{"id":820,"date":"2023-01-01T18:06:12","date_gmt":"2023-01-01T18:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/?p=820"},"modified":"2023-01-01T18:06:15","modified_gmt":"2023-01-01T18:06:15","slug":"chess-in-illinois-a-guide-to-chess-in-the-prairie-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/chess-in-illinois-a-guide-to-chess-in-the-prairie-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Chess in Illinois – A Guide to Chess in the Prairie State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this post, we\u2019ll highlight the resources you might need if you ever find yourself wanting to play chess in the great state of Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game of chess, whose origins lie deep in ancient Persian lands, has grown to become one of the world\u2019s most played games. With millions sitting down to play it every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chess<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a popular game because it can be fun, stimulating, and engaging while requiring little equipment and physical talent. As long as your cognitive functions are not impaired, you can learn to play chess and become skilled at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the digital world today, global internet connectivity has made it possible for people who would never otherwise get the chance to sit for a game of chess together to connect immediately and play against each other online. No matter where in the world they may be. This has caused a resurgence of interest in chess, and it only grows stronger daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though online gaming has encouraged many of us to take our chess-playing and learning<\/a> activities to the internet. There are still plenty of physical resources, connections, and facilities available for anyone hoping to learn and play. Or even compete in the game of chess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you are in the United States. Be it Alabama<\/a>, Nevada or Washington<\/a>. You can be sure to find everything you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing Chess in Illinois<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Illinois is located in the United States Midwest and has the fifth-highest Gross Domestic Product in the country. Also known as The Land of Lincoln. Illinois got its name from the French settlers who first came onto the land. Which they named after the Illinois Indian native tribes who they encountered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illinois is regarded by many to be a bellwether state because it seems to represent the United States as a whole. Contrary to what many might assume, the state\u2019s capital is Springfield, not the much larger and well-known Chicago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Smiling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This microcosm of American demographics, culture, and politics is why politicians, entertainers, and researchers are constantly seeking people\u2019s reactions in Illinois whenever public matters are in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess in Illinois can confidently be said to have come in with the French settlers. Who carried it over with them as they came from Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, you\u2019ll find chess being played across the state, becoming more popular than ever. You\u2019ll find it especially prominent in educational institutions where chess clubs and teams are set up to encourage younger generations to pick up the game. Institutions of this kind with great chess programs include Joliet Junior College, the University of Illinois, Illinois High School, and many more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"playing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Outside these institutions, various chess clubs are open to the general public. Where people of all ages and skill levels can come together to learn, practice, and compete with one another. Under the guidance and vision of the Illinois Chess Association<\/a>, numerous tournaments and chess events are popping up all over the state. Effectively raising the profile of chess not only in the state but across the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess Masters in Illinois<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, the Illinois Chess Association had over 400 players of different skill levels on its books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of new players in Illinois are picking up the game of chess across all ages and demographics. Chess clubs and organizations are constantly registering new members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chess<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Illinois Chess Association is constantly organizing and setting up tournaments to attract local chess enthusiasts to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the top level of the chess hierarchy, professional players strive to earn the title of Grandmaster. Grandmasters are individuals who have earned official recognition as being at the top of the chess world. Even though millions of people play the game worldwide. There aren’t many Grandmasters<\/a> in the world because of how hard it is to attain the title.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the state of Illinois, there aren\u2019t any Grandmasters that are current residents. But there are certainly many noteworthy individuals in the chess world to be found here. Among them is Eric Rosen, who has had an incredible chess career and may be on his way to earning the title of Grandmaster in the future. Rosen has worked his way to claiming the FIDE<\/a> International title. As well as the FIDE Master title back in 2011 as well as in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this isn\u2019t to say that you won\u2019t have the chance to meet any Grandmasters while in Illinois. As part of their efforts to raise the profile of chess in the state. The Illinois Chess Association organizes an affiliate chess program whereby aspiring chess players can get personal lessons from international Grandmasters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess Clubs in Illinois<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you are in the United States. Some of the best places to meet up with fellow enthusiasts to learn, practice, and compete in the game of chess are chess clubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chess<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Illinois has its fair share of prominent and active chess clubs. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n