Where newcomers are welcome at the table 10

The places on this page say in so many words that beginners are welcome. For children from eight, the district libraries of Mülheim and Chorweiler hold free chess afternoons on Tuesdays, booked through the city library, and the Paula-Dürre-Haus in Ostheim runs Wednesday groups and a children’s group on the third Saturday of the month. Students and staff of the Cologne universities can join the Tuesday chess evening of the university sport service during lecture periods.

Older players find a relaxed round at the senior networks of Sülz-Klettenberg and Dünnwald and at the Bürgerhaus Zollstock, where beginners and experienced players share the afternoon. A monthly bar evening with chess and music welcomed every level in 2026, and outside Cologne the Schachtreff in the Knusperhäuschen in Königswinter and the Friday meeting in Bornheim-Uedorf are run for newcomers and club players alike.