As the title suggests, I would very much like to start a chess club in my community, but I haven't the slightest clue where to start to make this happen. The majority of my games are played online, so my OTB experience is limited to maybe getting my wife to play a game with me, once in a great while.

I live in a rather small suburb with a population of about 20,000 so it can be difficult to find other chess players in my area, so far i haven't been able to find a game at the coffee shops, libraries or the like. But i know that there has got to be other chess players nearby that would enjoy a weekly face to face OTB session as much as i would.

So to all you that have some kind of experience or knowledge to share, i'd very much appreciate any tips on how to find players, what equipment to buy/bring, chess etiquette to observe, where to meet, prizes or incentives, will this cost me anything and how much?

thanks for any input

First of all, propagation. use social internet media (FB), print some flyers (cheap, in black and white) and glue them on poles and bus stops (yes, it's illegal, blablabla).

second, find a place for the meetings of your future chess club. If there is some kind of a 'cultural house' or town hall, some big dining room for homeless or retirement home, or whatever, ask the owner (or the city counsil) and try to persuade them that chess is great for children and so on and if you get lucky, you will get some time for free (one-two hours a week).

where to get stuff and money ? again, the city counsil. ask them first, they are here to help you.

be polite and patient and you will win. good luck on your journey !

I have started a chess club, we can talk in private as to how to reach your "customer", if you would like. 

I'm looking to start one as well. Anyone done this recently or know somebody who has?

first step is finding a location then getting people involved 

a good place is a library. talk to them and just suggest a free play day.

if they have a room available thats really helpful. You can buy sets online www.wholesalechess.com and just the basic tournament sets. 

Advertise at school and at local retirement centers to get people to come. just have fun for now . do a beginner night /day when you can teach people how to play etc...

USCF has a how to set upa chess club help list too. its not bad

ps I have started probably 40 clubs at schools in my area.

I have. i can assist you. send me a message

Thanks. I've purchased a few boards and pieces. I think I'm pretty close to having a venue. 

You can also advertise right here on chess.com once you have all the details made out (location, date & time, etc). This is how I found out about the club I attend.

Here is the link to where you post them: http://www.chess.com/clubs

Thanks, nate. I may do that. 

Your welcome nate . Where is this club going to be located?

That would be perfectly fine if there were only a few. I played in a club in Idaho where we had maybe six or eight people show up and I thought it was about perfect. I'm looking for something pretty chill and informal for OTB play. I think the internet has its place, and you can't beat the convenience, but nothing compares to getting together with a few chess buds and a real board -- more exciting, more engaging, more anxiety, more rewarding, promotes better thinking habits (hopefully), etc. 

Nate_G99 has their gameplan on. we spoke and i think he will be fine. putting a group on here is a great idea under chess club. in forums even better. the more exposure you have the better. you need to create a website. (something that i showed you.) if anyone wants advice on how to set one up please email me at adamredsox24@chess.com 

I have a facebook group that is becoming increasingly interactive. We're all studying specific openings, amassing online resources, and very friendly. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/195960723787552/

hello

Create a chess club is very, very difficult. do not even try to do that. I too live in a small town with a population of approximately 20,000 people. I participated in chess tournaments and know quite a lot of Chess enthusiasts in our city. Activities of the chess club should consist of :

1.  The urban adult tournaments for women, for children, and for mixed membership.
2.  The work with children in chess in schools.

all needed money, and nobody gives ...

• chessboards with figures of
• chess clock
• demonstration chessboards
• wages of judges, cleaners, children's teachers
• prizes for tournaments

I thought, that I shall find the help in the decision of these questions in city administration and in regional chess federation, but they have not helped...

i disagree. it isnt a problem or difficult at all. its like creating a business. if you do the correct business prospecting then you should be fine. as mentioned, we started a chess camp and we will be expanding it. so we are doing fine. 

You say that money is not the problem . Perhaps in the United States it is , I don't know . Perhaps the American Chess Federation greatly helps a chess clubs . But not everywhere in the world so well concern to a chess . Did Americans will help money chess clubs from other countries ? I am very, very much in doubt ...

Nate is from USA. And if he does his homework correctly, a chess club could be successful just like mine is and many others. I dont know about globally since i dont travel globally just for chess.