Reasons to join us:
- Two chess nights per week during the chess season. As one of the largest chess clubs in the Midlands, Lichfield is able to offer members two evenings of play each week: Thursdays at the Guildhall from September to April, and most Mondays at The King's Head. Both venues are in the city centre.
- Tuition. While we are not equipped to teach the game from scratch, a new initiative is in place to help players with a sound grasp of the basics develop their skills further. Peter Rose, one of our senior team captains, has kindly volunteered to dedicate time at the club to supporting newer members as they grow in confidence.
- Development teams. New members have historically found it difficult to secure regular opportunities to play league chess, and we are determined to address this. From next season, we plan to field at least one dedicated development team made up entirely of new or improving players, competing in the lowest tier of the Cannock League. Whether we are able to enter a second development team will depend on recruitment over the coming months.
- Newcomers' Tournament. During their first year of membership, players can take part in our Newcomers' Tournament, designed to provide competitive match experience for those hoping to progress to league play. Participants play one game a month over six months, agreeing the venue between themselves — the Guildhall, The King's Head, or even a home venue.
- Season-long internal ECF-rated tournament. A further recent initiative, our internal ECF-rated tournament runs across the season and offers competitive play outside the four major Midlands leagues, helping members work on their ratings throughout the year. It has been widely regarded as a great success. The event runs over six rounds, with one round completed each month.
Photos by Andrei Pinzaru and Andrew McCumiskey
Our Monday and Thursday venues sit within 200 yards of each other in Lichfield city centre. The Guildhall is on Bore Street, and The King's Head is just around the corner on Bird Street, at the western end of Bore Street. Play begins at 7:15pm at both venues.
For further information and to get in touch, please see our Contact Us page.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I join Lichfield Chess Club?
Get in touch with the New Member team via the Contact page. You can attend up to three chess evenings free of charge before deciding whether to take up membership.
When and where does the club meet?
We meet two evenings a week. Thursdays from 7:15pm at Lichfield Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield WS13 6LU (September to April only), and Mondays from 7:00pm at The King's Head, Bird Street, Lichfield WS13 6PW (all year except Bank Holidays).
How much does membership cost?
From July 2026 the rates are £50 for full membership (including league chess) and £35 for junior or social membership. The first three visits are free for prospective members.
Are newer or inexperienced players welcome?
Yes. The club isn't set up to teach chess from scratch, but anyone with a good grasp of the rules and an online rating of about 1000 or higher is warmly welcomed. Peter Rose, one of our senior captains, helps newer players develop. For the 2026/27 season the club plans to field a dedicated development team in the lowest tier of the Cannock League for new and improving players.
Do you welcome juniors?
Absolutely, yes - see the Juniors page for details on what we offer for younger players.
Do I have to play league matches?
No. Some members never play league chess at all. Members who want competitive games can play in teams in four regional leagues.
Banner photo by Micael Sáez on Unsplash