Greater Baystate Chess

03/25/2026

Greetings and salutations Chess Fans,

GBCC IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

St. John's Lutheran Church
60 Broad Street
Westfield, MA
01085
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UPDATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Sadly,
The Greater Baystate Chess Club has permanently closed its doors.

One of our club's officers, Robert Campbell, had a cluster of mini strokes a few months back, and is no longer able to participate or attend any longer. His presence was most essential to the operations of the club, and without him, unfortunately it cannot function the same. He did most of the physical work of setting up and breaking down of the club. At the same time, he helped a paraplegic with disabilities. Everything from transportation back and forth to assisting with the wheelchair while we were there. He was a saint and did so much, and we’ll always appreciate him for all of it!
But now he’s relocated and started a new life getting the loving care he needs for the healthiest life possible.

We were also were lacking much needed community and financial support. It was an immense amount of work to put in to sometimes have 2 - 6 people on average show up toward the end. Plus the rent came out of our pockets more than half the time.

These reasons were finally sealed with St. John’s Lutheran Church reopening their Bible school where they were kind enough to allow us storage of our equipment, books, and supplies for over 2 years. As a result they had to be removed and stored. So, we would’ve had to find a new venue at the very least, even if we were going to reopen.

Rather than letting the chess materials collect dust in a storage facility we couldn’t afford, we donated all of it out to various chess clubs and enthusiasts. So they will be put to good use by helping many people improve in the game.

Thank you to all of you who've supported us over the last 3 years! It was a great experience, and a lot of good and joy came out of it. We hope everyone who participated in the club, it’s events and tournaments feels the same way.

- Greater Baystate Chess Team

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Our website is still up and running though!
Please visit us there where you’ll find chess tournament and club listings, world, national and state top 10 rankings, puzzles, articles, videos, over 200 photos and more.

Our website: greaterbaystatechess.com

03/21/2026

GBCC Is CANCELED Monday 3/23, 2026

St. John's Lutheran Church
60 Broad Street
Westfield, MA
01085
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There won't be a Chess club meeting this week due to the inclimate weather forecasted. It's going to be very rainy, continuing into the overnight hours, changing over to wet snow. Be safe and blessed this week to all.
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03/15/2026

GBCC Is CANCELED Monday 3/16, 2026

St. John's Lutheran Church
60 Broad Street
Westfield, MA
01085
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There won't be a Chess club meeting this week due to a family crisis that arose over the weekend. We'll also need to play it by ear moving forward as a result.
We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you all have as nice a week as you can.
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03/06/2026

GBCC Meets Monday, 3/9, 2026
6:00 PM
St. John's Lutheran Church
60 Broad Street
Westfield, MA
01085
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Due to popular demand, we're holding a blitz tournament this coming week. Several folks have requested it, so it's ON! And it happens to be Bobby Fischer's Birthday. He would be 83, were he still with us.
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"Bobby Fischer's Birthday Blitz"

$500 Prize Fund Guaranteed

Cash Prizes: $200 - $125 - $80 - $65 - $30

US Chess Federation Membership Required

Can Be Purchased At The Club

USCF Blitz Rated Only

Unrated $10

Format: 4 Rounds; Double Round Robin. G/5;d0

Each Player Plays Their Opponent Twice,
Once With Each Color

Rounds: 7:00, 7:20, 7:40, 8:00

Entry Fee: $20

Registration: 6:00 - 6:45 On Site

Entries: Cash Only At The Door

Link to USCF TLA: https://new.uschess.org/bobby-fischers-birthday-blitz
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The Tournament Is Optional, Not Required.

There Will Be A Separate Skittles Area.

All Other Club Activities Will Be Available
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*Huge Free parking lot in the rear of the church, well lit.
*501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT, DONATION BASED
*No membership fees required.
*Donations Are Greatly Appreciated!
*US Chess Federation Affiliate
*Casual & professional players welcome at all levels, ages 5 and up.
*Fun family atmosphere. We strive to make it, so Everyone feels welcome!
*Productive, educational activities for *children & adults alike.
*Chess equipment is provided, and you may *bring your own if you like.
*Many Chess Club Library Books
*Rated & Unrated tournaments
*Simultaneous Exhibitions
*Basic lessons
*Analysis of games
*Chess puzzles to solve
*Make new friends, see old friends!
*Free Coffee
*Cold drinks & snacks available
*You may bring your own food
*Great lighting
*Separate Restrooms
*Many large tables
*Please be considerate & kind to everyone.
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Cash Prizes: $200 - $125 - $80 - $65 - $50 - $30 US Chess Federation Membership Required Can Be Purchased At The ClubUSCF Blitz Rated Only Format: 4 Rounds; Double Round Robin.Each Player Plays Their Opponent Twice, Once With Each Color Rounds: 7:00, 7:20, 7:40, 8:00 Entry Fee: $20 Unrated $10

02/14/2026

★GBCC WILL BE CLOSED★
MONDAY, February 16th.

St. John's Lutheran Church
60 Broad Street
Westfield, MA 01085
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There will be no chess club this coming week, in observance of Washington's Birthday.
In the meantime, here is a composition from 1876.

WHITE TO MOVE, CHECKMATE IN 3:
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12/06/2025

An American Chess Master;
I won the 1945 U.S. Open Chess Championship, 4 New York State Championships, and 6 Marshall Chess Club Championships...

Who am I?