Chess Club

Explore HNOC’s all-ages club for chess lovers.

Chess for All Ages

HNOC’s Chess Club blends the game of chess with creative activities and historical research. Members learn about the rich history of chess in New Orleans from the 19th century to the present day. This is a club for all ages!Anyone with basic knowledge of the rules of chess and chess notation can join. Chess Club is youth-led, and members in 6th–12th grades are provided the opportunity to plan HNOC’s annual Chess Fest.

A man and a young boy play chess on a colorful pink and orange board at a tournament. The boy, wearing a straw hat, watches the mans move intently. Other participants are visible in the background at blue-covered tables.

Chess Fest

Celebrating Chess & Community

Each year, HNOC hosts Chess Fest: a celebration of chess and community for all ages! Whether you’re already an experienced player or someone just curious about learning the fundamentals of the game, Chess Fest is for you and your family.

A diverse group of people, including children and adults, stands on a large checkered floor in an outdoor courtyard. Theyre watching a person speaking into a microphone. The building is yellow with green accents. Others are clapping and observing.

celebrating Chess in new orleans

Since at least 1857, when chess legend Paul Morphy brought chess mania to New Orleans, the history of chess has a long and exciting history in our city. HNOC’s Chess Club aims to help bring together and grow this vibrant community for future generations. Learn more in our interviews with leaders from the local chess community, below.

New Orleans chess player Baylee Badawy is interviewed at the Chess Cave in the French Quarter by youth-leaders of HNOC’s Chess Club.

New Orleans chess player Andrew Squitiro is interviewed at Café Envie in the French Quarter by youth leaders of HNOC’s Chess Club.

Places in Chess History

Started as a public history initiative for the local chess community, HNOC has compiled an interactive map documenting significant locations for New Orleans's chess heritage that features images, articles, links, and more. Do you know of a historic or modern-day entry that should be added to the map? Reach out via the contact form on this page.

Explore the Map Explore the Map