Chess Clubs in Westchester, Illinois. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in Westchester, IL and Surrounding Communities
Chess players in Westchester and nearby western suburbs have several excellent options for organized play, from casual meetups to competitive tournaments. Here’s a guide to local chess clubs and playing opportunities in the area.
1. Westchester Chess Society
Location: Westchester Public Library – 10700 Canterbury St, Westchester, IL 60154
Description: This community chess group meets every Tuesday evening in the library’s meeting room. The Society welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Meetings typically feature casual games, puzzle-solving sessions, and occasional guest lectures from local chess experts. The library provides tournament-style sets and clocks.
2. La Grange Chess Club
Location: La Grange Public Library – 10 W Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
Description: Just 15 minutes from Westchester, this established club meets Thursday evenings year-round. The group maintains a balance between casual play and competitive preparation, with rated players often available for serious games. The club hosts quarterly rapid tournaments and an annual championship event.
3. Brookfield Chess Collective
Location: Brookfield Public Library – 3541 Park Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Description: This friendly, informal group gathers every Saturday afternoon in the library’s community room. The Collective emphasizes chess education, with volunteer instructors available to help beginners learn fundamentals. The club maintains a lending library of chess books and DVDs available to members.
4. North Riverside Chess Club
Location: North Riverside Village Commons – 2401 Desplaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
Description: Meeting Wednesday nights in the municipal building, this club attracts players from across the western suburbs. The group organizes monthly themed events including bughouse tournaments, blindfold chess demonstrations, and historical game recreations. Equipment is provided, including digital chess clocks for timed games.
5. Oak Park Chess Academy
Location: Oak Park Public Library – 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
Description: About 20 minutes from Westchester, this well-organized club offers structured programming including:
Beginner classes every Monday
Advanced strategy sessions on Wednesdays
Rated tournament play monthly
The Academy frequently hosts visiting masters for simultaneous exhibitions.
6. Berwyn Chess League
Location: Berwyn Public Library – 2701 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
Description: This competitive-focused group meets Friday nights and maintains an active ladder system. The League organizes team matches against other suburban clubs and sends representatives to regional tournaments. Players should bring their own clocks for rated games.
7. Forest Park Chess Circle
Location: Forest Park Community Center – 7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL 60130
Description: This casual meetup group gathers Sunday afternoons in a relaxed setting. The Circle is particularly welcoming to families and junior players, with special youth programming during summer months. The club provides oversized demonstration boards for group analysis sessions.
Tournament Opportunities in the Western Suburbs
Several annual events serve the area:
West Suburban Open (March, Oak Park)
Cook County Class Championships (September, La Grange)
Illinois Western Open (November, multiple locations)
For serious competitors, downtown Chicago clubs like the North Shore Chess Center (Skokie) and Chicago Chess Center are within reasonable driving distance and host regular rated events.
Most local clubs recommend checking their websites or calling ahead as schedules may adjust for holidays or special events. Whether you’re looking to learn the game, find casual opponents, or compete seriously, the Westchester area offers quality chess opportunities for all interests and skill levels.
