
