“Building Community Through Chess: Inside the Hell’s Kitchen Chess Club”

Hell’s Kitchen Locals Bond Over Chess, Craft Beer, and Community

A new weekly tradition has taken root in Hell’s Kitchen, as a group of locals have come together to form the Hell’s Kitchen Chess Club. Meeting weekly at Craft+Carry on 9th Avenue, neighbors gather to bond over pieces, craft beer, and lively conversation, creating a community where strategy meets camaraderie.

The club’s founder, Tifa Alshaikh, may not consider themselves a chess expert, but their passion for the game is undeniable. Learning the rules just last August, Tifa has made playing chess a near-daily obsession.

Seeking to connect with more people in the neighborhood interested in chess and making friends, Tifa started the club earlier this year. Their persistence paid off, with the club now attracting a steady stream of neighbors, primarily in their 20s and 30s, looking to build friendships and community.

The club meets at Craft+Carry, a relaxed bar with a large selection of craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks, providing the ideal setting for the weekly gatherings. People of all skill levels are encouraged to join for a game, with some players picking up a chess piece for the first time while others have played for decades.

One player, Andy, who played chess competitively in high school, now takes on a mentorship role within the club, teaching others how to look several moves ahead. The club even has a furry mascot, Casper, a five-month-old cat who enjoys resting in player’s laps or on the chess board.

Tifa is excited to see the chess community grow and encourages anyone interested in learning more about the game to join the club. The Hell’s Kitchen Chess Club meets weekly on Wednesdays or Thursdays at Craft+Carry, with more information available on their Instagram account @chess.hk.