Chess in New York

Chess club

Marshall Chess Club

One of the oldest chess clubs in the US, with tournaments, lectures and classes.

Address:

23 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10011

Visitors:

Out-of-town guests may drop in for a visit; most special events are members-only unless noted. Non-members pay an extra $25 membership fee on tournament entries.

Hours:

Monday and Wednesday to Friday 14:00–midnight, Saturday and Sunday 09:00–midnight. Closed Tuesday except for events and classes.

Cost:

The cost of a visit is not published. Non-members pay an extra $25 on tournament entries.

Official pageChecked 3 October 2026

Chess shop

Chess Forum

A chess shop and playing parlour in Greenwich Village.

Address:

219 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012

Visitors:

Walk in during opening hours to browse or play a pick-up game. The page is undated, so call to confirm.

Hours:

Noon to midnight, seven days a week.

Cost:

$5 per hour to play ($1 for seniors, free for children).

Official pageChecked 3 October 2026

Public chess tables

Bryant Park chess tables

These details may be out of date: Season runs April to October; the park's page suggests it ends around mid-October. Check the venue's page before you go.

Outdoor chess tables where you can bring a friend or be paired for a game.

Address:

Bryant Park, Manhattan

Visitors:

Free. You can borrow a set at the chess area, where an attendant helps.

Hours:

Daily 11:00–19:00, April to October. The park's page suggests the season ends in mid-October, so check before you go.

Cost:

Free

Official pageChecked 3 October 2026

Public chess tables

Washington Square Park chess players

According to Wikipedia, the park has a chess and Scrabble playing area, and chess players gather in its southwest corner.

Address:

Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village

Visitors:

A public park, so no booking is needed.