Unveiling the lesser-known chess clubs in India for the chess community!

The popularity of chess is on the rise, especially now more than ever. Here are some notable chess clubs in India that are making people more aware of the game.

With the growing popularity of chess, people joining chess clubs are also increasing day by day. New members are always welcomed in the clubs where they can learn and play with fellow game lovers. Down below are some of the chess clubs in India that are opening a whole new realm of chess for people at the most basic level.

1. Bangalore Chess Club

Source

Started in 2015 by Manish Simon, the Bangalore chess club is open to all. The prominent chess club nurtures the talents and promotes the sport in the city. It organizes chess matches and tournaments for all chess enthusiasts regardless of their age. These tournaments include rating tournaments, regular club-level tournaments, weekly meetups, rapid chess events, and more. The regular chess meetups have free entry, so you can head any day you want and meet fellow chess enthusiasts.

Address: Cunningham Road, Bangalore
Contact: bangalorechessclub

2. Nashik Chess Club

Source

This newest chess club in Nashik is established in Nashik’s city central mall. The chess club promotes the game by welcoming people of all ages to play and enjoy. It also organizes weekly club sessions every Wednesday at the City Centre Mall from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. And the best part is that you do not need to spend a penny to be a part of these sessions.

Address: Every Wednesday, City Centre Mall, Nashik
Contact: Not available

3. Alekhine Chess Club, Kolkata

Source

One of the oldest chess clubs in India is Alekhine Chess Club. The chess club, exclusively opened for its members, is popular among chess enthusiasts. After getting the membership of the club, you can get meeting dates to play a round or two of chess, compete, or even learn.

Address: 3, Gorky Terrace, Circus Avenue, Kolkata
Contact: alekhinechessclub.com

Also Read: A quick hats off to a few chess players in India

4. Gariahat Chess Club, Kolkata

Source

You would be surprised to know that this chess club is an open-space club under the Gariahat flyover. It laid its foundation as a chess club in 2006 and has plenty of members, some of whom don’t even miss a day of play. The club has 13 tables with chessboards, around 30 stools, and arched lamp posts to keep the chess games going late at night. Anyone can join this chess club with just INR 10 (though it might be more).

Address: Gariahat Road, Kolkata
Contact: 098300 47054

5. UP 32 Knights Lucknow Chess Club

Source

UP 32 Knights Lucknow Chess Club is a community of chess enthusiasts from the city. It also has a monthly chess newsletter that updates the club’s members about chess news, upcoming tournaments, and updates of online tournaments to be held. Other than that, you can also get to know about the club's activities through their Whatsapp group.

Address: Online organisation of events
Contact: up32knights

Honorary Mention: Tal Chess Club, Madras

The Tal Chess Club was one of the most prominent chess clubs in India. Formed in 1972 by IM Manuel Aaron, this is the same club where Vishwanathan Anand happened to train himself back in the 80s. There is not a single grandmaster from Chennai who would not have played at this club. Unfortunately, the club shut down in 1991.

If you have been fascinated by the game of chess, join these clubs. If you are residing in a different city, you can find the local clubs near you and get your membership.

Also Read: Check out these clubs for monsoon trekking in Maharashtra!

For more such stories, follow Local Samosa on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram