Chess clubs in Los Angeles.
7 clubs, and when they meet. Most meet on weekday evenings, around Boyle Heights, Downtown, Highland Park. All of them are free to join. Subscribe to this calendar →
What to expect.
Chess clubs in Los Angeles run on a fixed night, often with a casual room and a rated room side by side. You can turn up to the casual side with no rating and no membership and get a game within minutes. Rated play, if you want it later, is explained on the club's page.
Boards and clocks are provided. Some clubs charge a few dollars a night or a yearly membership; café meetups are usually free.
All 7 chess clubs in Los Angeles.
A to Z, in each club's own words. Every one links to the club, and every day and time is the one the club publishes.
Free beginner-friendly chess night at First Street Pool & Billiards, with pool tables for breaks between games. 21+ venue; boards supplied.
Wednesdays, 6pm · Boyle Heights · Free · meetup.com →Long Sunday-afternoon session of chess and Oware (West African mancala) at the Le Pain Quotidien on Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills. Sets provided, regulars show up without RSVPing.
Sundays, 1:30pm · Free · meetup.com →Sunday-afternoon casual chess on the patio of ilCaffe on Broadway, run by the LA Chess meetup. Boards out from 12:30 until early evening; all levels, no clocks required.
Sundays, 12:30pm · Downtown · Free · meetup.com →Wednesday-evening chess on the back patio of Belle's Delicatessen on York Blvd, part of the LA Chess meetup family. Running for three-plus years; boards provided.
Wednesdays, 6pm · Highland Park · Free · meetup.com →Tuesday-night casual chess at Trademark Brewing, usually around 30 players doing blitz, rapid and untimed games. Free, all ages and ratings.
Tuesdays, 7pm · Long Beach · Free · meetup.com →Saturday-afternoon chess in a room at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley (east Valley). Boards provided, all levels.
Saturdays, 3:30pm · Free · meetup.com →The North Hollywood sister club of LA Chess Social: Tuesday-night casual chess at Brew Brothers on Lankershim. Sets provided; bring a clock if you have one.
Tuesdays, 7pm · North Hollywood · Free · meetup.com →
Every listing links straight to the club. Know a chess club in Los Angeles we don’t? Add it.