Chess in Milton Keynes

Popular sessions

Learn Chess

Learn Chess

(function(){ function lastFriday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m+1,0); while(d.getDay()!==5)d.setDate(d.getDate()-1); return d; } var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),lf=lastFriday(y,m); if(now>lf){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}lf=lastFriday(y,m);} var ds=['Sun','Mon','Tue','Wed','Thu','Fri','Sat']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; document.getElementById('last-friday-date-abbreviated').textContent=ds[lf.getDay()]+' '+lf.getDate()+' '+ms[lf.getMonth()]; })();

6:00 - 7:30PM

Play Chess

Play Chess

(function(){ function firstWednesday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m,1); while(d.getDay()!==3)d.setDate(d.getDate()+1); return d; } var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),fw=firstWednesday(y,m); if(now>fw){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}fw=firstWednesday(y,m);} var ds=['Sun','Mon','Tue','Wed','Thu','Fri','Sat']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; document.getElementById('first-wednesday-date-abbreviated1').textContent=ds[fw.getDay()]+' '+fw.getDate()+' '+ms[fw.getMonth()]; })();

6:00 - 7:30PM

Play Chess

Play Chess

(function(){ function secondThursday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m,1);var count=0; while(count<2){if(d.getDay()===4)count++;if(count<2)d.setDate(d.getDate()+1);} return d; } var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),st=secondThursday(y,m); if(now>st){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}st=secondThursday(y,m);} var ds=['Sun','Mon','Tue','Wed','Thurs','Fri','Sat']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; document.getElementById('second-thursday-date-abbreviated1').textContent=ds[st.getDay()]+' '+st.getDate()+' '+ms[st.getMonth()]; })();

6:00 - 7:30PM

Monthly • All Ages

Weekly • Adults

style> #image79 img { filter: grayscale(100%) brightness(0.88) contrast(0.96); } #image79::after, #text114::after { display: none !important; content: none !important; } #embed42 { display: block !important; } #text132 { display: block !important; visibility: hidden; min-height: 23px; } #text132.mk-ready { visibility: visible; } #text132, #text132 *, #text132 p, #text132 span { color: #d92d20 !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 900 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; letter-spacing: 0 !important; } #mk-cancel-info { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 16px; height: 16px; margin-left: 6px; transform: translateY(-2px); border: 1.4px solid #d92d20; border-radius: 999px; color: #d92d20; background: #fff; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 900; line-height: 1; cursor: help; vertical-align: middle; } #mk-cancel-info::before { content: "i"; } #mk-cancel-tooltip { position: fixed; display: none; z-index: 2147483647; background: rgb(17, 17, 17) !important; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; border-radius: 10px; padding: 9px 12px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.15; white-space: nowrap; opacity: 1 !important; text-shadow: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; pointer-events: none; } #mk-cancel-tooltip.is-visible { display: block; } (function () { function setCarrdText(selector, text) { var el = document.querySelector(selector); if (!el) return null; var target = el.querySelector('p, h1, h2, h3, span') || el; target.textContent = text; return target; } function positionTooltip(info, tooltip) { var rect = info.getBoundingClientRect(); tooltip.style.left = Math.round(rect.left + rect.width / 2) + 'px'; tooltip.style.top = Math.round(rect.top - 10) + 'px'; tooltip.style.transform = 'translate(-50%, -100%)'; } function showTooltip(info, tooltip) { positionTooltip(info, tooltip); tooltip.classList.add('is-visible'); } function hideTooltip(tooltip) { tooltip.classList.remove('is-visible'); } function applyCancelledDesign() { setCarrdText('#embed42', 'Thurs 13 Aug'); var text132 = document.querySelector('#text132'); var target = setCarrdText('#text132', 'CANCELLED'); if (!target || !text132) return; var tooltip = document.querySelector('#mk-cancel-tooltip'); if (!tooltip) { tooltip = document.createElement('div'); tooltip.id = 'mk-cancel-tooltip'; tooltip.textContent = 'Due to heat'; document.body.appendChild(tooltip); } if (!document.querySelector('#mk-cancel-info')) { var info = document.createElement('button'); info.id = 'mk-cancel-info'; info.type = 'button'; info.setAttribute('aria-label', 'Cancellation reason: Due to heat'); info.addEventListener('mouseenter', function () { showTooltip(info, tooltip); }); info.addEventListener('mouseleave', function () { hideTooltip(tooltip); }); info.addEventListener('focus', function () { showTooltip(info, tooltip); }); info.addEventListener('blur', function () { hideTooltip(tooltip); }); info.addEventListener('click', function (event) { event.preventDefault(); event.stopPropagation(); if (tooltip.classList.contains('is-visible')) { hideTooltip(tooltip); } else { showTooltip(info, tooltip); } }); document.addEventListener('click', function () { hideTooltip(tooltip); }); window.addEventListener('scroll', function () { if (tooltip.classList.contains('is-visible')) { positionTooltip(info, tooltip); } }, true); window.addEventListener('resize', function () { if (tooltip.classList.contains('is-visible')) { positionTooltip(info, tooltip); } }); target.appendChild(info); } text132.classList.add('mk-ready'); } applyCancelledDesign(); document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', applyCancelledDesign); window.addEventListener('load', applyCancelledDesign); setTimeout(applyCancelledDesign, 100); setTimeout(applyCancelledDesign, 300); setTimeout(applyCancelledDesign, 1000); })();

