check mates.
chess is more social than you think.

a monthly hangout in Rotterdam where moving pieces is the excuse and the people are the point.

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

hear about the next edition, when it's ready.

no spam. just your invite for check mates, every month.