We are a central London chess club, based in Covent Garden. We have about 30 active members and we welcome new members of all abilities.Join us today
We compete in the London League, Central London League and City Chess competitions.
Athenaeum Chess Club was founded in 1873 and that makes us the oldest surviving London chess club. The Camden Athenaeum, at the junction of the Camden and Parkhurst Roads, was the first home for the club and can be seen in this postcard.
Over the past 150 years the club has moved through various venues across the city, always maintaining our commitment to providing a welcoming environment for chess players of all abilities in central London.
Today we are proud to call Dudley Court in Covent Garden our home, where we gather on Wednesday evenings to play, improve, and enjoy the game together.
1873
Year founded
~30
Active members
3
Leagues competed in
What we offer
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Athenaeum Chess Club has something for you.
♟ Competitive play
We enter teams in the London League, London Central League, and City Chess Association each season.
🤝 Friendly atmosphere
We welcome players of all standards. Our Wednesday evenings are social as well as competitive.
📍 Central location
Based in Covent Garden, we're easily reachable from across London, with multiple tube stations nearby.
Find us
We meet every Wednesday evening at Tenants' Hall, Dudley Court — right in the heart of Covent Garden.
📍 Address
Tenants' Hall, Dudley Court
36 Endell Street
London WC2H 9BD
🕐 When
Wednesday evenings
🚉 Nearest tubes
Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Holborn (Central & Piccadilly)
Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth, Central & Northern)