THE CHESS REFINERY

We lost our lease space effective Oct 31st, 2020 and will be operating out of temporary locations in and around Houston to continue chess activities.

To keep informed, join our Facebook group and/or mailing list.
You can also get text notifications (sign up here).
Hope to see you soon! *updated Oct 2021

Welcome to The Chess Refinery

Goals for future include utilizing rent free locations to re-build our chess community.
Monthly 100+player in-person OTB rated tournaments.
Development of a kids chess group to give them playing opportunities
outside of online and in-person tournaments.

Who We Were Prior to COVID

We organize USCF rated chess tournaments for all ages including scholastic tournaments and FIDE rated events for more advanced players.
We have a free kids chess learning program that takes place every other Sunday afternoon! (sorry this program is on hold due to COVID)
We refer adults to the right resources for adult beginners who are seeking improvement and private lessons. Just text us with questions.
We seek out opportunities to bring chess to the Houston community.
We would love to open daily for casual OTB (over the board) chess, but unfortunately don't have the resources or enough volunteers to do so just yet. In the meantime, for a list of locations where you can play chess OTB in Houston, scroll to the bottom of the FAQ page.

Educational Outreach

Our free programs aid underprivileged kids and senior assisted living communities, etc.

Scholastic Programs

For kids - private lessons available. Free group learning program is every other Sunday afternoon - preregistration required before attending.

Casual Play

Currently looking for volunteers to open the club up more nights to offer Casual OTB (over the board) Play!

Tournaments

Wednesday Monthly Swiss; 360+ Saturdays; Sat Swiss 75; Quick/Blitz; Rated & Unrated Events; see event calendar for dates & times

The Chess Refinery is a Texas nonprofit organization
with public charity status.