Los Angeles - Chess Clubs, Tournaments & Learning
Explore chess in Los Angeles. From Santa Monica to Glendale, find LA's chess clubs and tournaments. Improve with Professor Archer.
Published 2026-02-08 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Chess in Los Angeles
Los Angeles brings a uniquely Californian energy to chess - relaxed yet competitive, diverse and sprawling, with pockets of serious play scattered across the vast metropolitan area. The LA chess scene has been revitalised in recent years, driven by the game's growing popularity in popular culture and the city's large immigrant communities, many of whom bring strong chess traditions from their home countries.
The Los Angeles Chess Club has served as a central hub, hosting regular tournaments and providing a gathering place for the city's serious players. In Santa Monica, casual outdoor games at the pier and in Palisades Park carry on a decades-long tradition. Glendale's Armenian community has contributed significantly to local chess strength, with several strong players emerging from that community's chess clubs.
Hollywood's fascination with chess has occasionally spotlighted the game, and the city has hosted major events including the American Open. The Southern California Chess Federation coordinates a regional tournament calendar that keeps competitive players busy year-round, from weekend Swisses to longer norm events.
For LA players who face the challenge of traffic and distances between clubs, online training with Professor Archer is an especially practical complement. You can maintain your study routine between tournaments without spending hours on the freeway.
Chess Clubs in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles Chess Club
Address: 1655 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Meeting Times: Tuesday and Saturday, 6:00 PM -
Glendale Chess Club
Address: Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N Verdugo Road, Glendale
Meeting Times: Friday evenings, 7:00 PM -
Santa Monica Bay Chess Club
Address: Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Meeting Times: Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Chess Tournaments in Los Angeles
- Southern California Open - Annual (Labor Day weekend)
- LA Chess Club Monthly Swiss - Monthly
Professor Archer says: Los Angeles players come from incredibly diverse chess backgrounds. That diversity is a strength - you encounter unusual openings and creative ideas. Embrace it, and use structured study to build the universal skills that work against any style.
Start Learning Chess with Professor Archer
Whether you're in Los Angeles or anywhere in the world, Professor Archer is ready to be your personal chess coach. No experience needed.