During the pandemic, many adults learned chess and started playing online, and then “The Queen’s Gambit” inspired even more. Naturally, these new players also wanted to play in person to experience the social, as well as the intellectual, stimulation of the game.
Many joined one of the clubs listed in the NC Chess Association’s club directory or one of the community clubs we support, but some wanted opportunities to play other adults at clubs like these:
Black Mountain Brewing in Black Mountain – Monday nights starting at 4 pm
Noble Kava in Boone – chess Wednesdays 5-7 pm, game day Sundays 6-10 pm
Charlotte Chess Center – Adult Casual Play – Monday nights. The Charlotte Chess Center also offers a special adults-only At Least Twenty One (ALTO) tournament.
Sir Edmond Halley’s Restaurant & Freehouse in Charlotte – Tuesday nights 7-9 pm
Armored Cow Brewing in Charlotte – US Chess Social – March 15, 2025 4:30 – 10 pm
Eno House in Hillsborough – Thursdays 6:30 pm in the little building
Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro – Wednesday’s 6-8 pm
Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps in Durham – Tuesday nights 5:30 – 8:30 pm
North Street Beer Station in Raleigh – Sundays at 2 pm, 12 chess boards available on site
If you would like to start a chess club for adults in your NC community, please apply for one of our grants for community organizations.
Please let us know about other NC chess clubs or programs for adults, and we’ll update this article.
Indermaur Chess Foundation 