About our club
Grandmaster Susan Polgar visited our club.
Such an honor!
Our story
The Westport Chess Club has been part of Kansas City's chess scene since 1986. Four decades on, we're still here.
Our members come from all over the city and span every skill level. The setting is casual (a bar and grill in the heart of Westport) and the vibe matches. What keeps people coming back is the chess and the company. Credit where it's due, though. The Flea Market has been serving what many call the best burger in KC for over 30 years.
Whether you've never touched a chess piece or you've been playing tournaments for years, you're welcome here.
Our philosophy
At Westport Chess Club, we believe chess is for everyone. We're committed to creating a space where:
- All skill levels are welcome - From complete beginners to experienced tournament players! Just grab a board.
- Diversity is celebrated - Our club reflects the amazing diversity of Kansas City's Westport neighborhood, and you are welcome here. You matter.
- Learning is encouraged - Whether through our teaching demos, casual games with stronger players, or friendly advice
- Fun comes first - Yes, we have rated tournaments, but we never forget that chess is a game meant to be enjoyed
- Community matters - The friendships and connections made over the board are just as important as the games themselves
Our home: The Westport Flea Market
The venue
We meet at the Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill, a Kansas City landmark in its own right. Located at 817 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, the Flea Market is a casual, comfortable bar & grill just south of downtown Kansas City.
We play in the room with a window facing Westport Road (on the north side of the building). It's a great space with plenty of room for chess boards and good lighting.
Food & drink
The Westport Flea Market has been rated Kansas City's best burger since 1987. They also have more than 40 beers on tap, plus a full menu of pub favorites.
As club members, we get special food and drink discounts. Feel free to order something while you play.
Club officers
Look for one of our officers when you visit. We're here to help!
Rich: President
Sir Not-appearing-in-this-film
Michael Brooks
International Master
Brent
Where does the horse go?
Ben
"Grandmaster" Grob
Nathan
Veep
Ray: PhD, TD
Retired from club leadership but very deserving of recognition
Chess variants
Do we play other games?
We focus on chess and its many variants. Here are some favorites we enjoy:
- Bughouse - Fast-paced team chess with piece trading between boards
- Chess960 (Fischer Random) - Randomized starting positions
- Computer Chess - Some members enjoy playing around with chess engines and analysis
We don't play Checkers, Go, or other board games (just chess in its many forms!)