play a game,
find your people.
a monthly analogue hangout in Rotterdam.
chess is the excuse, the people are the point.
90% walk in solo.
next edition: may 9th ‘26
x Bar Bocht / Restaurant Rotonde
50 spots, few left → reserve your spot
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. sounds good right?
no rating required, beginner to 2000+ elo welcome
we match you to a table during the hangout
each month, a different venue. same ritual.
well-balanced crowd: all genders, locals and internationals
limited spots, regulars get early access via our WhatsApp community
90%
walk in solo
90%
returns together next month
40-50
limited spots per hangout
200
joined so far
every session sells out. the waitlist is your best shot.
every session sells out. the waitlist is your best shot.
hosted in spaces that care about their crowd.
we rotate between venues in rotterdam.
each location is chosen for character. not convenience.
built by us and the community
we started check mates because we wanted an open space full of people where showing up solo felt completely normal, and a game of chess does the rest. every month. with new familiar people. your people.
hyped to meet you across the board.
julie & matthijs
receive the reservation link for the next edition
no spam. just your invite for check mates, when it’s ready.