About Westport Chess Club
Our Story
The Westport Chess Club has been a fixture of Kansas City's chess community since 1986. For nearly four decades, we've brought together chess players of all backgrounds and skill levels in the heart of Kansas City's vibrant Westport neighborhood.
We're proud to be a welcoming, inclusive community where diversity isn't just tolerated—it's celebrated. Our members come from all walks of life, united by their love of chess and the friendships formed over the board.
Whether you're a complete beginner taking your first steps in chess or a seasoned tournament player, you'll find a home at Westport Chess Club.
Our Home: Westport Flea Market
The Venue
We meet at the Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill, a Kansas City institution 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—just be sure to follow one important rule: don't drink and drive.
Parking & Directions
Where to Park
Parking is available in several convenient locations:
- Parking lots to the east and south of the Westport Flea Market
- Street parking on the north side of the building (Westport Road)
- Additional street parking throughout the Westport neighborhood
The Westport area can get busy on Tuesday evenings, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot if needed.
Stay Connected
We have several ways to keep in touch with the club and stay updated on events:
📧 Email List
Join our email list for announcements and updates (we only email once or twice per month).
How to join: Send us a message and let us know you want to be added to the list.
♟️ Chess.com Club
Our most active online community! Join our club on Chess.com to:
- Chat with other members
- Play in members-only tournaments
- Participate in team Vote Chess matches
- Get tournament announcements
This is the best way to stay connected with the club between Tuesday meetings.
𝕏 Twitter
Follow us @westportchess for updates and chess content.
We have a Facebook presence, though we're not very active there. Still, feel free to follow for occasional updates.
Check out @westportchess on Instagram. Like Facebook, we're not super active, but we appreciate your follows!
📅 Google Calendar
Subscribe to our calendar to never miss an event. View the full calendar on our tournaments page.
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
- Diversity is celebrated - Our club reflects the wonderful diversity of Kansas City's Westport neighborhood
- 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