Play Chess in London

Looking for somewhere to play chess in London?

Battersea Chess Club welcomes players of all ages and standards, from complete beginners and casual players to experienced tournament players.

We meet every Tuesday from 7pm to 10.30pm at Battersea Labour Club, 81–83 Falcon Road, London SW11 2PF, just five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction station.

Visitors are always welcome and your first two visits are free. You don’t need to be a member and you don’t need to arrange a game in advance. Just turn up and play.

A friendly London chess club

Battersea Chess Club has been playing chess in London since 1885.

Today we’re a busy, friendly club with members ranging from beginners and improving players to strong competitive players.

Tuesday is our main club night. Some people come to play league matches, some come for tournaments and organised events, and others simply want a few friendly games over the board.

If you’ve been playing online and would like to try chess in person, you’re very welcome.

Where can I play chess in London?

You can play chess every Tuesday evening at Battersea Chess Club.

We meet at:

Battersea Labour Club
81–83 Falcon Road
London SW11 2PF

The venue is around five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction station, making the club easy to reach from across London.

Club nights run from 7pm to 10.30pm.

There are usually plenty of players around, so you don’t need to bring an opponent.

Can beginners join?

Yes.

You don’t need a chess rating or any tournament experience to come to Battersea Chess Club.

If you know how the pieces move and want to play, improve or meet other chess players, come along.

More experienced players are equally welcome. Battersea fields teams in London competitions and offers plenty of opportunities to play serious competitive chess.

Can I just turn up?

Yes. There’s no need to book.

Come to Battersea Labour Club on a Tuesday evening from 7pm and introduce yourself.

Your first two visits are free, giving you a chance to see whether the club is right for you before deciding whether to become a member.

If you’re coming for the first time, arriving reasonably early in the evening will give you the best chance to meet people and get some games in.

Competitive chess in London

Want something more serious?

Battersea Chess Club fields teams in London chess competitions, giving members opportunities to play regular rated competitive chess against clubs from across the capital.

We also run club competitions and other chess events throughout the year.

Whether you’re an experienced league player or thinking about playing your first competitive game, we’ll help you find chess at an appropriate level.

Women’s chess in London

Battersea is committed to encouraging more women and girls to play chess.

Battersea Women provides opportunities for female players to meet, play and become involved in competitive chess as part of the club.

Women and girls of all playing strengths are welcome.

Junior chess

Young chess players are welcome at Battersea, although parents should check our current arrangements for juniors before visiting.

We have a long tradition of supporting developing players and want the club to be a welcoming place for the next generation of London chess players.

Why play chess at Battersea?

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to know anyone at the club. And you don’t need to commit to membership before trying it.

Just come along.

Battersea Chess Club offers friendly games, competitive chess and the chance to meet people who love the game, all within a few minutes’ walk of one of London’s best-connected railway stations.

We’ve been playing chess in London since 1885.

Come and join us this Tuesday.

When: Tuesdays, 7pm–10.30pm
Where: Battersea Labour Club, 81–83 Falcon Road, London SW11 2PF
Nearest station: Clapham Junction
First two visits: Free