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LA Chess Social
We’re heading home! Join us in the secret downstairs lounge of our favorite Irish bar! For those that don’t know, Griffins of Kinsale is a family owned classic Irish pub, known for being warmly lit and very cozy. In fact, we are holding it right where the chess social first took root nearly a decade ago, and where so many perfect nights of music, laughter, and sharp tactics have played out. If you’ve been before, you know the vibe. If you haven’t… you’re in for something special.
Expect a full room of friendly chess playing faces, quiet thinkers, loud celebrators, and everyone in between. We’ll have live music throughout the night—soft and atmospheric early, more lively and social as the evening grows. Boards on every table. Casual games. Fierce ones. Surprising upsets. Memorable blunders. Connections that last.
Come whenever, stay as long as you want. Most people do.
November 29th, 2025
Griffins of Kinsale
1007 Mission St. South Pasadena 91030
8:00pm - 1:00am
Free and Convenient Parking
Community Note:
We’re hosting a non-perishable food drive to support local food pantries, especially important as we move into the colder months (especially since food insecurity is predicted to soon be hitting quite hard). If you can, bring a can or two. If not, still come. Your presence is a joy:
whether you’re new, returning, rusty, confident, curious, or just chess-adjacent…we’ll be pleased to see you there!
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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