Sundays - temporarily cancelled

Adults - Play Chess

Bringing people together through chess

"Pretty much everything is online these days. People are becoming more and more disconnected. We're here to change that."

history

Chess Society started at the University of Buckingham in 2024. By student Galen Butler

Hosted first session in February, 2025

Approx ~100 games of chess surpassed by March, 2025

Rebranded to MK Chess & hosted first public session in May, 2025

The problem

It seems people are more disconnected than ever in history. Spending most their time online and not with each other. We aim to change that

Our mission

Our aim is to bring people together through chess

Play Chess

(function(){ function firstWednesday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m,1); while(d.getDay()!==3)d.setDate(d.getDate()+1); return d; } function ord(n){return n>3&&n<21?'th':['th','st','nd','rd'][n%10]||'th';} var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),fw=firstWednesday(y,m); if(now>fw){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}fw=firstWednesday(y,m);} var ds=['Sunday','Monday','Tuesday','Wednesday','Thursday','Friday','Saturday']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; var n=fw.getDate(); document.getElementById('first-wednesday-date1').textContent=ds[fw.getDay()]+' '+n+ord(n)+' '+ms[fw.getMonth()]+', '+fw.getFullYear(); })();

6:00 - 7:30PM

South Central Institute of Technology, Selwyn Grove, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6DR

1 min walk from Bletchley train station, close to Bletchley Park.

Free Parking

View location on Google Maps

///give.shot.mouse

This session is open to all ages

Casual chess gameplay

Play and meet new people

faq's

Do I need to bring anything? any chess sets etc?

No. We provide everything

Can I bring my children?

Yes. Bring anyone interested in chess!

do i need to sign up for my first session?

No, you can just show up

how can i see more?

Via our Newsletter & Social Media

(function(){ function lastFriday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m+1,0); while(d.getDay()!==5)d.setDate(d.getDate()-1); return d; } function ord(n){return n>3&&n<21?'th':['th','st','nd','rd'][n%10]||'th';} var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),lf=lastFriday(y,m); if(now>lf){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}lf=lastFriday(y,m);} var ds=['Sunday','Monday','Tuesday','Wednesday','Thursday','Friday','Saturday']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; var n=lf.getDate(); document.getElementById('last-friday-date').textContent=ds[lf.getDay()]+' '+n+ord(n)+' '+ms[lf.getMonth()]+', '+lf.getFullYear(); })();

Milton Keynes

function copyToClipboard(button) { var url = window.location.href; var textArea = document.createElement('textarea'); textArea.value = url; textArea.style.position = 'fixed'; textArea.style.left = '-9999px'; document.body.appendChild(textArea); textArea.select(); textArea.setSelectionRange(0, 99999); try { var successful = document.execCommand('copy'); document.body.removeChild(textArea); if (successful) { var btnText = button.querySelector('.btnText'); btnText.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(function() { btnText.textContent = 'Share'; }, 2000); } } catch (err) { alert('URL: ' + url); document.body.removeChild(textArea); } }

6:00 - 7:30PM

Community Hall, Unity Place

Address:
Unity Place,
200 Grafton Gate,
Milton Keynes,
MK9 1UP

Chess Coaching Session

Improve your game

Learn Chess

Small group teaching, 1 to 1 teaching and gameplay

It's a 2 minute drive from the centre of Milton Keynes.

