The DeKalb Chess Club has historically been a place where chess enthusiasts young and old can come to participate for fun and prizes.

The club is an affiliate of both the Illinois Chess Association and the US Chess Federation, and meetings are held 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St., and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St. in Sycamore.

Bill Feldman, DeKalb Chess Club coordinator, encourages community members to come and compete at weekly club meets.

“There’s no cost to attend casual play, no membership cost, and all equipment is provided, but folks are welcome to bring their own favorite set, too,” Feldman said.

Since 2010, approximately 400 players from across the Midwest have participated in at least one of more than 20 officially-rated tournaments hosted by the DeKalb Chess Club. Rated events require U.S. Chess Federation membership. Most rated tournaments are held in conjunction with unrated tournaments that are open to the general public.

The next pair of tournaments are scheduled for Oct. 28. The Alekhine Memorial Open, held in memory of late chess player, Alexander Alekhine, is a rated event, while the Fall Classic will be an unrated event.

On-site registration for the Alekhine Memorial Open will go from 9:15 to 9:50 a.m., while registration for the Fall Classic will go from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. Registration for the Alekhine Memorial Open will cost $20, while registration for the Fall Classic will cost $7. Players interested in participating are encouraged to pre-register for a discount.