Calling all rookies, pros, and curious minds—the Duluth Public Library is turning into a chess battleground this Thursday evening, and everyone’s invited!

“It’s mostly geared towards children—we get a lot of kids there,” said Andy Grube, president of both local chess clubs. “We’ve peaked at like 20, 25 kids, so it’s a pretty big group.”

Grube says chess in the Twin Ports is thriving. “The Twin Ports Chess Club is the main one, and it’s pretty much never been better. We’ve had record attendance for the whole year.”

The game, often considered timeless, is finding new fans—especially post-pandemic. “People are getting more and more introduced to it…COVID was great for chess,” Grube said.

Newcomers are encouraged to stop by—even if they’ve never touched a pawn. “If you’ve never played, it’s just one of the great things. It’s a very social game,” Grube said. “You’re one-on-one versus somebody—not necessarily trying to beat you. We’re just having fun.”

The Twin Ports Chess Club and West Duluth Chess Club are partnering up for a community chess tournament, happening April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the West Duluth Branch of the library. Whether you’re there to win, learn a few new moves, or just soak in the strategy, you’ll find good company over the chessboard this Thursday.