Evanston Chess Club

♟️ About Evanston Chess Club

Evanston Chess Club is a community chess organization based in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Founded in 2007 by Maret Thorpe and Tom Sprandel, the club provides both casual chess and organized US Chess-rated competition. Its long-term home is the Levy Activity Center at 300 Dodge Avenue. Today, the weekly club also operates as an official City of Evanston program, while volunteers continue to manage its chess activities. The club focuses on friendly, accessible chess rather than large prize funds. Weekly meetings welcome adult players from beginners through masters for slow games, blitz, analysis, and informal competition. Separately, Evanston Chess organizes regular US Chess-rated Saturday tournaments throughout the year. These events use modest entry fees, several rating sections, and a relaxed tournament environment. Maret Thorpe is the club’s co-founder, principal organizer, and Tournament Director. She is a US Chess National Tournament Director and FIDE National Arbiter with experience at local, state, and national championships. In 2026, Evanston Chess continued its established rated-tournament program with 3x3 and Tri-Level competitions. Its next major event is the Evanston 3x3 November, scheduled for November 7, 2026.

📜 History and Development

Evanston Chess Club began in January 2007 when Maret Thorpe and Tom Sprandel created a community chess program at the Levy Activity Center. For many years, the club offered free weekly adult chess alongside its rated tournament program. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the original meeting schedule in March 2020. However, the organization later rebuilt its regular in-person activity. The club eventually became part of the City of Evanston recreation program. This arrangement gives players a stable weekly meeting place while preserving the volunteer-led character of Evanston Chess. Tom Sprandel remains recognized by the club as Founder and Tournament Director Emeritus. Meanwhile, Maret Thorpe continues to lead tournament organization and the wider club program.

🤝 Weekly Community Chess

Evanston Chess meets every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Levy Activity Center. The program is open to adults aged 18 and over. Players range from beginners to experienced tournament competitors and masters. Chess sets are supplied, while players may bring their own clocks. The club deliberately keeps the atmosphere informal. Participants can choose longer games, faster chess, or analysis with other members. In addition, the third Wednesday of each month normally includes an optional round-robin Blitz tournament. These events emphasize participation and enjoyment rather than serious prizes. Because the weekly club is now a City of Evanston program, players join through the Levy Center. However, Evanston Chess volunteers continue to run the chess activity itself.

🏆 US Chess-Rated Tournaments

Rated tournaments form a separate part of the club’s program. Evanston Chess currently organizes US Chess-rated events approximately every other month. The club’s recurring formats include the Evanston 3x3 and Evanston Tri-Level. Both divide players into Gold, Silver, and Bronze groups according to their published US Chess ratings. The tournaments are designed to provide serious rated games without the cost and pressure of a major prize-money event. Therefore, entry fees remain relatively low, while the club focuses on playing conditions and competitive balance. Masters and experts are also encouraged to participate. The club regularly offers a limited number of complimentary entries and honoraria to qualifying guest masters.

⚡ Tournament Activity in 2026

Evanston Chess maintained an active tournament calendar throughout 2026. The Evanston 3x3 on March 21 used three rounds at G/60 with a five-second delay. The tournament drew 44 registered players before the event. Another 3x3 followed on July 11, using the same general three-round structure. On September 12, the club organized the Evanston Tri-Level, a four-round US Chess Dual-Rated tournament at G/40 with a five-second delay. Once again, players competed in Gold, Silver, and Bronze rating groups. These events continue the club’s long-standing model: affordable entry, limited field sizes, clearly defined sections, and a full day of rated chess.

🌟 Evanston 3x3 November 2026

The Evanston 3x3 November is scheduled for November 7, 2026 at the Levy Activity Center. The tournament consists of three Swiss-system rounds at G/60 with a five-second delay. It is US Chess Dual Rated. The field is divided into three sections. Gold is primarily for players rated 1700 and above. Silver covers the 1200–1699 range, while Bronze is for players under 1200 and unrated competitors. Junior players under 14 may participate if their current published US Chess rating is at least 900. The event has a capacity of approximately 50 players. US Chess lists Maret Thorpe as the organizer. Evanston Chess manages registration and tournament communication directly through its official website.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Maret Thorpe has served as organizer and Tournament Director of Evanston Chess since its foundation in 2007. Beyond the club, she has worked at major events including the Illinois Open Championship, Illinois Class Championship, U.S. Amateur Team North, U.S. Open Championship, National K–6 Championship, and US Chess SuperNationals. Her credentials include US Chess National Tournament Director and FIDE National Arbiter. The club also relies on volunteers for weekly operations. This community structure has allowed Evanston Chess to maintain both casual play and rated tournaments for nearly two decades.