Community Connect: Weekend Boardom - How weekend chess is creating a community in Chennai

On weekends, while some Chennaiites head to cafés or cinemas, others gather around chessboards in parks, on beaches and in public spaces. From children learning their first moves to retirees rediscovering an old passion, the city’s growing chess communities are bringing together people across ages and backgrounds.

In a city known for producing champions, chess is also becoming a way to forge friendships, unwind and connect.‘THE COMMUNITY IS ALL ABOUT BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS, ENCOURAGING CONVERSATIONS’“We started Chennai Chess Club with a simple idea — to make chess accessible beyond academies and tournaments. Every weekend, we organise open chess sessions at places like Anna Nagar Tower Park and cafés, where anyone can join, regardless of age or skill level. We have school students, working professionals and even people in their 50s, 60s and 70s learning from one another.

More than winning games, it’s about building friendships, encouraging conversations and creating a welcoming space where people can unwind after a hectic week.

It’s amazing to see strangers become regular playing partners, and for many, chess has become the highlight of their weekends,” shares Paul, co-founder, Chennai Chess Club.‘The community offers a space to disconnect from screens and connect with people’ “Chess has become much more than a board game for our members.

Many join after stressful workweeks looking for a calm and meaningful weekend activity. What makes our gatherings special is the diversity — college students challenge retired professionals, beginners learn from experienced players, and everyone leaves with something new.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than competitive, making people return every weekend not just for chess, but for the sense of belonging,” says Krishnan, a chess enthusiast from Chola Chess Club.‘CHENNAI IS NURTURING A CULTURE WHERE CHESS CONNECTS PEOPLE’“Our weekend meet-ups prove that chess has no age, profession or language barrier. You’ll find IT professionals, entrepreneurs, homemakers, senior citizens and schoolchildren enjoying the same game. The sessions become a space to exchange ideas, experiences and strategies beyond the chessboard. Today, Chennai is not just producing grandmasters; it’s nurturing a unique culture where chess connects people,” says Yamini of Madras Chess Circle.For 67-year-old retired bank officer Lakshmi Srinivasan, the community has offered both companionship and a way to stay mentally active. “Chess has given me wonderful friendships. Every weekend, I look forward to meeting people from different generations. It keeps me mentally sharp, socially connected and gives me a reason to step out instead of staying home,” she says.