Where to Play Chess in Montreal: Major Clubs & exact addresses

Montreal has a lively, welcoming chess scene for players of every age and level. Whether you’re a student looking for campus games, a parent searching for junior classes, or an adult who wants regular over-the-board play, the city’s clubs and community groups make it easy to find opponents and events. Below are the major chess clubs and steady meeting hubs in Montreal.

1) Chess’n Math / The Chess Specialist (Montreal Chess Hub)

• Address: 3423 Rue Saint-Denis, Suite 400, Montréal, QC H2X 3L2.
  This long-running chess hub is home to Chess’n Math activities and the local chess-specialist shop/meeting space often referred to as the “Montreal Chess Club” or Chess Specialist. They run lessons, youth programs, weekend events and community meetups — a good all-purpose place if you want lessons, equipment, or regular club nights.

2) McGill Students’ Chess Club (great for students & visitors)

• Meeting spot / address (campus): Trottier Building, 3630 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B3 (Trottier cafeteria / common area for club events).
  McGill’s student club runs weekly social nights and tournament events on campus that are often open to non-students at special events. If you’re visiting Montréal and near downtown, McGill meetups are an easy way to grab a casual game or find local players. Check the club’s social pages for the current meeting time and room.

3) Concordia University Chess Club (Sir George Williams campus)

• Address (primary meeting building): Henry F. Hall Building, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Room H655, Montréal, QC H3G 1M8.
  Concordia’s chess club is active during semesters — they host weekly practice sessions, internal tournaments, and occasional open events. University clubs are great if you want to play young, serious players or join study groups. Verify current hours on Concordia’s clubs page or the club’s social channels before you go.

4) Université de Montréal — Club d’échecs (UdeM)

• Addresses (regular meeting locations):
  • Pavillon André-Aisenstadt, 2920 Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, QC (Café Tore & Fraction — frequent meeting point).
  • Pavillon Jean-Brillant, 3200 Rue Jean-Brillant, Montréal, QC H3T 1P1 (additional campus activity).
    UdeM’s club runs weekly Friday meetups and other events geared toward students but often visible to the broader chess community. They also organize blitzes and small tournaments on campus. If you want scholastic or university-level play, this is a reliable option.

5) Westmount / Westmount Public Library chess gatherings

• Address: Westmount Public Library, 4574 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Westmount, QC H3Z 1G1.
  Westmount has an active community chess presence, and library meeting rooms are commonly used for club nights and beginner sessions. Community-based clubs like this are excellent if you want local weekly play in a quieter, family-oriented environment.

6) Lakeshore / Dorval & West Island groups (regional clubs)

• Example (Lakeshore Chess Club): 310 Brookhaven, Dorval, QC (local community address used for club events).
  Outside central Montréal, clubs in Dorval, Pointe-Claire and other West Island towns host regular Friday or weekend meetups and scholastic programs. If you live on the island or in the West Island suburbs, these neighborhood clubs are convenient and family friendly. Search local municipal recreation calendars for current schedules.

7) Café & public meetup locations (Café Pi, Place Shamrock pop-ups)

• Café Pi (example): 4127 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC — noted as a long-standing casual chess hangout.
• Place Shamrock (Little Italy public square): 70 Avenue Shamrock, Montréal, QC H2S 1A6 — used occasionally for pop-up chess nights and community events.
  Montreal’s café culture supports many informal chess nights — bring a board and you’ll usually find opponents. These spots are perfect for casual blitz, meeting mixed-ability groups, and family afternoons.

How to pick the right club (quick guide)

• Want coaching or youth programs? Start at Chess’n Math / The Chess Specialist (3423 St-Denis) or university club academies.
• Are you a student? McGill, Concordia and UdeM clubs are the most active on campus — they offer regular practice and intra-university events.
• Prefer casual play? Look for café meetups (Café Pi), public squares (Place Shamrock), or local community-centre nights.
• Want rated tournaments? Keep an eye on provincial and national calendars posted by local clubs and Chess’n Math; weekend Swiss events and scholastic tournaments are common across the region.

Practical tips before you go

1. Check times online first. Many clubs (especially university and café meetups) change schedules by semester or season — follow the club’s website, Meetup, or social pages.
2. Bring a set and clock if you have them. Not every meetup will provide equipment, and clocks are expected at rated events.
3. For rated play, register with the national federation (Chess Canada/Province) if required. Tournament organizers will list requirements on event pages.
4. Be friendly and ask for pairing rules. Montréal’s chess community is social and welcoming — introductions go a long way.