The most important organizations, clubs and environments in the chess world
Chess is played by millions of people around the world today. Behind the game is a large network of organizations, clubs, tournaments, learning platforms, publishers and companies, all of which contribute to developing and disseminating chess.
Here we have gathered a number of key organizations and players in the chess world, from international federations to chess schools, platforms and specialized stores.
The list is not complete, but provides an overview of some of the environments and institutions that play an important role in the global chess ecosystem.
We have divided the list into the following categories:
- International organizations
- National Chess Federations
- Major tournaments
- Chess clubs and physical chess environments
- Online chess platforms
- Online learning platforms
- Chess schools and academies
- Chess publishers and publishers
- Physical chess stores
- Specialized chess projects and initiatives
- Chess cafes
International organizations
FIDE – International Chess Federation
https://www.fide.com
FIDE is the international chess federation and organizes, among other things, the World Chess Championship and the global rating system for players.
European Chess Union
https://www.europechess.org
The European Chess Union organizes European championships and works with the development of chess in European member countries.
Asian Chess Federation
https://www.asianchess.com
The Asian Chess Federation organizes tournaments and cooperation between national chess federations in Asia.
African Chess Confederation
https://africachessconfederation.com/
The organization works to develop and strengthen chess in Africa through tournaments and educational initiatives.
Chess Federation of America
https://www.fideamerica.com
The regional organization for chess in North and South America, which organizes continental tournaments and championships.
National Chess Federations
Danish Chess Union
https://skak.dk
The Danish Chess Federation organizes tournaments, rating systems and club activities in Denmark.
US Chess Federation
https://www.uschess.org
The United States Chess Organization organizes national championships and operates one of the world's largest chess communities.
English Chess Federation
https://www.englishchess.org.uk
The organization coordinates tournaments, ratings and club chess in England.
German Chess Federation
https://www.schachbund.de
The German Chess Federation organizes leagues and national championships in Germany.
Norwegian Chess Federation
https://www.sjakk.no
The Norwegian Chess Federation organizes tournaments and club chess in Norway.
Major tournaments
Tata Steel Chess Tournament
https://tatasteelchess.com
One of the world's most prestigious annual chess tournaments, held in Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands.
Norway Chess
https://norwaychess.no
An elite tournament in Stavanger with some of the world's strongest players.
Sinquefield Cup
https://grandchesstour.org
Part of the Grand Chess Tour and one of the most prestigious invitational tournaments in the world.
Reykjavik Open
https://reykjavikopen.com
One of the world's most popular open tournaments with participants from many countries.
Chess clubs and physical chess environments
Marshall Chess Club – New York
https://marshallchessclub.org
A historic chess club in New York with a long tradition of strong players and tournaments.
Mechanics' Institute Chess Club—San Francisco
https://www.milibrary.org/chess
One of the oldest chess clubs in the United States.
Cercle d'Echecs de Monte-Carlo
https://www.monaco-chess-club.com
One of Europe's most prestigious chess clubs.
Saint Louis Chess Club – Saint Louis
https://saintlouischessclub.org
One of the world's most active chess centers, where you can play, study and attend some of the world's biggest tournaments.
Online chess platforms
Chess.com
https://www.chess.com
The world's largest online chess platform with millions of players, training tools, videos and tournaments.
Lichess
https://lichess.org
A free and open source chess platform with online games, analysis tools and training features.
Chess24
https://chess24.com
Platform for online gaming, analysis and live coverage of professional tournaments.
Internet Chess Club
https://www.chessclub.com
One of the oldest online chess servers, which has existed since the 1990s.
Online learning platforms
Chessable
https://www.chessable.com
A learning platform where players can study openings, strategies and endgames through interactive courses.
GothamChess Academy
https://www.gotham-chess.com
Online teaching platform run by grandmaster and YouTube profile Levy Rozman.
ChessMood
https://chessmood.com
An online chess academy with courses from grandmasters and structured training.
Chess schools and academies
Kasparov Chess Foundation
https://kasparovchessfoundation.org
Organization founded by Garry Kasparov, working to spread chess in schools and education.
Charlotte Chess Center
https://charlottechesscenter.org
One of the largest chess centers in the United States with teaching, tournaments and talent development.
Saint Louis Chess Club
https://saintlouischessclub.org
One of the world's most active chess centers with teaching, elite tournaments and events.
Chess in Schools and Communities
https://www.chessinschools.co.uk
British organization working to bring chess into the school system.
Chess publishers and publishers
New In Chess
https://www.newinchess.com
One of the world's most well-known publishers of chess books and magazines.
Quality Chess
https://www.qualitychess.co.uk
Publisher known for in-depth books written by grand masters.
Thinkers Publishing
https://thinkerspublishing.com
Publisher that publishes modern chess books and training material.
Physical chess stores
The Chess Store – Phoenix, USA
https://www.thechessstore.com
Speciality store with a large selection of chess boards, pieces and accessories.
Chess & Bridge – London
https://www.chess.co.uk/pages/chess-bridge-shop
A historic chess shop in London that has been around for many decades.
Le Damier de l'Opéra – Paris
https://www.ledamieropera.com
French chess store with a focus on classic chess sets and accessories.
Schach Niggemann – Aachen
https://www.niggemann.com
One of Europe's largest specialty stores for chess equipment.
Chess projects and initiatives
ChessBase
https://www.chessbase.com
A key player in modern chess software, databases and analysis tools.
ChessKid
https://www.chesskid.com
A learning platform designed specifically for children.
Play Magnus Group
https://playmagnusgroup.com
Company founded by Magnus Carlsen that develops digital chess products and apps.
Chess cafes
Chess Forum – New York
https://chessforum.com
A classic chess shop and gaming café in Greenwich Village, where players of all levels meet over the board.
La Régence Café – Paris
Historic café known as one of the world's first chess centers in the 18th and 19th centuries, where masters like Philidor played.
