Is the Franklin Mercantile Chess Club still open?

Submitted by squareslice t3_zms46d in philadelphia

Does anyone know if the Franklin Mercantile Chess Club is still active? I am seeing mixed comments online about closing in 2020.

If closed, does anyone have a recommendation for a relaxed chess club in Philly? Preferably for adults, not an after school club. I am about ~1200 blitz looking to get better and have a place to actually play OTB.

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falling_blocks t1_j0da4ds wrote

The Rittenhouse group meets pretty regularly (Wednesday at 5pm, Sunday around noon) usually in the park but now indoors for winter: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rittenhousechess/

I've also gone to the chess & cheers events on meetup: https://www.meetup.com/chess-cheers/ which meets at Yards in No Libs. Both are friendly groups with a range of skill levels.

Also, if you don't mind a short drive to NJ, I went to the Woodbury chess club for years when I was younger, it's pretty active with a nice crowd. https://woodburychessclub.com/

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squareslice OP t1_j0dozy2 wrote

Thanks for the links, I think I will try and check out the Rittenhouse Group.

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0716718227 t1_j0e9r65 wrote

Used to be second-oldest chess club in America. So sad. :-/

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zxz9y t1_j0e4mpv wrote

Masterminds does quads every 2nd Saturday of the month. I've been to the last few and would definitely recommend it. I really wish there were more rated events or clubs in this city. I don't understand how there isn't one with a permanent location.

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AdministrationNo9238 t1_j0eqcql wrote

clark park after 4 any (reasonable weather) day, especially weekends.

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