Welcome to the Wilmington Chess Club!
The Wilmington Chess Club meets regularly at the Northeast Branch of the New Hanover County Public Library in Wilmington, NC on Sundays from 1:20 to 5:00.
Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, including beginners.
Play is casual. Socializing is encouraged.
Free chess lessons are available at club meetings.
Boards and chess sets are provided.
Just show up and have some fun while improving your chess.
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Please help the Wilmington Chess Club spread news about upcoming chess tournaments and chess activities by providing the club with your email address.
You can do this by sending an email to Jimmy Sneeden, the club president.
(jimmysneeden@gmail.com)(910-791-6973)
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July 9, 2026
USCF Rated Swiss Tournament
4 Rounds G/10+5 Tournament
7:00pm to 9:30pm
Entry Fee: $15
USCF membership required.
Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area / Smith Creek Station
124 Old Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Preregistration & Details: https://chessnut.club/e/ilm-rapid-swiss-july-9th-rated
Contact: Derek Schaberg, Derek@ilmchess.com
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July 15, 2026 – ILM Chess Night
Casual Chess: 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Blitz Tournament: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
5 rounds, Swiss format, G/5+2 (Unrated)
Entry Fee: $10
Savard Beer and Board (Ages 21+)
121 S Front St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Pre-registration & Details: https://chessnut.club/e/ilm-blitz-night-july-15th-unrated
Contact: Derek Schaberg, Derek@ilmchess.com
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July 23, 2026 – USCF Rated Quad Tournament
G/20+10 Dual-Rated Quads
7:00pm to 10:00pm
USCF membership required.
Entry Fee: $15
Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area / Smith Creek Station
124 Old Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Preregistration & Details: https://chessnut.club/e/ilm-rapid-swiss-july-23rd-uscf-rated
Contact: Derek Schaberg, Derek@ilmchess.com
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Other Chess Club Options in the Wilmington Area
Wilmington Go and Chess Club
You can play either chess or the strategic game of Go. This club meets on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 at Cape Fear Games (Sideboard) on Oleander Drive. Contact Geoff Cleary for more information (910-746-9850)(geoff.cleary@gmail.com)(Wilmington Go and Chess Club). Beginners are welcome and free lessons are available. Geoff has enough boards for at least eight players.
ILMChess.com
This organization hosts blitz tournaments, USCF rated tournaments, and casual events. It is suitable for players of all skill levels.
Contact: Derek Schaberg, Derek@ilmchess.com
Website: ilmchess.com
Chess Club of Wilmington
The club currently meets at the same time and place as the Wilmington Go and Chess Club (See details above). Contact Adam Shackelford (ashack@gmail.com) for further information.
Website: sites.google.com/view/chess-club-of-wilmington/
Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/chesswm
LA Times Bar
2851 Maco Rd NE, Leland, NC
Chess night every Monday night from 6-9 pm. All ages welcome, but minors
must be accompanied by an adult and cannot stay later than 9 pm.
Chess boards are provided. Games are casual. Check out their Facebook
and Instagram pages. Contact Matthew Goleniak for more information
(910-427-3121, elliotness7400@gmail.com).
UNC Wilmington Chess Club (for UNCW students)
Contact: Drew Woodall, alw7431@uncw.edu;
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For other chess clubs in NC and the US, check out the following websites:
NC Chess Association - Club Directory
US Chess Federation - Club Directory
Please contact Jimmy Sneeden for any updates to the website.
The website was last updated on July 8, 2026.