Parking: free parking on-site/nearby. Parking info

Milton Keynes Central is 0.1 miles away

View location on Google Maps

What 3 Words location: ///sonic.unloads.solo

This session is open to all ages.

Where to find us

Community Hall, accessible from outside of Unity Place facing the MK Train station.Unity Place staff can direct you

Where can I park?

Free parking on-site and nearby. On-site info here

my location

faq's

Do I need to bring anything? any chess sets etc?

No. We provide everything

do i need to sign up for my first session?

No, you can just show up

where in unity place?

Unity Place staff can give directions

what ability is this session for?

All abilities

who is leading the session?

Chess FIDE Master Gary Kenworthy or Dominic Bartram

Can parents drop off under 16s?

Yes. Once signed-in with emergency contact details

Other Sessions

Thursdays

Weekly

6:00 - 8:00pm

Play chess, meet people

Ages 18+

Unhosted

Normal attendance: 2-8 people

function copyToClipboard(button) { var url = window.location.href; var textArea = document.createElement('textarea'); textArea.value = url; textArea.style.position = 'fixed'; textArea.style.left = '-9999px'; document.body.appendChild(textArea); textArea.select(); textArea.setSelectionRange(0, 99999); try { var successful = document.execCommand('copy'); document.body.removeChild(textArea); if (successful) { var btnText = button.querySelector('.btnText'); btnText.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(function() { btnText.textContent = 'Share'; }, 2000); } } catch (err) { alert('URL: ' + url); document.body.removeChild(textArea); } }
Play Chess

Social, relaxed

Meet new people

Play Chess
Play Chess

Food & Drink Available

Where

Lion & Sun Tavern,
17 Twizel Close,
Stonebridge,
Wolverton,
Milton Keynes,
MK13 0DX

Free Parking

View on Google Maps

Sundays

(Cancelled until further notice)

10:00 - 11:30am

Adults Session
Willen Lake

function copyToClipboard(button) { var url = window.location.href; var textArea = document.createElement('textarea'); textArea.value = url; textArea.style.position = 'fixed'; textArea.style.left = '-9999px'; document.body.appendChild(textArea); textArea.select(); textArea.setSelectionRange(0, 99999); try { var successful = document.execCommand('copy'); document.body.removeChild(textArea); if (successful) { var btnText = button.querySelector('.btnText'); btnText.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(function() { btnText.textContent = 'Share'; }, 2000); } } catch (err) { alert('URL: ' + url); document.body.removeChild(textArea); } }
Play Chess

Peaceful

Enjoy the view

Play Chess
Play Chess

Adult Session

This session is not supervised. Connect and meet people over a chess game in a quiet, peaceful place overlooking the lake

Play Chess

Things to know

Lift access

There is a lift directly opposite the stairs

Upstairs food policy

Only food purchased on site can be consumed upstairs

Toilets

All toilets are located on the ground floor

How to get here

Directions

Upstairs - Willen Lake Café

Address:
Willen Lake Cafe,
Watersports Centre,
Willen Lake,
Milton Keynes
MK15 0DS

Parking Available

View location on Google Maps

Play Chess

Parking Here

Standard paid parking nearby
Free parking spaces on Livingstone Drive - the lane outside of David Lloyd gym (9min walk away)

Cycling Here

Plan route via redways via MK maps. Bike locks available outside

(function(){ function secondThursday(y,m){ var d=new Date(y,m,1);var count=0; while(count<2){if(d.getDay()===4)count++;if(count<2)d.setDate(d.getDate()+1);} return d; } function ord(n){return n>3&&n<21?'th':['th','st','nd','rd'][n%10]||'th';} var now=new Date();now.setHours(0,0,0,0); var y=now.getFullYear(),m=now.getMonth(),st=secondThursday(y,m); if(now>st){m++;if(m>11){m=0;y++;}st=secondThursday(y,m);} var ds=['Sunday','Monday','Tuesday','Wednesday','Thursday','Friday','Saturday']; var ms=['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December']; var n=st.getDate(); document.getElementById('second-thursday-date2').textContent=ds[st.getDay()]+' '+n+ord(n)+' '+ms[st.getMonth()]+', '+st.getFullYear(); })();

