Chess

Explore & Play Chess Across the UK with vh1be ♟️

Whether you're a casual player looking for friendly games or a competitive league contender, this is your one-stop guide to chess clubs across the UK—from iconic venues in London to welcoming local clubs and county leagues.

🔍 Search by City or Postcode

Our upcoming search tool will help you find the best local chess clubs and community events—featuring session times, location maps, contact info, and league details.

📍 UK Chess Clubs & Community Venues by Region

London & South East

  • Greater London Chess Club – Central London-based, ECF-affiliated, with strong internal tournaments and rated games.
  • Hammersmith Chess Club – Vibrant community with women’s chess nights, grandmaster training, and regular socials.
  • Barbican Chess Club & The London Chess Club – Some of the most historic and respected chess hubs in the UK.
  • Knight Club (London) – A modern, Gen Z-focused chess night blending competitive blitz games with music and community vibes.

Manchester & North West

  • Manchester Central Library Chess Club – Casual drop-in sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, perfect for beginners and returning players.
  • Altrincham & Hale Chess Club – One of the region’s top-rated clubs, part of the Manchester Chess Federation.

Midlands & East Anglia

  • Strong networks including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, and Birmingham District Chess Leagues—many hosting league and county events throughout the year.

South West England

  • Clubs across Exeter, Tiverton, Exmouth, and Bristol, coordinated through the West of England Chess Union.

North East & Yorkshire

  • Clubs in Durham, Newcastle, and Yorkshire all part of competitive league play and junior development programs.

Scotland

  • From Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Scottish clubs are organised through Chess Scotland and offer rated tournaments, coaching, and county leagues.

Wales

  • The Welsh Chess Union hosts clubs in Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport with regular leagues and juniors’ training.

Northern Ireland

  • Coordinated through the Ulster Chess Union, clubs across Belfast, Bangor, and Lisburn run regular FIDE-rated events.

🗺️ Summary by Region

RegionKey Clubs & AssociationsLondon & South EastGLCC, Barbican, Hammersmith, Knight ClubManchester & North WestCentral Library, Altrincham, Manchester Chess FederationMidlands & East AngliaWarwickshire, Birmingham, Leicestershire regional clubsSouth WestExeter, Tiverton, West of England Union clubsNorth East & YorkshireYorkshire, Durham leagues and juniors’ programsScotlandEdinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen – via Chess ScotlandWalesCardiff, Newport, Swansea – via Welsh Chess UnionNorthern IrelandBelfast, Lisburn, Bangor – via Ulster Chess Union

🏆 Chess Events & Tournaments Across the UK

  • Four Nations Chess League (4NCL) – Britain’s premier team league with elite clubs like Wood Green and Manx Liberty.
  • London Chess Classic – Hosted annually at Emirates Stadium, this flagship tournament features world-class grandmasters.
  • ChessFest – A summer chess celebration in Trafalgar Square with live games, kids' boards, and community challenges.

🤝 Join the vh1be Chess Community

Looking to meet players near you, find sparring partners, or attend socials?

  • 👉 Join your local vh1be Chess WhatsApp group
  • 📸 Follow us on Instagram @vh1be.chess
  • 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for tournament alerts, club features, and event invites

🛍️ Coming Soon: vh1be Chess Gear

Stay tuned for our exclusive collection of:

  • Weighted chess sets
  • Tournament roll-up boards
  • Club journals and scorebooks
  • Branded chess apparel

➡️ Join the waitlist to get early access.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book chess events through vh1be?
Not yet—but all club links, meetups, and event details are shared in one place for your convenience.

Is the vh1be Chess Community free to join?
Yes! Anyone can join, connect, and play—no membership fee required.

Can I list my chess club here?
Yes! Just submit your club here or email us. We’ll get you featured.

👋 Add Your Club to the Directory

We’re building the UK’s largest chess club directory. If your venue isn’t listed yet, submit it now. Let’s bring chess to more people across the UK—together.

vh1be – where strategy meets community. Find your next match, challenge your mind, and elevate your game.