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First Event of 2026
First Event of 2026
LA Chess Social –
First Event of 2026
LA Chess Social • February 2026
We’re kicking off 2026 right where it all began! Join us on Saturday, February 21st at Griffins of Kinsale, tucked away in the cozy downstairs lounge that has hosted more Chess Socials than anywhere else! Winter nights suit this place perfectly. Warm lights, close tables, the low hum of conversation, and chess boards filling the room like constellations.
With Valentine’s Day just behind us, this is the ideal spot to bring a date, meet someone new, or simply fall back in love with the game itself. Chess has always been a quiet excuse to linger, laugh, and connect, and this night leans fully into that energy. Whether you’re sharing a board with your partner or striking up a game with a stranger who becomes a friend, the vibe is welcoming and unpretentious.
Expect fresh, fun live music, a mix of casual and competitive games, and that unmistakable Chess Social atmosphere where beginners and seasoned players coexist happily. Live music acts will be playing throughout the night.
February 21st, 2026
Griffins of Kinsale (lower floor)
1007 Mission St. South Pasadena 91030
All Ages
Free & Convenient Parking
Come for the chess. Stay for the warmth, the music, and the people. We can’t think of a better way to open the year.
Monthly Meetups
Monthly Meetups
We are best known for our weekly chess events around LA. To keep each event unique and interesting, we move our event locations around each week. When planing the weekly events, the LACS team takes great care to make each event a special experience; varying in hosting establishment, live music, raffle prizes, tournament styles, and vending.
To receive the address and other details for each event, subscribe to our google calendar and weekly newsletter on the home page.
Tournaments
Tournaments
We have three styles of tournaments, which vary in frequency, attendance, format, and prizes.
Monthly Club Tournaments
Our monthly, in-house tournaments, are usually held once a month at our in-person meetings. These can be free or cost a small amount to participate. To participate, arrive early to the Chess Social to register in person with the tournament coordinator(s), or register online by clicking the link that is posted on the news feed. Results are compiled to form Chess Social Rankings, which are used primarily for other tournament styles.
Championships
These biyearly tournaments are our biggest events of the year! We typically host a Spring and Summer Championship, which are special events and not normal Chess Social meetings. Championships have two sections; Expert and Casual. Each section has separate prize pools and entrance fees. As these are held at the same time, you may only participate in one. In the past, we have had other fun activities planned while members arrive, such as Simultaneous game challenges with a Grandmaster. Special attention is paid to the live music acts during these events so not to distract from the games.
Online Tournaments
Online tournaments are held occasionally, or if Chess Social meetings have been cancelled for some uncontrollable reason. These are typically, but not limited to, being held on Tuesday evenings. Registration for Online Tournaments are more casual and do not require registration in advance. Online Tournaments are free, but often still have cash prize pools paid for by the LACS.
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