How to find a good chess club
ok, maybe just a chess club
There are several ways to find a good chess club (it’s up to you whether you consider it good or not):
Check with your local chess federation: Your local chess federation can provide you with a list of chess clubs in your area. The English Chess Federation (
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/) has a good club finder so you can narrow down your search!
Ask at your local library or community center: Many libraries and community centers host chess clubs or can provide information on local clubs. My chess club still advertises on the library notice board.
Search online: There are many online directories of chess clubs, such as the US Chess Federation's directory https://new.uschess.org/ or the Chess.com club directory. You can also search for local clubs on social media platforms like Facebook or Meetup.
Attend chess tournaments or events: Chess tournaments (see below) and events often attract members of chess clubs from all over the country, but especially local clubs. Attending these events can be a great way to meet other players and learn about different clubs in your area. Just check the wall charts at the tournament, or the listings on Chess Results, and then google the club name.
When looking for a chess club, consider factors such as the location (can you park?), meeting times (some clubs meet during the day), level of play, and the club's mission (some are for retired people or U3A) or focus (do they teach beginners?). You will want to visit a few different clubs to find one that best meets your needs and interests. All clubs worth joining will let you visit for free at least once. Some clubs are more competitive (they want to win everything, always looking for strong players), others are more relaxed (friendly but competitive).
Some meet in venues where you can’t get a drink or a bite to eat, for instance. Some meet outside, like Greenwich Chess Club!