Plan Your Visit

It is the mission of the Saint Louis Chess Club, a 501(c)(3) educational organization, to maintain a formal program of instruction to teach the game of chess and to promote and support its educational program through community outreach and local and national partnerships to increase the awareness of the educational value of chess.

Admission Details

The premier chess facility in the country and one of the best in the world. Our 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art chess center features a world-class tournament hall, classroom, library, and casual play area. Your first visit is FREE!

Free Tours

Come by the Chess Club for a free tour and see how we’ve brought the educational benefits of chess to thousands of students and helped revitalize the US chess scene! Contact us to schedule a group tour, or stop by any time we’re open, and a member of our staff will gladly show you around.

Schedule a Group Tour
Chess Background

Frequently asked questions

What are the operating hours of the Saint Louis Chess Club?

The Club is open seven days a week, with regular hours being 10 AM – 8 PM and offers various programs and open play sessions. For the most current hours around holidays or inclement weather, please contact the front desk at (314) 361-2437.

Do you have to be a Member to attend a lecture or event? Do I need to register?

We do require class attendees to be members. The exception would be someone’s first visit to the Club, which is free. As an alternative, we do offer day passes for purchase at the front desk.

For most classes and lectures at the Saint Louis Chess Club, you’re welcome to just show up. However, there are some that need registration ahead of time, and this is noted on those event information pages.

Classes held at Chess Pocket Parks are always free to the public.

Please note that all chess tournaments are subject to entry fees:

  • Members only pay the entry fee
  • Non Members pay the entry fee + a day pass fee

How can I become a member, and what are the benefits?

Membership starts at just $10 per month and includes access to classes, lectures, weekly tournaments, private lessons, and more. Members can also enjoy casual play in the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities. Become a member today online or talk to a staff member at the front desk of the Club.

Are there programs for beginners or children?

Yes, the Club offers beginner chess lessons for adults and children, special lectures, and a Scholastic Outreach Initiative that brings the educational benefits of chess to thousands of students in the greater St Louis area.

Is the club open to the public for casual play?

Yes, the Club is open to the public for casual chess play with limited capacity. It’s recommended to call ahead to reserve a spot. Please note that your first visit to the Club is free. After that, day passes are available at the front desk. We are always excited to welcome new members.

Where is the club located and is there parking available?

The Saint Louis Chess Club is located at 4657 Maryland Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108. For parking information, please review our Parking Guide.

What hotels are near the Saint Louis Chess club?

Visitors to the Saint Louis Chess Club will find a great selection of hotels nearby, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Check out our Accommodations Guide for some of our hotel recommendations.

Where can I find the club’s code of conduct?

We encourage any victim or other persons with information regarding inappropriate conduct to contact Cathy Gallaher, Saint Louis Chess Club HR Manager at cgallaher@saintlouischessclub.org. You may also make a report confidentially, and if you wish, anonymously, through our ethics reporting hotline managed by Navex at (833) 221-3624.

Visit the stl chess campus

The St Louis Chess Campus offers an immersive chess experience with the Saint Louis Chess Club and World Chess Hall of Fame, complemented by Kingside Diner for dining, STL Chess Pocket Parks for outdoor games, and unique finds at Q-Boutique. Discover the heart of chess culture in St Louis!

"You can tell the owners of the St. Louis Chess Club take a lot of pride in the place. The employees are all friendly and know their stuff, the facility is spotless, and the value is great. If you have any interest in chess whatsoever, definitely check this place OUT."
Andy D.
Washington, DC