Melbourne - Chess Clubs, Tournaments & Learning
Explore Melbourne's historic chess scene. Home to one of Australia's oldest chess clubs, find where to play and how to improve with Professor Archer.
Published 2026-02-08 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Chess in Melbourne
Melbourne holds a special place in Australian chess history. The Melbourne Chess Club, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest continuously operating chess clubs in Australia, and its legacy permeates the city's approach to the game. Where Sydney might lean towards blitz and rapid, Melbourne has historically cultivated a deeper appreciation for classical chess and positional understanding.
The Chess Victoria federation coordinates an extensive league system that sees dozens of teams competing across multiple divisions throughout the winter months. This team-based structure gives improving players regular competitive practice and a sense of camaraderie that keeps them engaged.
Melbourne's café culture has also spawned a vibrant casual chess scene. You'll find boards set up in Fitzroy cafes, at Federation Square on weekends, and across community centers in suburbs like Brunswick, Carlton, and Footscray. The city's strong university presence - Melbourne Uni, Monash, and RMIT all have active chess societies - feeds a pipeline of young talent into the club system.
The annual Victorian Championship and the Melbourne Open attract strong fields, and the city has produced several Australian representatives in Olympiad teams. Studying with Professor Archer gives Melbourne players a structured path to improvement that complements the rich over-the-board opportunities the city provides.
Chess Clubs in Melbourne
-
Melbourne Chess Club
Address: Russell Street, Melbourne CBD - check their website for current venue details
Meeting Times: Multiple evenings per week - check their website for current schedule -
Box Hill Chess Club
Address: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station Street, Box Hill
Meeting Times: Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM -
Geelong Chess Club
Address: Geelong West Town Hall, Pakington Street, Geelong West
Meeting Times: Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Chess Tournaments in Melbourne
- Victorian Championship - Annual (January)
- Melbourne Open - Annual (March)
Professor Archer says: Melbourne has one of Australia's deepest chess traditions. The positional style that pervades the club scene here provides an excellent foundation - add structured tactical training and you have the recipe for serious rating gains.
Start Learning Chess with Professor Archer
Whether you're in Melbourne or anywhere in the world, Professor Archer is ready to be your personal chess coach. No experience needed.