Marshall Chess Club

We dive into the reputation and the extraordinary history of the second-oldest chess club in the U.S.

While being oldest chess club in the United States is pretty impressive (it’s the Mechanics Institute Chess Club in San Francisco, which was founded in 1854 – in case you were wondering), it’s also pretty impressive to have the title of second-oldest chess club. That honor belongs to the Marshall Chess Club, founded in 1915 and located in bustling New York City.

History of the Marshall Chess Club

The Marshall Chess Club owes its beginnings (and its name) to Frank J. Marshall. Born in New York City in 1877, Marshall had a reputation as a fantastic player in Montreal, where his family lived when he was young. He continued his career asa top player when his family moved back to New York in 1896, becoming a member of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Chess Clubs. In the following decades, he became one of the top players in the world. Marshall was crowned U.S. Chess Champion in 1909 and has several chess opening variations named after him.

Frank J. Marshall

It’s easy to understand why, when Marshall opened his chess club in 1915, it quickly drew some of the world’s most elite players. Initially, the club met in people’s homes before a club house was purchased and the club was officially incorporated in 1922. It was moved to its current location – then Marshall’s home – in 1931. For years, it was a leading rival of the Manhattan Chess Club (which was founded