All Skill Levels

All Good Vibes

Join the Club

Event Calendar

Join Us!

Weekly Meetups

📍 Tavern, Pacific Beach
🕖 Every Thursday at 6:30 PM
🍻 Bring your brain, grab a brew, and make your move!
What to Expect:
- Open boards, casual play
- Welcoming community vibes
- Local craft beer flowing
- Occasional themed nights
Join Us:
Whether you’ve never played or have been hustling blitz games for years, there’s a seat at the table for you. Come solo or bring a friend — the more the merrier.

View Our Upcoming Schedule
Once-A-Month Beginner Workshops

New to chess? Perfect. First round’s on us!
Join us for a beginner-friendly intro to chess — no pressure, no jargon, just the basics and a beer. Whether you’ve never touched a chessboard or just want to sharpen your skills, this class is designed to get you playing confidently in a chill, social setting.

More Info Coming Soon
Membership Perks!

Enjoy $6 beers (up to 40%-off) with a Beers by the Bay Chess Club Members. Also includes exclusive discounts to local Beers by the Bay partner orgs.

Become a Member - Starts at $8/monthly

INSIDE OUR WORLD

What started as a casual Reddit meetup between two strangers — Aidan Ryan and Mark Laturno — has grown into one of San Diego’s most vibrant and welcoming chess communities.

Beers by the Bay now hosts open chess nights every Thursday at Tavern at the Beach in Pacific Beach. From our early days to now, each week brings together a growing mix of players — from curious newcomers to seasoned regulars — all united by two things: a love for the game… and beer.

With weekly turnouts of 50+ players, $6 member brews, and an atmosphere built on chill connection, we've become a Thursday-night staple for San Diegans looking for something fun, social, and just a little bit nerdy. The bonds formed across the board? They're real — and they last.