♟️ PlayChessIRL — Portland Launch Meetup!
Details
Free Casual or Rated Play | All Levels Welcome
Hosted by PlayChessIRL.org — A Global Speed Chess Initiative (501c3)
We’re launching PlayChessIRL, a new movement bringing people together to play real, in-person chess — right here in Portland!
This is our first official meetup, open to players of all ages and abilities. Come for friendly games, new connections, and the shared joy of sitting across the board again.
PlayChessIRL is part of the Global Speed Chess Initiative, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to make in-person chess accessible to everyone, everywhere — powered entirely by donations that are 100% tax-deductible.
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### What to Expect
- Open casual play for all skill levels
- Optional rated games using the Global Speed Chess Rating (GSCR) system
- A Blitz mini-tournament hosted by a USCF Tournament Director
- Community introductions, future event planning, and great conversation
- A relaxed, welcoming environment — perfect for players looking to reconnect with in-person chess
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### 💵 Free Casual or Rated Play | All Levels Welcome
Join us for the **official launch of PlayChessIRL.org** — Portland’s new hub for face-to-face chess and community connection.
This is our first official meetup, open to players of all ages and skill levels. Come for friendly games, rated blitz rounds, or just to connect with other chess enthusiasts who want to bring the game back to real tables and real conversations.
PlayChessIRL is part of the Global Speed Chess Initiative (501c3) — a nonprofit dedicated to building chess communities worldwide. Our events are 100% free, supported by donations that are fully tax-deductible.
***
### What to Expect
- Casual open play for all levels
- Optional rated games using the Global Speed Chess Rating (GSCR)
- Blitz mini-tournament hosted by a USCF Tournament Director
- Community introductions and plans for regular weekly meetups
- Friendly atmosphere, good coffee, and plenty of boards in play
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### Our Mission
To create a lasting hub for in-person chess in Portland — and to model what community-driven, donation-supported chess looks like for cities around the world.
Our long-term goal: regular, free meetups multiple times per week at chess-friendly venues across the city.
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### Cost
Attendance is free, and all donations are 100% tax-deductible through the Global Speed Chess Initiative (501c3).
Your support helps fund local venue partnerships, youth programs, and free public chess events across Portland and beyond.
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### What to Bring
- A chess set and clock, if you have them (we’ll have a few extras!)
- A friend — or come solo and meet new players
- Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a love for over-the-board chess
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### Learn More
🌐 www.PlayChessIRL.org
📧 admin@playchessirl.org
Call 720 - 635 - 4027 or 720 - 515 - 3397 if and issues entering.
