♚ Colwyn Bay Chess Club ♚

Founded in 1897, Colwyn Bay Chess Club is one of the longest running chess clubs in Wales, offering a relaxed and welcoming place for friendly and competitive games.

Club night at Parkway Community Centre
Players concentrating during a game
Games in progress
Tuesday night session

Key information

Turn up on a Tuesday for a friendly game. If you want to check anything before you come, just email us.

We meet Tuesdays from 7.00pm
Fees First two visits are free. Adults £4 per night - juniors £2. Regular membership options available.
Where Parkway Community Centre, Park Way (off Rhos Road), Rhos on Sea, LL28 4SD
About us View map Fees Email the club

♜ About us

We are extremely fortunate to enjoy first-class club facilities at the Parkway Community Centre in Rhos on Sea. You can relax over a friendly game in well-lit, comfortable, and spacious surroundings, with a cup of coffee or tea to hand from the well-equipped kitchen.

The centre has been refurbished since it became our home in 2016, with a lounge, coffee bar, and playing area. As it was built for the local community, it is ideal for chess players young and old.

Find us

Parkway Community Centre, Park Way (off Rhos Road), Rhos on Sea, LL28 4SD.

Please show courtesy to residents by parking carefully. If you are fit and able to walk, then parking on the main road helps to keep spaces free for the local residents.

Club fees

Your first two visits are free - just turn up on a Tuesday and introduce yourself. After that, there are two ways to pay.

Pay as you go

Half yearly

Not sure which suits you? If you come most weeks the half yearly works out cheaper. If you come occasionally, pay as you go is better. Cash on the night is preferred - speak to Barrie about bank transfer details.

Juniors

♟ Who can join?

👋 Your first visit - what to expect

Walking into a new club for the first time can feel a bit daunting - especially if the room is quiet and games are underway. We are a friendly group and someone will help you get settled.

Step-by-step

  • Arrival: Doors open at 7.00pm. This is the best time to arrive.
  • Who to look for: Say hello to anyone and ask for Barrie.
  • What to bring: Just yourself. We provide boards, pieces, and clocks.
  • Getting a game: We will pair you up for a friendly game.
  • No pressure: You can also sit with a tea or coffee and watch.

Join the club

If you fancy a game, the easiest thing is to drop in on a Tuesday. If you are not sure about anything, send a quick email first.

Email the club Map

♛ Social and competitive chess

We offer opportunities for both social and competitive chess.

Grading and national membership

League games are graded by the English Chess Federation (ECF) and Welsh Chess Union (WCU). Both require an annual membership fee.

  • WCU membership is £20 per year (£10 first year introductory rate)
  • Membership is only needed if you play more than 3 times in a season
  • You can pay directly or through the club as a block booking
  • ECF rates vary - ask Barrie for current figures

♜ Club history

Colwyn Bay Chess Club has a long tradition in North Wales and Conwy chess. The club was founded in 1897 and has been part of the local chess community for well over a century. Over the years the club has welcomed players of all abilities, from beginners enjoying their first games to strong competitors representing the club in regional leagues.

Many generations of players have passed through the club, helping to keep chess active in the Colwyn Bay area and contributing to the wider North Wales chess scene.

Further reading

A detailed history of the club’s early years — written by a former member — is available on the Welsh Chess Union website.

Read the full Colwyn Bay Chess Club history →

Fancy a game?

New faces are always welcome. If you would like to pop in, Tuesday from 7.00pm is the usual night. If you want to check anything first, just email.

Email the club Back to key info