Chess in Lille

Lille has 3 chess clubs, including Club d'Echecs des Halles de Wazemmes, Lille Métropole Chess, Lille Université Club Echiquier du Nord. This page collects everything about chess in Lille and nearby: the clubs with their venues, upcoming tournaments in the area from the national calendar, and the Chessmates app to find an opponent close to you. You don't need to speak French to join; chess needs no translation.

Chess clubs in Lille

The local club is the best way in: a weekly club night, training and team competitions. The clubs in Lille from the FFE register:

• Club d'Echecs des Halles de Wazemmes
  100 rue d'Esquermes - Appt 12, 59000 Lille · Mercredi : 15h - 18h · Vendredi : 15h30 - 19h · Claim this club
• Lille Métropole Chess
  linktr.ee · Claim this club
• Lille Université Club Echiquier du Nord
  Ancien College Camus, 265 rue du Mal Assis, entree de l'Ufj · Lundi 17h 20h30 · mardi 18h30 20h · mercredi 14h 20h · jeudi 18h30 20h · lucedn.fr · Claim this club

Do you run one of these clubs? Claim your entry for free; your club page on Chessmates takes a few minutes to set up.

Chess tournaments in the area

Upcoming tournaments within 30 km of Lille, from the official national calendar:

• 19Oct2026
  1er Open International du Lille Métropole Chess

  19–23 Oct 2026 · Classical · Lille (59)
• 21Oct2026
  1er Blitz by Night - Lille Métropole Chess

  Blitz · Lille (59)
• 31Oct2026
  Rapide d'Halloween 2026 du LMC

  Rapid · Lille (59)

Where can I play chess in Lille?

Lille has 3 chess clubs, including Club d'Echecs des Halles de Wazemmes, Lille Métropole Chess, Lille Université Club Echiquier du Nord. Most clubs run a weekly club night where guests are welcome for a first game; venue and website are listed above.

Do I need to speak French?

No. Club nights in Lille run in French, but every club welcomes English speakers and chess needs no shared language. The board does most of the talking.

Can I play without joining a club?

Yes. Club nights are open to visitors, and the Chessmates app finds players near Lille for a casual game. Membership becomes worthwhile later, for rated play and the team competitions.

Where do I find chess tournaments near Lille?

All tournaments in France are listed at chessmates.live/en/chess-tournaments-france, month by month, each linking to its official announcement.

Chess in the wider area

Lambersart · Saint Andre lez Lille · Haubourdin · Lesquin · Marcq en Baroeul · Bondues · All chess clubs in France · Chess tournaments in France

About Chessmates

Chessmates is the app for over-the-board chess: find an opponent nearby, discover clubs, play tournaments. Free for players and clubs.