All Ages · One Friday a Month

Family
Chess
Nights

Name: Charcuterie & Queens — Learn to Play Chess Women's Night
Start: 2026-09-11T19:00-07:00
End: 2026-09-11T20:30-07:00
Location: Carmel Valley Chess Club

One Friday a month, 5–9pm — open to all ages and all levels. The first hour (5–6pm) is beginner instruction run by Coach JB, so come even if you've never touched a piece. It's donation-based, with everything going to our youth scholarship fund. Come as you are and give what you like.

📍 Above Mika Sushi, Carmel Valley ⏰ One Friday a Month · 5–9pm 🎓 5–6pm Beginner Hour 💛 Donation-based · Scholarship fund

Give
What You
Like all proceeds to the
youth scholarship fund

Mark Your Calendar

Six Family Chess Nights.

One Friday a month, 5–9pm, all ages welcome. Our very first one is Friday, July 17. Bring the whole family, come as you are, and give what you like — every dollar goes to the youth scholarship fund.

July · Our First

Friday
July 17

August

Friday
August 14

September

Friday
September 25

October

Friday
October 23

November

Friday
November 20

December

Friday
December 18

Every night: 5–6pm beginner instruction with Coach JB. 6–9pm open play for all ages and levels. Donation-based — all proceeds benefit our youth scholarship fund. No registration; just show up.

New · Women's Night

Charcuterie & Queens

Learn to Play Chess — A Women's Night

An evening for women to learn the game in the most inviting way possible — candlelight, a charcuterie spread with mocktails catered by Carmel Valley Creamery, and a board waiting just for you. Hosted by Halleh Bradley, Charcuterie & Queens is a relaxed, welcoming introduction to chess. No experience needed, nothing to prove. Come with a friend or come on your own — you'll leave knowing how to play.

WhenFriday, September 11, 2026 · 7:00 – 8:30 PM

WhereCarmel Valley Chess Club · 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 201

WhoWomen of every level — beginners most welcome

Cost$35 per person · 15% off if you register before August 11

CateringCharcuterie & mocktails by Carmel Valley Creamery

A drink beside a candlelit chessboard at the Carmel Valley Chess Club women's night

Chessboards set with candles by the window at dusk

The Carmel Valley Chess Club room set with candlelit boards for the evening

Adults and children playing chess together at the Carmel Valley Chess Club open house

The Vibe

What Family Chess Night Feels Like.

A real chess community in an airy, bright space — the opposite of every other chess club I've ever walked into. Kids and grandparents. First-timers and old-timers. Everyone gets a worthy opponent, and every dollar helps a kid who couldn't otherwise afford to play.

🎓

5–6pm: Beginner Hour with Coach JB

Never played before? Come at 5. Coach JB starts you from square one — the pieces, the rules, your first real game. Kids and grown-ups alike. No experience needed to belong here.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

All Ages, All Levels

Bring the whole family. Complete beginners next to tournament regulars, eight-year-olds next to eighty-year-olds. There's always a board, a seat, and an opponent at your level.

💛

Give What You Like

It's donation-based — no cover, no catch. Everything you give goes straight to our youth scholarship fund, so more kids in Carmel Valley can learn this game.

🍪

Bring a Snack

Bring a snack or dinner to share if you want. It's Friday. The space is comfortable, the games are good, and there's no rush.

📵

No Screens

Put the phone down. Look someone in the eye. Play a game. This is what Friday nights are supposed to feel like — for the whole family.

What Players Say

Don't Take Our Word for It.

"This club is better than The Mechanic's Institute."

— S., Friday Night Regular

"I hadn't played competitive chess in 20 years. I walked in on a Friday night and renewed my USCF membership that same evening."

— Friday Night Chess Player

"I drive 30 minutes past my local chess club to come here instead. That should tell you everything."

— Friday Night Regular

Find Us

Above Mika Sushi.

Address 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 201
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(Above Mika Sushi — Suite 201)

When One Friday a Month · 5:00pm – 9:00pm
5–6pm beginner hour · all ages · first night Fri July 17

Cost Donation-based — give what you like
All proceeds to the youth scholarship fund

Registration None needed. All ages welcome. Just show up.

Bring A beverage and snacks. Chess pieces provided.

Who All ages welcome. All skill levels. Zero experience required.

Call (831) 392-7456

FamilyChessNights