Pawn Chess Club believes life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and the same goes for chess! It’s a space to hang out, meet new friends, learn how to play, or find your match — sometimes competitively, sometimes romantically. With an intimate, chill vibe, everyone is welcome.

Pawn Chess Club

Life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and the same goes for chess. Designers Simone and Isabel started Pawn Chess Club to subvert stereotypes and create a welcoming, inclusive space for chess players of all skill levels. Pawn Chess Club hosts events across the city for their growing community to learn the game, play a match, meet a new friend, and just hang out. When they’re not hosting candle-lit chess games around the Lower East Side, find them travelling around in search of good architecture and design, or hunting down the best spots for a quiet game away from the hustle and bustle.

Scroll down to discover their favourite local NYC spots to play, relax and connect in the city.

New York City 

Hinge

“This is our favourite place to meet for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day. It’s also one of our favourite spots to host chess in the Lower East Side. We got our start at their sister restaurant, Casino, who hosted our first-ever event in May 2023.”

“This is one of the last, old-school chess parlours in New York City. There’s nowhere else in New York (maybe even the world?) where you can play chess past midnight (they’ll stay open until dawn if there are enough players). If you’re lucky, you may even spot a well-known grandmaster or two.”

“The best place to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core. Elizabeth Street Garden is at risk of being shut down by the Mayor of NYC Eric Adams — swing by the garden with a chess board in tow to show your support.”

“Located in Long Island City, this is one of our ultimate all-time favourite places to visit over and over again, especially when New York City life feels overwhelming. Artist Isamu Noguchi spent his lifetime experimenting with sculpture, gardens, furniture and lighting design, ceramics, architecture, and set design. Noguchi even designed a chess board which is on view at Chess Forum. Bring a book and read in the serene outdoor sculpture garden at the museum.”