Chess is booming as a pasttime among younger people, with the pandemic driving traffic to online chess sites and hit Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit cited as drivers of the ancient game’s increase in popularity.
In London, chic chess clubs aimed at all abilities are attracting younger people in droves. One of them is Say It With Your Chess, which hosts weekly social chess night in Brixton and, as of 10th August, in Shepherd’s Bush.
Founded by Donalee in 2022, what is now community interest company began as a way for its founder to find more challenging opponents after picking up chess during the Coronavirus lockdowns.
“When I first learnt how to play, everyone got sick of me actually getting good and beating them, they were like, ‘we’re done, we’re not playing with you’” told Donalee.
“I needed a community and I needed a space, so I went looking, but I could not find anything where me or my community were represented,” she added.
“I just created those spaces really.”
Open to all skill levels, the club also hosts specific events for women and for those looking for love – including one aptly named Capture The Queen.
Say It With Your Chess’s free weekly chess socials take place on Mondays at The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush and on Wednesdays at Supercute Taproom in Brixton. Information about the club’s upcoming events can be found here.
Featured image credit: Amy Reid
