♟️ How to Start Your Own Chess Club: A Step-by-Step Guide
♟️ How to Start Your Own Chess Club: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to bring people together over the 64 squares but don’t have a local chess club? Why wait—start your own!
Whether it’s in your school, library, workplace, or online, a chess club is easy to start and incredibly rewarding. Here’s your complete guide to going from idea to opening night.
🛠 Step 1: Decide What Kind of Club You Want
Before anything else, think about your vision:
Casual or competitive?
Kids, adults, or all ages?
In-person or online (or hybrid)?
Open to the public or invite-only?
💡 Example Clubs:
School chess club with weekly lessons and tournaments
Library-based casual play group
Online Chess.com club for local players
📍 Step 2: Find a Location or Platform
In-Person Club:
Schools
Libraries
Community centers
Cafés or game shops
Churches or youth clubs
Make sure you have:
Tables & chairs
Quiet space
Power outlets (if using laptops/clocks)
Online Club:
Chess.com Clubs
Discord + Chess.com pairings
Zoom for virtual lessons or hangouts
📅 Step 3: Pick a Regular Time
Consistency builds community. Choose a day/time that works for your target audience.
Popular options:
Weekly (e.g., Tuesdays at 6 PM)
Biweekly or monthly for slower schedules
♟ Step 4: Get the Gear
Must-Haves for In-Person Clubs:
Chess sets (Staunton style)
Clocks (optional, but useful)
Notebooks or score sheets (for serious players)
A whiteboard or demo board (for teaching)
Start with 3–5 boards. Ask members to bring their own if needed!
🛍 Tip: Ask local businesses or schools for donations. Chess clubs are educational and often get support.
📣 Step 5: Spread the Word
Promotion is key! Use:
Flyers at schools, libraries, and cafes
Social media (Facebook groups, Reddit, Nextdoor)
School newsletters or local event calendars
Word of mouth!
Online clubs can grow fast by inviting friends and linking up with other groups on Chess.com.
🧠 Step 6: Plan Your First Meeting
Keep it simple and fun:
Welcome everyone
Explain the club’s goals and format
Play casual games or run a mini tournament
Ask for feedback and ideas
Pro Tip: Provide name tags, snacks, and a relaxed vibe for first-timers.
🏆 Step 7: Add Structure (Optional but Awesome)
As your club grows, think about:
Weekly lessons or tactics sessions
Internal tournaments or ladders
Guest speakers or simuls
Rating games (if affiliated with a federation)
You can also elect a small committee: president, treasurer, events coordinator, etc.
📈 Step 8: Keep It Going!
The secret to a lasting club:
Be welcoming to all skill levels
Celebrate progress (highlight games, achievements)
Ask for input regularly
Stay consistent with meetings
🔁 Bonus: Create an Online Hub
Even if your club is in-person, having an online space helps:
Use a Chess.com Club to run online tournaments
Post announcements and schedules
Share puzzles, game analysis, or memes 😄
✅ Final Checklist
Club type & location picked
Regular meeting time chosen
Chess sets and supplies ready
Promotion materials shared
First meeting planned
Online space (optional) created
🎉 You Did It!
Starting a chess club isn’t hard—it just takes a little initiative and love for the game. Whether you’re creating a chill hangout or a training ground for future masters, your club can be your move to grow chess in your community.
Good luck, and let me know if you'd like:
A printable flyer template
A basic club constitution template
A sample lesson plan for your first few meetings
Let’s make your club something special. ♟️🔥
