Key information
Turn up on a Tuesday for a friendly game. If you want to check anything before you come, just email us.
♜ About us
We meet at Parkway Community Centre in Rhos on Sea - a comfortable, well-lit space with plenty of room to play, a lounge area, and a coffee bar with tea and coffee on hand.
The centre has been refurbished since it became our home in 2016. As it was built for the local community, it suits chess players of all ages and backgrounds.
Accessibility matters to us. Parkway Community Centre is step-free throughout - from the car park right through to the playing area - with assisted doors and accessible toilet facilities. If you have any concerns before coming along for the first time, just get in touch.
Find us
Parkway Community Centre, Park Way (off Rhos Road), Rhos on Sea, LL28 4SD.
Please show courtesy to residents by parking carefully. If you are fit and able to walk, then parking on the main road helps to keep spaces free for the local residents.
Club fees
Your first two visits are free - just turn up on a Tuesday and introduce yourself. After that, there are two ways to pay.
Pay as you go
- Adults: £20 annual subscription, then £4 per night
- Juniors: £10 annual subscription, then £2 per night
Half yearly
- Adults: £60 per half year, due in September and February
- No nightly fee on top
Not sure which suits you? If you come most weeks the half yearly works out cheaper. If you come occasionally, pay as you go is better. Cash on the night is preferred - speak to Barrie about bank transfer details.
Juniors
- Juniors are usually accompanied by a responsible adult, and there are places to wait comfortably.
- Juniors may be left unsupervised if a disclaimer is signed.
♟ Who can join?
- The club is open to everyone. The venue is fully step-free with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
- Over the years our members have ranged from complete beginners to Candidate Masters, Welsh Champions, and UK Junior Champions. Whatever your level, you will find a game here.
- Chess is one of the few activities that genuinely works across generations. We have members in their eighties and juniors still in primary school - and everything in between. If you are looking for something to do with a grandchild or child that gets them away from a screen and thinking hard, a Tuesday night here is a good place to start.
- Played at school and not picked it up since? You are not alone. Several of our members are returning to the game after decades away and finding it comes back quickly. A Tuesday night is a good way to rediscover it.
👋 Your first visit - what to expect
Walking into a new club for the first time can feel a bit daunting - especially if the room is quiet and games are underway. We are a friendly group and someone will help you get settled.
Step-by-step
- Arrival: Doors open at 7.00pm. This is the best time to arrive.
- Who to look for: Say hello to anyone and ask for Barrie.
- What to bring: Just yourself. We provide boards, pieces, and clocks.
- Getting a game: We will pair you up for a friendly game.
- No pressure: You can also sit with a tea or coffee and watch.
Join the club
If you fancy a game, the easiest thing is to drop in on a Tuesday. If you are not sure about anything, send a quick email first.
📷 Club News
Events, results, and news from around the club.
Colwyn Bay Chess Club junior Harris represented the club at the first Wrexham Junior Chess Rapidplay on 6 June 2026, finishing fifth overall and as the top Welsh player in the Under 11 section with a score of 3/5. The five-round rapidplay tournament was held at Wrexham Memorial Hall and organised by FM Jonathan Blackburn. The Mayor of Wrexham attended on the day and praised the young competitors for their skill and sportsmanship. Organisers hope to return with a second event later in 2026.
Colwyn Bay Chess Club held a training simultaneous display in November 2025, with club member Roy E taking on 12 opponents across an evening at Parkway Community Centre. Roy, who recently joined from Cumbria, recorded all games with the intention of analysing each one and returning with tailored suggestions for improvement - a format the club has used to great effect before. He won 9 and drew 3, including a draw against Richard D, who has previously defeated grandmaster John Nunn in a simul. Roy presented his analysis on 16 December at the last club night of the year, with the session open to all members.
Fancy a game?
New faces are always welcome. If you would like to pop in, Tuesday from 7.00pm is the usual night. If you want to check anything first, just email.