Milton Keynes

6:00 - 7:30PM

Upstairs - Courtside Lounge

Address:
National Badminton Centre,
Bradwell Rd,
Loughton Lodge,
Great Holm,
Milton Keynes
MK8 9LA

function copyToClipboard(button) { var url = window.location.href; var textArea = document.createElement('textarea'); textArea.value = url; textArea.style.position = 'fixed'; textArea.style.left = '-9999px'; document.body.appendChild(textArea); textArea.select(); textArea.setSelectionRange(0, 99999); try { var successful = document.execCommand('copy'); document.body.removeChild(textArea); if (successful) { var btnText = button.querySelector('.btnText'); btnText.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(function() { btnText.textContent = 'Share'; }, 2000); } } catch (err) { alert('URL: ' + url); document.body.removeChild(textArea); } }
Video

Play Chess

Find new opponents

Video

Casual chess gameplay

Play and meet new people

All Ages

Open session

Volunteers

Our volunteers are DBS checked.

Galen Butler

Hassen Ouazir

Amenities

At our venue

Free WiFi

Free Parking

Restrooms

FAQ's

FAQ's

Do I need to bring anything? any chess sets etc?

No. We provide everything

What ages is this for?

All ages

I’m new to chess, can I come?

Yes, our players can teach you

do i need to sign up for my first session?

No, just show up

what membership plans do you have?

View here

how can i see more?

Via our Newsletter & Social Media

Where

Address:
National Badminton Centre,
Bradwell Rd,
Loughton Lodge,
Great Holm,
Milton Keynes
MK8 9LA

Free Parking

View location on Google Maps

embed-googlemap.com
Thursday 13th August
CANCELLED
Thursday 10th September, 2026
(function () { function getTooltip() { var tooltip = document.querySelector('.mk-cancel-tooltip'); if (!tooltip) { tooltip = document.createElement('div'); tooltip.className = 'mk-cancel-tooltip'; tooltip.textContent = 'Due to heat'; document.body.appendChild(tooltip); } return tooltip; } function positionTooltip(info, tooltip) { var rect = info.getBoundingClientRect(); tooltip.style.left = Math.round(rect.left + rect.width / 2) + 'px'; tooltip.style.top = Math.round(rect.top - 10) + 'px'; tooltip.style.transform = 'translate(-50%, -100%)'; } function showTooltip(info) { var tooltip = getTooltip(); positionTooltip(info, tooltip); tooltip.classList.add('is-visible'); } function hideTooltip() { getTooltip().classList.remove('is-visible'); } function bindTooltips() { document.querySelectorAll('.mk-cancel-info').forEach(function (info) { if (info.dataset.tooltipReady) return; info.dataset.tooltipReady = 'true'; info.addEventListener('mouseenter', function () { showTooltip(info); }); info.addEventListener('mouseleave', hideTooltip); info.addEventListener('focus', function () { showTooltip(info); }); info.addEventListener('blur', hideTooltip); info.addEventListener('click', function (event) { event.preventDefault(); event.stopPropagation(); var tooltip = getTooltip(); if (tooltip.classList.contains('is-visible')) { hideTooltip(); } else { showTooltip(info); } }); }); } document.addEventListener('click', hideTooltip); window.addEventListener('scroll', hideTooltip, true); window.addEventListener('resize', hideTooltip); bindTooltips(); document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', bindTooltips); window.addEventListener('load', bindTooltips); })();

Sessions in development

Learn Chess

Vinson Centre

Buckingham

Volunteer

Celia's Cafe

Bow Brickhill

Become a Venue

Contact [email protected]

Buckingham

We are looking for friendly volunteers to host a regular session in Buckingham for the Buckingham community

When: 6:00 - 7:30PM

Day of week: Based on volunteer availability

Where: Ground Floor, Vinson Centre

Address:
Vinson Centre,
21 Hunter Street,
Buckingham,
Buckinghamshire,
MK18 1EG

This is a 3minute drive from the centre of Buckingham.

Parking: There is various free parking nearby.

View location on Google Maps

If interested, please email [email protected]

♔♘♗♕♖♙

For the love of chess

Improve The Club

Play Chess

Meet People

Mission

Bringing people together through chess

Values

Uniting People

Integrity

Chess

Be Yourself!

