Boston - Chess Clubs, Tournaments & Learning
Discover chess in Boston, home of the historic Boylston Chess Club. Find clubs, New England tournaments, and improve with Professor Archer.
Published 2026-02-08 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Chess in Boston
Boston's chess heritage runs deep, fitting for a city that has been at the center of American intellectual life since before the nation's founding. The Boylston Chess Club, one of the oldest chess clubs in the United States, has been a cornerstone of New England chess since 1915. Named after the street where it was originally located, the club has hosted countless strong players and remains an active, vibrant institution.
Boston's academic density is unmatched - Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern, and numerous other institutions create a concentration of chess-playing talent that few cities can rival. University chess clubs serve as feeders for the adult competitive scene, and the rivalry between Harvard and MIT chess teams is one of the longest-running in American collegiate chess.
The New England Chess Association coordinates a regional tournament circuit that includes the Massachusetts State Championship, the Continental Open, and various weekend congresses. The Boston area also benefits from a strong scholastic chess programme, with many suburbs running active school chess leagues.
For Boston players, training with Professor Archer complements the city's rich intellectual tradition perfectly. In a city where learning and self-improvement are core values, structured chess study is a natural pursuit. The combination of world-class over-the-board competition and focused online training creates an ideal environment for chess growth.
Chess Clubs in Boston
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Boylston Chess Club
Address: 240 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
Meeting Times: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, 7:00 PM -
MIT Chess Club
Address: MIT Student Center, 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
Meeting Times: Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM during academic year -
Metrowest Chess Club
Address: Natick Community Center, 117 E Central Street, Natick
Meeting Times: Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM
Chess Tournaments in Boston
- Massachusetts State Championship - Annual (spring)
- Continental Open - Annual (August)
Professor Archer says: Boston is a city of scholars, and chess is the scholar's game. The Boylston Chess Club has been nurturing chess excellence for over a century. With that kind of tradition behind you, all you need is a good study plan and the discipline to follow it.
Start Learning Chess with Professor Archer
Whether you're in Boston or anywhere in the world, Professor Archer is ready to be your personal chess coach. No experience needed.