About Us

ChessPalace is the best place to meet your chess needs. What ever you're looking for, whether its tournament games, a chess clock, or a private lesson with a grandmaster, we can provide it. ChessPalace is a club, store, and school. Visit the links for details.

ChessPalace provides group classes for youth beginners. It consists, but aren't limited to lectures, videos, computer excercises, practice games, problem-solving, rated tournament games, and fun chess.

If you are an amateur, classes and private lessons are available with your choice of instructor level. Several monthly tournaments are organized including Action Quads and Amateur Open.

Tournament and advance players can take advantage of weekly rated tournaments. Our regular events include Wednesday Knights-Monthly Open and Satuday tournaments. Occasionally, a grandmaster simultaneous exhibition and lecture will be schedule that you can participate in.

Visitors and chess enthusiast can visit the club and store. You can catch ongoing games as top-rated players play, or browse around the store if you are in need of any chess equipment or books.

Brief History

ChessPalace has been providing a variety of chess activities for the community and beyond since being established in 1990. The club was founded by renowned promoter of chess, Charles Rostedt. From its inception, when the small club from Long Beach become an official chess club, countless chess enthusiasts from around the world have enjoyed this universal passion at the club. For many more, the club has played a pivotal role in introducing to them the fascinating game of chess. Besides providing for a welcoming atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy the game, the club has become the hub where many have made lifelong friend. Over the years, ChessPalace has transformed into Southern California's premier chess club- offering weekly tournaments for masters and beginners alike; and housing a wide collection of chess books, equipments, and merchandises to accomodate the needs of its patrons. You can also shop online through our online store. From great players such as World Championship contender David Bronstein, Grandmaster and 6-times US Champion Walter Browne, Women Champion Susan Polgar, and Grandmaster and World Class Trainer Eduard Gufeld to that next door neighbor who has visited ChessPalace, everyone who comes in becomes part of ChessPalace's very large chess family! It still always fascinates us when we see a visitor sign in on our guestbook and write that they are visiting from Russia or Spain! Chesspalace's global recognition definitely spans across the globe. And we hope you become part of our Family.

After more than two decades of selfless contribution to chess, Charles Rostedt decided to retire and pass the legacy of the club to Southern California's largest chess family, the Ong family. In the keeping with the long-standing community outreach mission of the club, the Ong family added a full-time scholastic program which started in 2003 and has since grown dramatically. With activities such as continuous instructional programs, tournaments, weekly lessons, and scholarships, more aspiring youths have the opportunity to also enjoy this very fascinating game now more than ever and reap the awesome benefits of chess... and some go on to win national titles as well! Please visit our youth page for more information.

Currently with the support of volunteers, members, and generous patrons, Chess Palace continues to open its doors for people of all ages, race, and creed. Whether you are interested to learn more about the club, about the game, or just wish to say hello, please drop us a line or two @ events@chesspalace.com.

Please visit our News section for coverage results of past events. If you would like to start taking advantage of the club's services and events throughout the year, we hope you would consider signing up for one of the preferred membership options available.