About Us

WELCOME CHESS FRIENDS!

The Hart House Chess Club (HHCC) is the official chess club of The University of Toronto. Going on 128 years, it is one of the University’s oldest, most successful and highest profile clubs.

The HHCC offers a friendly gathering place for chess-playing U of T students of all skill levels. We seek to build community and learning opportunities around the game of chess both at the University of Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The club organizes regular internal competitions, lectures and open tournaments, as well as regular weekly play.

HHCC offers a friendly, cheerful, lively gathering place for chess players of all skill levels. We meet for casual play every Friday night from 4:00pm to 11:00pm in The Reading Room of Hart House. Players are always welcome to drop in anytime during the evening, learn a thing or two about chess and meet some new chess friends.

The HHCC membership is FREE for all undergraduates and graduates of UofT for Summer 2023. Students are required to sign-up at the Hart House Hub (front-desk) to become a member. Alumni and community members can purchase a membership as well (special prices for those under 29 or over 65) at the Hart House Hub. Members of The Hart House Chess Club are eligible to participate in our regular competitions and are given free entry in all special events that we hold including lectures and simultaneous chess exhibitions by some of Canada’s leading players. We also organize tournaments and workshops, and typically schedule movie and pizza nights. 

Student members who are eligible will have the opportunity to qualify to represent The University of Toronto at The Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championships held each year at the end of December. We also compete every year at the Canadian University Chess Championship.

From the Club’s earliest days it has been focused on promoting chess to new chess friends and beginners. In keeping with this tradition we offer weekly chess lessons to novice players who want to learn chess or improve their game.

Another major commitment of the Club is that of promoting gender inclusiveness in chess. To that end the Club’s resolute efforts culminated in the election of its first female executive board member in 1976. That year also marked the beginning of increased women’s participation at the Club, be that as players, coaches or club administrators. From then onwards the Club’s naturally hospitable and welcoming environment did see more and more female members, teammates and executives, including an executive comprised of a majority of females in 2013-14, one of whom was the Secretary. Presently the Club can boast that the volume of female chess players continues to grow, and that it shows no signs of slowing.

As of 2023, the Hart House Chess Club is one of the most popular and best-regarded chess spots in all of Toronto. Its friendly atmosphere, vibrant community and diverse membership has rightfully earned it its good reputation as the best and most open student chess club in Canada. Come, check us out and learn about the exciting world of chess!