Where to Play Chess in a Bar in Chicago

Updated December 3, 2020

Chess is one of many fun board games to play at bars, breweries and restaurants in Chicago. Here are our favorite bars to practice Knight Moves around the Windy City.

Map Room

If you like chess and Belgian beer, Map Room should be your go-to chess bar. Serving up a variety of Belgian and craft beers on tap, this Bucktown beer bar is also home to beer events and homebrewing meetups.

Queen Mary Tavern

Chess tables are available for pons, pints, cocktails and pub fare at Queen Mary's.

EMMIT'S IRISH PUB

West Town's Emmit's Pub has a Monday night chess meetup group, so if you're looking to meet other Chicago chess lovers, this may be the bar for you.

Old Town Pour House

Old Town Pour House has a game room open Friday and Saturday nights with chess. Meetup groups have also held chess games at nearby Iguana Cafe, which is more of a cafe than a bar.

Chicago Bars with Jumbo Chess Sets

If giant chess is your game, these bars should be on your list of where to play chess.

Shore Club

North Ave Beach's Shore Club has a giant chess set at its lakefront bar and restaurant.

Headquarters Beercade River North

If you'd like to play a game of chess in an adult arcade, Headquarters can accommodate!