Playing Over the Board Since 1937.
SMBCC is Los Angeles’ longest-running chess club. Our mission is to nurture competitive chess for the people of Southern California.
One Classical Game Per Week
- Tuesdays from 7 PM to 11 PM
- Tournaments rated by United States Chess Federation
- Most tournaments are 4 Round Swiss with classical time control (G90+10 sec increment)
- Occasional blitz, rapid, and other events
- Entry Fee: (cash at front desk or Venmo @smbchess)
- $20 – Club members
- $35 – Non-club members
- $0 – First time players
- $0 – Over 2000 USCF (entry fee deducted from prizes)
- Club Membership: Adults $75 / year, Juniors $20 / year.
Your First Tournament is Free
It can be a little scary entering your first competitive tournament.
For that reason, your first time is on us.
Email smbchess@yahoo.com with questions.
Join Our Mailing List
90 Years of Tradition
Chess was played in Santa Monica since the 1930’s. The area adjacent to Muscle Beach just south of the pier was designated as Chess Park. An informal club coalesced in 1937 as members found various venues like nearby cafes in downtown Santa Monica where they could play chess when the park closed after dark.
Catch the Latest News
Read our blog and learn about the latest community events and news.
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Casual (Free) Weekend Chess in Santa Monica
Below is a list of places to play chess with friends for free every weekend in Santa Monica. 3rd St. Promenade Where: 3rd St. Promenade Santa MonicaWhen: Every Sunday 11:00AM – 2:00PMDetails: Tables and sets provided. Palisades Park Where: Ocean Ave Santa Monica (one block north of Montana Ave)When: Every… (read more.)
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Tibor Weinberger, Fantastic Chess Player & SMBCC Club Historian Passes Away
Tibor Weinberger of Santa Monica, California passed away on Thursday August 28, 2025. He was 92. Born on November 27, 1932 in Budapest, Hungary to Marton and Erzébet (née Teitelbaum) Weinberger, Tibor won many tournaments and played against future world champion Bobby Fischer. Tibor reached a peak FIDE rating of… (read more.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How good at chess do I need to be to play in a tournament?
You must want to play long, rated tournament games, which can last up to three or four hours. If you’re up for that kind of game, then you can be any skill level. We use the US Chess Federation’s rankings to determine which group of players you play against. The club has a wide range of players rated from the hundreds to the two thousands. Cash prizes are awarded to different rating groups, so anyone can win a prize.
Do I have to join the club to play in a tournament?
Nope. Non-club members can enter a tournament but club members pay a lower entry fee. You can become a club member for $75 annually as an adult and $20 per year as a junior (U18). Your first tournament is free of the entry fee but participation requires USCF membership because tournaments are rated. See our tournament annual schedule for tournament start dates. All tournaments are held at St. Andrew’s church at 7:00 PM on Tuesday nights. Have questions? Email us at smbchess@yahoo.com.
Do I have to play the entire tournament?
While committing to all rounds is preferred, you can miss a round with advanced notice. You can receive a half point per game not played in the first two rounds. If you can’t make either of the last two rounds, you would not receive any points. Advanced notice of missing any round is required, which can be provided by emailing the club at smbchess@yahoo.com.
What do I need to bring?
It’s best to bring a pen, score sheet, personal chess set, and chess clock. We have extra of all these items at the club if you forget something.