Fresno Chess Club

Organized chess meetings have taken place in the Fresno area for over 70 years!

The Fresno Chess Club, as we know it today, reorganized almost 25 years ago, in November 1980.

The Club has met in many different locations in the past. The most famous was the Old "Hart's Cafeteria,"

located in downtown Fresno from the 1940's to the 1960's.

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Q... What is the purpose of the Club?

A... To obtain a grant for the purposes of reaching out to the school districts in the Fresno community who do not already have the subjest of chess intefrated inton their scholastic curriculum, to promote the popularity of chess, to enable its members to play chess and to provide instruction, entertainment, and social life in chess for its members.

Q... How much does it cost to become a member of the Fresno Chess Club?

A... Annual membership in the Fresno Chess Club is only $20, with a discounted rate of $10, made available to students, women, and those living outside the County of Fresno. A special annual "Family" membership of $30 is also available. Fresno Chess Club "Life Memberships," are also available for $120 or for four timely annual payments of $30. Memberships can be purchased at the Club site and are sometimes available at the site of our USCF rated tournaments.

Q... Where and when does the Fresno Chess Club meet?

A... The club meets on Friday evenings at the Carl's Junior Restaurant, First/Herndon. This is our newest site. We meet at approximately 6:00pm until closing and chess class takes place at 6:30pm.

A... We also meet on Mondays at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, 3820 N. First (Cedar/Dakota), the meeting times are approximately from 6pm to closing. You are welcome to come by for as long or short a period of time as you like, 30 minutes or 3 hours, it is up to you.

Q... What are some of the benefits to becoming a member of the Fresno Chess Club?

A... Your attractive Fresno Chess Club membership card will show that you help and support the "Royal Game," in the Fresno area. We offer entry fee discounts to those that wish to participate in our Club events. You can also check out a book from our vast chess book library, containing over 200 different chess books.

Q... What about the chess sets and different color roll up chess boards seen in use at the Club?

How can I get those?

A... Two of our members, Dennis and Marian, have purchased a significant amount of chess equipment and pass much of the savings on to Club members. Once per month at the Friday meeting site, either 1^st or 2^nd Friday of the month, first rate regulation equipment is brought to the meeting site at 8:00pm. Special order items can be discussed with Dennis. See the chess price listing and sales schedule, available at the Club site. On other Mondays of the month, special order items can be paid for and picked up the following week if they are in stock.

Q... What goes on at these "Chess Meetings" and what if I am not a very good player or just a beginner?

A... Most of what goes on at the Fresno Chess Club is just "Playing Chess." Many players favor "Blitz Chess," played with a chess clock. Other members play longer casual games. During most meetings players of average playing ability, up to Expert or Master strength, are present. Many are more than happy to give instruction, or pointers, about the Royal Game and how to improve your playing ability. Sometimes, on the first Monday of the month, we hold an informal chess tournament, where a modest entry fee of $2 or $3 will win a prize, no matter how well you did in the tournament. Don't be shy. Come out and just watch if you like and enjoy some of the fine food at Carl's Junior. You are welcome to a free visit or two...and before long you will want to join our chess club.