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Our Story
The Manasota Chess Center began operations in June, 2021. Our unique dedicated location at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, coupled with the scope of our chess offerings, allows us to serve as a chess community hub for Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. The Manasota Chess Center has more than 100 members, and continues to grow. We are the only active US Chess Federation (USCF) affiliate in the Sarasota metro area and one of only fifteen US Chess Federation Gold level affiliates nationwide. In 2022, we were awarded runner-up for Chess Club of the Year.
We offer in-person casual chess games, competitive monthly USCF-rated tournaments, weekly chess ladder, weekly Just4Kids and Just4Seniors meet-ups, private, semi-private and group lessons, and scholastic coaching opportunities. We are located in a safe and permanent building. Our chess training and advisory staff includes experienced USCF certified coaches, including FIDE Grandmasters.
Whether you are a chess professional, a scholastic student, adult, senior citizen, or just looking to learn how to play for the first time, we are here to offer an environment for chess where it is possible for players of all ages and skill levels to learn, compete, and connect.