How Pune Chess Hangouts is bringing a social side to chess in the city
Punekars, if you love chess and enjoy the vibe of a chess club, then Pune Chess Hangouts is for you. Every weekend, people come together to play, chat, and simply spend time over the board. It's a relaxed space where anyone can join in. The setting keeps changing, but the feeling stays the same! With 250+ meetups and over 1,000 members, this community keeps chess social, stress-free, and truly fun. Join them for their 100th weekend across the city. Read the article to know more. Photos: Pune Chess Hangouts
100 weekends of Pune Chess Hangouts
Anyone who really loves chess knows it isn’t just about ratings or results. It can be relaxed, social, and unhurried - played without worrying about points or tournaments. In Pune, that idea has come together through ‘Pune Chess Hangouts', a community-driven group that meets every weekend to play over the board, meet new people, and enjoy the game.
What started in early 2024 as a small, casual meetup has grown steadily over time. Today, players gather across areas like Kothrud, Baner, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyani Nagar, Bavdhan, Camp, Hinjewadi, Viman Nagar and more. For the founders, Sanjana and Chaitanya, the goal has always been simple: keep chess fun, social, and stress-free. Recently, they have also started meetups at everyone's beloved Arai Hill - playing chess in the open air, amidst nature!
Pune Chess Hangouts doesn’t work like a typical chess club or academy. There are no fees, registrations, or subscriptions. You just show up, with a board if you have one, or without, and start playing. The meetups are free; you only pay for whatever you order at the café. The community is open to everyone, from complete beginners to FIDE-rated players, from kids to seniors. And once you are part of it, you will always have someone to play with - whether it’s over the board on a weekend or online during the week. That openness has been central to its growth, starting from a handful of players in 2024 to over 1000 members in the community, and more than 70 people attending every weekend!
A big part of its charm is how naturally it fits into city life. Meetups happen at cafés that are easy to reach and comfortable for long games. Players are asked to be mindful of the space by ordering at least one item and respecting other customers. This approach has helped build lasting relationships with cafés like Leafy Trails Café, Coffee Nation, Doolally Taproom, and Cafe Buddy's Espresso, among others.
These spaces are influential in creating a relaxed vibe of the community - Players can pause mid-game to talk about ideas, laugh over missed tactics, or even take back obvious blunders. With coffee and snacks on the table, it often feels less like a competition and more like friends hanging out.
Their WhatsApp Community and Instagram page have a well-run system. Every Thursday, members vote on meetup locations and timings. The final plan is shared on WhatsApp and Instagram by Friday, making it easy for newcomers to join. By Sunday evening, photos and summaries from the meetups are posted, keeping the momentum alive and giving the community a sense of rhythm.
Beyond regular meetups, they also make an effort to bring titled players closer to the community. International Masters and Grandmasters are invited to join the sessions, play casual games, interact with members, and even give simul exhibitions. In December 2025, PCH took a big step forward when it was sponsored by the Global Chess League to host a rapid tournament for its members. With over 80 participants and free tickets to watch the event for the winners, the tournament turned into a memorable milestone for the group.
As of April 2026, they have had more than 250 meetups, among which 90+ have been conducted in 2026. The community continues to expand, with its purpose remaining the same - to make chess fun, social and accessible to everyone. While the community remains informal by design, its impact is hard to miss. Pune Chess Hangouts has created a warm, welcoming space where chess fits naturally into weekend life.
To become a part of Pune Chess Hangouts community, simply contact them on their Instagram or via email (punechesshangouts@gmail.com), to receive the invite link.
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