At the Toronto Chess Centre, we believe in an open and welcoming chess world, one where players, teachers, parents, and organizers come together to help the game grow. Chess thrives when it is shared, and our mission is to strengthen those connections across our community!

To honour this spirit of collaboration, we’d like to recognize and celebrate the many established clubs, schools, and organizers in the GTA who work tirelessly to promote chess. From hosting tournaments and social gatherings to running weekly meetups and educational programs, these friends help keep our community vibrant and inspired.

Below, you’ll find a collection of links to their initiatives, a resource to explore, connect with, and enjoy as we continue building the game together!

Located in Richmond Hill and boasting hundreds of students across the world, the CCYC is Ontario’s largest private chess school. Since its founding in 2017, the CCYC has been opening its doors seven days a week to aspiring chess champions as young as five years of age! Let your kid learn the royal game from Canada’s finest chess coaches, while gaining confidence and socializing with other engaging children of their age.

Address: 2 East Beaver Creek Rd Building #4, Richmond Hill
Tel: 647-567-6670 (Elsa)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://canadachess.ca/
Hours: On-line and In-person classes offered every day

The HHCC is the official chess club of the University of Toronto. Going on for over a century, it is one of the University’s oldest, most successful and highest profile clubs. This student-run community offers a friendly gathering place not just for chess-playing U of T students but also for the chess community at large. The club organizes regular internal competitions, lectures and open tournaments, as well as casual weekly play. Their Holiday Open and Reading Week Open Tournaments are the most anticipated and best attended open chess events in all of Ontario!

Address: 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto
Tel: 416-978-2452 (Information Hub)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://harthousechess.com/
Hours: Fridays, 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Their motto is Chess For Everyone!, and this guides everything they do. Located in the heart of the Annex, the ACC is open every Monday (except holidays). Whether you’re interested in weekly tournaments, casual chess or chess classes, the ACC will welcome you with open arms. They even have a Toronto Women’s Chess Club, which meets on the second Monday of the month!

Address: 918 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Tel: 416-306-2065 (Keith)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://annexchessclub.com
Hours: Mondays, 5:00 – 11:30 p.m.

A hidden gem located in the town of Aurora, Ontario. Founded in 2012 this dynamic chess club has been providing a welcoming space where people can meet, connect and play. Whether you live nearby or further away from Aurora, you should pay a visit to this independent, non-profit organization which welcomes anyone who shares a love for this wonderful game.

Address: Aurora High School, 155 Wellington Street West, Aurora (Winter)
E-mail: [email protected] (Egis)
Website: https://www.aucc.club
Hours: Mondays, 6:00 – 10:30 p.m.

Founded in 2025, the ChessUA Club in Brantford welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, especially youths eager to sharpen their game. With a focus on creating a vibrant tournament atmosphere, ChessUA Club offers opportunities for friendly match play, rapid and classical formats, and community-wide chess gatherings throughout the year.

Address: 340 Henry St.,Unit 12 Upper, Brantford
Tel: 226-966-3788 (Kyrylo)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: /ChessuaClub/
Hours: Daily

An almost seven decade-old volunteer-run chess club located in the Scarborough area of Toronto. Founded in 1960, the Scarborough Chess Club is proud to be one of the longest running community-based chess clubs in Canada. Open for regular multi-week Chess Federation of Canada-rated tournaments, the club provides chess pieces, boards and clocks for all games. Check out their Events page for a schedule of tournaments.

Address: Birkdale Community Centre, 1299 Ellesmere
Road, Scarborough
Tel: 416-454-4545 (Omar)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://scarboroughchessclub.ca/
Hours: Thursdays 7:00 – 11:30 p.m.

The MCC ranks at the top of the biggest chess clubs in Canada with players ranging in strength from beginner to master. All age groups are represented through a youth and adult club. The adult club holds regular tournaments, casual chess evenings, and fun chess nights. The youth club plays regular 6-week tournaments. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the MCC offers you a great way to meet people and have some fun.

Address: Erindale United Church, 1444 Dundas
Crescent, Mississauga
Tel: 437-268-6221 (Anna & Undriadi)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mississaugachessclub.ca/
Hours: Wednesdays 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. (Adult Club),
Mondays & Fridays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Youth Club)

Founded in 2017 as a non-profit organization, the Oakville Chess Club hosts weekly chess events and gatherings to promote chess as a recreational activity of choice for the local community. The club is member-based and membership is open to the public. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, the OCC has a program suited for you. If you live in the area, you should definitely check it out.

Address: St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Wisdom Room,
3114 Dundas St. W., Oakville
Tel: 416-706-3491 (Ken)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://oakvillechessclub.ca/
Hours: Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m.

Ever felt inspired to explore Toronto’s parks and outdoor chess tables? Then Chess in the Park is the right group for you! This newborn chess community comes together to play chess outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. Their events, casual, friendly and welcoming, are held during the weekends. Attendance is free!

Address: Varies from weekend to weekend
E-mail:
[email protected] (Olga)
Facebook: /chessinthepark
Hours: Check the exact day and time of each event on
their Facebook Group

Do you love chess? Do you enjoy playing chess while meeting new people over a drink or two in a casual and fun setting? If so, Pub Chess is for you! Chess players of all skill levels are welcome. For just $15 you get a drink/food ticket plus entry to their casual play and weekly, not rated tournaments. Drink, eat and meet new people over the chessboard!

Address: The Madison Pub (14 Madison Ave)
Facebook: /PubChessToronto
Instagram: @pubchesstoronto
E-mail: [email protected] (Neil)
Hours: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

The CMA is a country-wide non-profit initiative, which aims to promote chess as an extra-curricular activity in schools in Canada. The organization was founded in 1985 and now has offices in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. Their annual event, known as the Canadian Chess Challenge, is one of the most esteemed junior chess tournaments in the country. Talk to them if you’d like to set up a chess program in your children’s school.

Address: 925 Danforth Avenue (Toronto office)
Tel: 416-488-5506 (Francis)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://chess-math.org/

For over three decades, Seneca Hill Chess is dedicated to fostering a love of chess in players of all ages. They create engaging school and after-school programs, alongside regular events and tournaments, helping students develop critical thinking, focus, and a sense of community through the game.

Address: 321-5863 Leslie Street
E-mail: [email protected] (Corinna)
Website: https://senecahillchess.com/