Chess in Milton Keynes

Upcoming Sessions

Learn Chess

Learn Chess

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6:00 - 7:30PM

Play Chess

Play Chess

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6:00 - 7:30PM

Play Chess

Play Chess

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6:00 - 7:30PM

Monthly All Age Sessions

Weekly Adult Sessions

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

the start

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.

Friday 25th July, 2025

Milton Keynes

Learn the basics of chess
For beginners who have played up to 20 games, or who have a Chess.com rating of up to 800.
If you’re just starting to play chess, this session is for you.

Chess Training & Learning

Improve your game - session for Beginners.

Learn while playing

Intro to Board & Pieces

  • How each move

  • Value of each

Piece Development

  • Centre control

  • Castling

  • En Passant

Blunders

  • How to gain advantage

Practice & Reasoning

Improving at chess

  • How to practice effectively

interested in joining?

This session is for Members only. To confirm your place, please email Galen at [email protected]

When: 6:00 - 7:30PM

Where: Community Hall, Unity Place

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

Unity Place is a 2 minute drive from the centre of Milton Keynes.

Parking: Unity Place has some free parking, and there is free parking 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. Including children.
Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Upcoming Training Sessions

Training Sessions are every last Friday of each month @ Unity Place, 6:00 - 7:30pm.
Each covers something new, for different abilities.

faq's

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

No. We provide everything

Is this a group session or 1:1?

This is a small group session

Who is this session for?

Beginners (Up to 800 Chess.com rating, or up to 20 games played)

interested in joining?

This session is for Members only. To confirm your place, please email Galen at [email protected]

Play Chess

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6:00 - 7:30PM

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

It's a 1 minute walk from Bletchley train station, close to Bletchley Park.

Parking: Free Parking

View location on Google Maps

What 3 Words location: ///give.shot.mouse

This session is open to all ages

Casual chess gameplay

Play and meet new people

Volunteers

Our volunteers are DBS checked.

Galen Butler

Hassen Ouazir

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

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Milton Keynes

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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

Sundays

Starting 19th April

10:00 - 11:30am

Adults Session
Willen Lake

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Play Chess

Peaceful

Enjoy the view

Play Chess
Play Chess

Adult Session

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

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

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Milton Keynes

6:00 - 7:30PM

6:00 - 7:30PM

Upstairs - Courtside Lounge

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

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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

Food & Drink

Restrooms

Food & Drink

Restrooms

Free WiFi

Free Parking

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

How to get here

Directions

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

Free Parking

View location on Google Maps

embed-googlemap.com

(Cancelled) Tuesday 30th September, 2025

Buckingham

When: 6:00 - 7:30PM

Where: Upstairs Enterprise Hub

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

This session is open to all ages. Including children.
Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

♔♘♗♕♖♙

Volunteer

Example Activities

Improve The Club

Play Chess

Meet People

Values

Uniting People

Integrity

Chess

Be Yourself!

MK Chess Pro Included

Do What You Want

Make A Difference

FAQs

What are the requirements?

+

Past attendance at our sessions and alignment with our values

What is the process?

+

Application, Shadow existing volunteer at session, Volunteer

Do I need to be good at chess?

+

No, there are no ability requirements, except for teaching

How will I learn my activity?

+

Shadowing an existing, friendly volunteer at our sessions

Will you provide me with a reference?

+

Yes

Are there any fees?

+

No

Questions?

Email [email protected]

Open Volunteering Roles

Find what you love to do

Not sure how you’d like to volunteer?

We can help you find the right role for you

Questions?

Email [email protected]

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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

  • Bring up to 3 guest players/month

  • 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

FAQs

Can I attend MK Chess for free?

+

Yes! MK Chess Free is available to everyone. Upgrading to Member, Pro, or Volunteer offers an improved experience

What ages is this for?

+

MK Chess is for all ages

Do parents need an additional membership?

+

No, only players

How to change membership plan?

+

Easily cancel your existing plan via ‘Manage Membership’ on this page, and reselect your new preferred plan

How to edit payment method?

+

Easily edit your existing payment method via ‘Manage Membership’ on this page

How to cancel?

+

Easily cancel anytime via ‘Manage Membership’ on this page

Questions?

Email [email protected]

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.

Send feedback to MK Chess

Describe your feedback

We listen

Most changes we’ve made are from feedback

Examples

Made Upcoming Sessions Clearer

We received feedback that it wasn’t clear when the next sessions wereSo we made the ‘Next Session’ part of the website, added to top of site, homepage and sidebarAnd the ‘Calendar’ part of the website to view all upcoming sessions in one place

Built Chess Learning Sessions

We received feedback that people wanted to learn chessSo we built the ‘Learning Session’ at Unity Place, which incorporates a group lesson and 1:1 feedback from advanced chess players such as Fidemaster Gary Kenworthy (#1 ranked chess player in the region)

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

2026 Objective

Increase attendance

Especially among adults

Organise tournament

To encourage competition

2025 Review

Our first University student-only session was held in February
Our first public session was held in May
Our first coaching session was held in September

Corporate

Membership covers up to 1,000 people

Email

[email protected]

Meet People

Play Chess

Safe Place

For All

Play Chess