Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion

This is a fantastic spot to set up shop and play pick up games. You are apt to encounter players from just about every demographic imaginable, from the 12 year old on his middle school chess team, to the creepy and eccentric retiree (more on him later). The location is tranquil and picturesque being right on the water. If you can’t get inspired to play your best Chess in this kind of environment then you are obviously in a coma. They have boards that are permanent fixtures, and the architecture of the pavilion itself is stunning. There is a sign giving a brief history of the pavilion if you are into that sort of thing (see pics). Pieces and boards, if you prefer to use your own, instead of the fixtures, are BYOB. Most everyone used roll out tournament boards. That said, there are enough people around that have supplies that you could likely just show up if you are looking for a game.
Almost all the people that showed up seemed as though they knew each other, and were a little clannish at first since I fell into the «new guy/​outsider» role. After going 4 – 1 in my first 5 matches, (4 wins and one draw), people slowly began to realize I was on the level. I would highly recommend you bring a pad or cushion to sit on if you are planing on playing for any length of time. Sitting on concrete for hours tends to hurt your ass. As to style of play, most people will want to do timed games via a Chess clock, but you won’t find many takers if you are wanting to play straight up blitz, which is admittedly an acquired taste.
This place is also cool as it gives you the opportunity to play against people who use different styles, openings, endgame strategy etc. When you play against the same people all the time and you can anticipate their moves, it takes some of the thrill out of playing. Though to be fair almost everyone I played used «Petrov’s defense» as an opening strategy, which I had not seen in awhile. My guess is that many of the top players in Chicago employ this strategy and it has managed to trickle down to the rank and file players too. Not a bad opening, just dull.
The only sore spot of the day came in my final match against a very old gentleman that lacked several front teeth. He was not a bad player, just very annoying. He refused to play anything timed and sometimes sat there for 5+ min prior to making a single move. What was worse came about when we got into endgame, which managed to attract a small crowd of onlookers. The guy shamelessly drug it out for well over an hour and a half. To continue to grind it out when it is readily apparent that the position is hopeless is considered VERY rude in Chess. Typically when the game gets to that point your opponent will extend a handshake and vocalize «I resign», «White resigns», etc. (so there is no confusion that you might be agreeing to a draw). Or, alternatively, tipping over the King also denotes that the player resigns. Chess etiquette 101. I outsmarted you. Accept it and move on. We have all been there brother. I have lost way more matches than I have ever won. He wants a rematch next Saturday but I am not sure if I will accommodate him. Not because I fear defeat, but because I do not want to spend half my day playing a single match.
Nonetheless, this is an awesome spot to hone your skills in beautiful surroundings and among diverse opponents. What more do you need?

What can I say… I love chess. The first time I went to the Chess Pavilion, I met Alek Stamnov, the Illinois state champion, who invited me to a game. I declined humbly. He plays for money and I wasn’t interested in losing $ 3. This place is Chicago’s version of Washington Square – Chicago needs more public places like this one for chessplayers. (See Harper Court Chess, southside Chicago).

Another classic Chicago spot. I came here for photography purposes, because disgruntled and rumpled old Chicago men come here and play chess on concrete benches. I’ve seen them play a 5 year old and preppy college students that have walked by. The dress, the looks on their faces, and the setting by the lake and in the shadow of the sky scrapers creates a really cool atmosphere.
I don’t play chess, but I love the people watching here.

Great people watching spot. Beautiful view of the city. Nice and shady from the pavilion itself and from the trees to the west.
Despite the dozens of chess boards inlaid into the concrete benches, most of the players here bring their own board which they place over the built-​in ones. BTW, it’s bring-​your-​own-​pieces too.
I almost always stop by the pavilion for a quick rest when I’m biking or jogging the lakefront path. I’ve even become friends with some of the regulars here. I highly recommend playing a game or two with these guys. But beware: despite their unassuming appearances, they are good!
It’ll only cost you a dollar or two to play and it’ll be a real experience. I played a fellow named Ron. We played with a chess clock (supplied by Ron) which keeps track of each player’s thinking time. He gave me 5 minutes on the clock to make all my moves and gave himself only 2 minutes. If your clock runs out, you lose — even if you’re winning in the game. Sounded more than fair to me.
Needless to say, Ron beat me after I made a dumb move and lost my queen. He told me «If I had known you were only a beginner, I would only have taken 1 minute.» Ouch!