MK Chess Pro Included

Make A Difference

(function () { const iframe = document.getElementById("mkchess-faq-frame"); const allowedOrigin = "https://2413003.github.io"; function setFrameHeight(height) { if (!height || !iframe) return; iframe.style.height = Math.ceil(height) + "px"; } window.addEventListener("message", function (event) { if (event.origin !== allowedOrigin) return; if (event.source !== iframe.contentWindow) return; if (!event.data || event.data.type !== "mkchess-faq-height") return; setFrameHeight(event.data.height); }); })();

Questions?

Email [email protected]

Monthly Sessions

✔ Thank you, your Pro Membership is confirmed.

Confirmation will be sent to your email.

  • All Play sessions

  • All Learn sessions

  • Access chess robots

  • 1:1 Coaching monthly

  • Priority matchmaking

  • Cancel anytime

Edit your Membership

1:1 Coaching 1:1 Coaching takes place during our Learn sessions at Unity Place

Upcoming Sessions

Connect with us on social media

✔ Thank you, your Membership is confirmed.

Confirmation will be sent to your email.

  • All Play sessions

  • All Learn sessions

  • Access chess robots

  • Cancel anytime

Edit your Membership

Upcoming Sessions

Play Chess
Play Chess
Learn Chess

Connect with us on social media

In-Person

Play people in the real world

Safe

Be yourself

Cancel Anytime

Why choose MK Chess

Why choose MK Chess

Free 2-day delivery

Jump into the excitement faster with free 2-day delivery on Meta Quest, Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta.

Free 30-day returns

Changed your mind? Return your product within 30 days with no delivery fees attached.

Safety

Products that come with peace of mind. One-year warranty included.

Buy now, pay later

Interest-free payment plans for as low as £29.99/month.

Choose Your Plan

Select the plan that's right for you

Free

Free
  • 1 Session/month
  • Access chess sets
  • No signup needed
Most Popular

Member

£2.99 / month
  • All Play sessions
  • All Learn sessions
  • Access chess robots
  • Access chess clocks
  • Cancel anytime

Pro

£4.99 / month
  • All Member features
  • 1:1 Coaching from Chess FIDE Master monthly i In-person 1:1 coaching during our Learn Sessions, held at Unity Place. Learn more
  • Priority matchmaking
  • Cancel anytime

Volunteer

Free
  • All Pro features
  • MK Chess Uniform

Learn Chess from Top Players

Group and One-To-One Learning

Meet People

Connect over a game

Play Chess Robots

Can you win?

Add Time Pressure

Play with chess clocks

Volunteer Assistance

Always happy to help

(function () { const iframe = document.getElementById("mkchess-faq-frame"); const allowedOrigin = "https://2413003.github.io"; function setFrameHeight(height) { if (!height || !iframe) return; iframe.style.height = Math.ceil(height) + "px"; } window.addEventListener("message", function (event) { if (event.origin !== allowedOrigin) return; if (event.source !== iframe.contentWindow) return; if (!event.data || event.data.type !== "mkchess-faq-height") return; setFrameHeight(event.data.height); }); })();

MK Chess as a place for all

Policies

Policies

Ages

We are open to all ages.

Abilities

We are open to all abilities. From brand new beginner to advanced.

Neurodiverse

We can accommodate for the needs of neurodiverse players. E.g. managing volume & pairings with players.

Wheelchairs

All our venues are wheelchair accessible.

Dropping off Juniors

Drop Off Locations

Parents can drop off juniors at

Unity Place – Last Friday of the month

Keeping MK Chess a safe place

Safety Policies

Policies

Safeguarding Juniors

All Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Venues

All modern, clean, with staff on-hand, toilets, food, water and first-aid.

Volunteers

All are DBS-Checked. Clearly identified with uniform.

Photography

Always ask for consent when taking photography.

Sign In

Attendees sign in. Everyone is accounted for with emergency contact info.

Pairing

We always aim to pair adults with adults and juniors with juniors.

Pipeline

Feedback we’re working on

Tournament

We’ve received feedback showing interest in a chess tournament

Improvement

We’ve received interest in chess improvement, such as coaching/academy

Corporate

Membership covers up to 1,000 people

Meet People

Play Chess

Safe Place

For All

Play Chess