Chess Resources

Platforms, organizations, and opportunities for chess players

Platforms & Learning

Chess.com

The world’s most popular chess platform. Free accounts include puzzles, lessons, and the ability to play friends online. Haven Chess Club has a club page where members can connect and challenge each other.  chess.com

Lichess.org

A free, open-source chess platform used by serious players worldwide. No ads, no paywall — everything is free.  lichess.org

US Chess Membership

A $20/year scholastic membership that provides an official USCF rating and access to rated tournaments across Illinois and beyond.  uschess.org

Local & Community

Evanston Scholastic Chess (ES Chess)

The organization that connects Haven Chess Club to the broader Evanston chess community. Five tournaments per year, open to all skill levels.  eschess.org

ETHS Chess Team

Haven students who continue playing in high school are encouraged to join the Evanston Township High School chess team. A natural next step for dedicated players. Follow on Instagram: @eths_chess

Evanston Chess Club

An adult club (18+) that meets Wednesdays 6:30–9:00 PM at the Levy Activity Center, 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston. A reminder that chess is a lifelong community, not just a school activity.  evanstonchess.org

Chess & College

Chess also opens doors beyond middle school. Every major university in the region — Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State, and others — has an active chess club and competes in the Collegiate Chess League. Competitive chess experience, a USCF rating, and tournament participation can strengthen a college application in a genuine way, demonstrating the kind of strategic thinking and intellectual commitment that admissions offices value.

For students who develop their game through high school, the National Scholastic Chess Foundation co-sponsors the Scholar-Chessplayer Award — a $7,500 scholarship recognizing high school students who excel in academics, chess, and leadership. It doesn’t require an elite rating, just demonstrated commitment to the game and to school. A student who starts playing seriously in middle school has years to build exactly that record. More info at nscfchess.org.