check mates

play chess IRL with people you’re hyped to meet.

a monthly analogue hangout in Rotterdam for people with a chess obsession. casual games, all levels.

join next hangout ↓

90%

walk in solo.

70%

returns together.

450+

joined so far.

40-70

spots per hangout.

join august, september, october?

sign up and we'll send you the reservation link for the next edition, when it’s ready.

A large outdoor gathering of people playing chess at tables on a city street, with buildings, trees, and signs in the background.

here's what a hangout looks like

you walk in a room full of people who actually care about chess. not necessarily good at it, but genuinely into it. some first-timers, plenty of regulars. you find a board. you play. you talk. that’s it.

  • no rating required, beginner to 2000+ elo welcome

  • we match levels during the hangout

  • each month, a different venue. same ritual

  • limited spots, regulars get early access via our WhatsApp community

next edition.

August 9th

full, last spots will open a few days before through community chat & mail

hosted in spaces that care about their crowd.

places that originated in Rotterdam, and give every hangout its own character.

A colorful sign with the words 'HEROIN', 'KUSTOM', 'CLUB', and 'MARIACHI' in stylized letters, alongside a logo with a pink flower and green leaves.
People playing chess at a social gathering in a dimly lit venue with graffiti on the wall and string lights overhead.
People playing chess outdoors on a city street, with a man standing and observing the game, surrounded by spectators and a street scene with a building and a billboard.

built by us and the community

we started check mates because we wanted a space full of people where showing up solo felt completely normal, and a game of chess does the rest.

hyped to meet you over the board

julie & matthijs

join august, september, october?

sign up and we'll send you the reservation link for the next edition, when it’s ready.