SWAMPSCOTT — A new chess club is officially getting underway in Swampscott, with its first meeting set for Wednesday evening at a newly secured location.

The Swampscott Chess Club will hold an informational session on April 29 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse at Eagle Rock Apartments on Vantage Terrace, followed by open play. The group will then meet weekly on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at the same location.

Led by longtime organizer Barry Cushner, the club is designed to welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to experienced competitors looking for regular games.

Cushner, who has lived in Swampscott since 1979, brings decades of experience running chess clubs across the North Shore, including a 12-year run at the Square One Mall in Saugus. He said the goal is to create a space that blends instruction with competition, giving new players a place to learn while allowing more seasoned players to sharpen their skills.

“I’ve run chess clubs for many, many years,” Cushner said in an earlier interview, describing a background that has included organizing tournaments, tracking ratings, and teaching players of all ages.

The idea for the Swampscott club grew out of a recent small tournament at the public library that drew a mix of adults and children and sparked interest in forming a regular group, according to Cushner.

Players attending the first meeting are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. The clubhouse is located up the hill from the Eagle Rock Apartments entrance and past the first building on the right. Parking is available across from the clubhouse, excluding premium spots. 

Those seeking additional information can contact Barry Kushner at [email protected].