Welcome to our little club
LET'S PLAY CHESS
Calendar

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who are you?
We are the Westport Chess Club of Kansas City, Missouri. We've been going strong since 1986. We get together once a week to play chess, either casually or in a tournament. We're mostly over age 21, but students of all ages are welcome.


How much does it cost?
Your first visit to our chess club is free. After that, it's $1/visit for kids and students and just $2/visit for everyone else. There is no membership fee to join our club.


You play chess at the Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill?
The Westport Flea Market, located at 817 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111, is a pretty cool, casual bar & grill south of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. We play chess in the room that has a window to Westport Road (It's on the north side of the building). They give us food and drink specials, too. Did you know they've been rated best burger in KC since 1987? They also have more than 40 beers on tap. Please don't drink and drive.


When do you play?
-We meet in person every Tuesday evening (barring major holidays) from 6:30 - 10:00 in the room that has a window to Westport Road. It's on the north side of the building.
-We also meet each Wednesday virtually at 7:00 at our club on Chess.com.
Check our calendar for event information.


Do I have to bring anything?
Nope! We provide classic club-style chess pieces (weighted plastic) and chess mats (roll-up vinyl). We also have a few analog chess clocks available if you want to use one. If you're playing in one of our rated tournaments, please know your USCF ID. Thanks!


Can I bring my child?
Of course! Kids ages 6 and up are welcome. That said, we would like to make you aware that most of us are over 21. We meet in a room in a restaurant that serves food and alcoholic drinks. Most members don't drink while visiting, but some will have a beer. We've never had an issue with anyone related to alcohol, but as it's your child we're talking about, we'd like to be clear about our environment.


What if I'm not very good or I'm new to chess?
Most people aren't good at chess. Really, and that includes me. Besides, playing with stronger players is a great way to learn and improve. We have members of all abilities who are happy to play chess with you.


How do I play chess? What are the rules?
Chess.com has created a page to help learn chess. It includes pictures and videos, and it's a free resource. Check it out: Chess.com - How to play chess


Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
You bet! Here are some general guidelines:

If you like videos, check out @ChessCoachAndras on YouTube. He's not affiliated with us, but we love his content from a teaching perspective. Grandmasters Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri also give him props--whoa!

If you prefer to learn by books, consider books by Jeremy Silman, Yasser Seirawan, John Watson, John Nunn, Garry Kasparov, or any of the Polgars. Jeff Coakley is good for kids.


Where do I park?
There is parking in the lots to the east and south of the Westport Flea Market. There is also street parking on the north side of the building.


How can I be notified of upcoming events?
Easy! You can:

  • Join our club email list. Just send a message to moc.liamg@bulCssehCtroptseW and tell us you want to be on our list. (We will hit your inbox maybe once or twice per month.)
  • Join our club on Chess.com. We chat, have members-only tournaments, and play team Vote Chess against other clubs. Join in! This is the best way to keep in touch.
  • Follow our club on Twitter.
  • We have a Facebook presence but are not very active there.
  • We also have an Instagram presence, but we aren't very active there either.

I'd like to have my own chess set. Where can I buy one?
Many types of chess sets are available at House of Staunton or Wholesale Chess.


Do I have to play in your tournaments?
No, not at all. There are always people ready to play casual, non-tournament chess.


Can I register to become a USCF member at one of your tournaments?
Sorry, no. Would you please register to become a USCF member at their site? It's much easier for you and us. Thanks.


Do you play other games, like Checkers or Go?
We're a chess club, and we stick to chess and chess variants like "Bughouse" or "Chess960". Some of us like to play around with computer chess, too.


Tournaments

And other events


*** There are always players available for non-tournament casual play, so feel free to come to the club even if you don't want to play in a tournament. ***


Second-Tuesdays G/10 unrated chess tournament @ 7:00 PM
Every second-Tuesday of the month, we host an unrated Game-10 chess tournament in the Swiss format. Each player will have 10 minutes to make their moves, and you will play four rounds. You do not have to be a member of the USCF to participate. The entry fee is five dollars ($5). A win will net you $2.50, and a draw will get you $1.25. Registration begins at 6:30.


3rd-Tuesdays: Demo (teaching session) with Nathan
Every third Tuesday of the month, Nathan gives a demonstration based on a chess theme. Our members have said they really like these. They make for great camaraderie while also being instructive and educational. (Personally, it's my favorite night for club.) Come down and see what he'll be teaching! No extra charge, of course. There are no tournaments this night.


Last-Tuesdays G/29 USCF rated chess tournament @ 7:00 PM
Each last Tuesday of the month, we host a USCF rated Game-29 tournament. Each player has 29 minutes to make all of their moves (There is no increment time added.) Players must be a member of the USCF to participate. There will be three rounds. Registration starts at 6:30. Prizes and entry fee will be posted soon. Thank you.


Wednesdays on Chess.com @ 7:00 PM
Every Wednesday of the month, we host a free tournament on Chess.com. The Chess.com servers start our tournaments there promptly at 7:00, so you'll want to hop online a little early. Visit our online chess club for more info.


Merch

Westport Chess Club graphics to print on t-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs...

Just download the image file you want, then give it to the printer of your choice.
We like Zazzle.com or CustomInk.com.

Make something unique! Each design has many versions of it.

 Officers 

Just look for one of us!

picture of Ray

Rich

Sir Not-appearing-in-this-film

picture of International Master Michael Brooks

Michael Brooks

International Master

picture of Brent

Brent

Where does the horse go?

picture of Ben

Ben

"Grandmaster Grob"

picture of Nathan

Nathan

Vice Vice Baby

Contact Us

We meet every Tuesday
at the Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
&
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Chess.com
(Check the calendar)


@WestportChess

EMAIL
moc.liamg@bulCssehCtroptseW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting
Happy chessing