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North Brooklyn Chess Club Moves Weekly Matches to McCarren Parkhouse

The community group, which began as a pandemic-era gathering at a local bar, has launched a new summer series at the park facility.

By Staff ReportPublished Aug 6, 2026, 7:37 PM
Looking north at Prof Johae telling a touring group about the legal machinations that created McCarren Park, on a sunny afternoon.
Looking north at Prof Johae telling a touring group about the legal machinations that created McCarren Park, on a sunny afternoon. Image by Jim.henderson. Via Wikimedia Commons. Rights status: CC0 1.0.

The North Brooklyn Chess Club has transitioned its weekly operations to the McCarren Parkhouse, establishing a summer residency at the 855 Lorimer St. venue. The group, which invites players to gather for matches, is currently holding sessions every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This move marks a shift for the organization, which originally formed during the pandemic. According to reports, the club began as a casual fixture at Ponyboy, a Greenpoint bar where residents would meet to play chess before the venue’s evening crowds arrived.

The residency at the McCarren Parkhouse provides a dedicated public space for the club to continue its weekly programming. While the group has established this summer schedule, it remains unclear if the residency has a specific end date as the season concludes. The club’s presence at the parkhouse serves as a continuation of its efforts to foster community engagement through the game of chess, building on the informal gatherings that defined its early development.

Where it happened

McCarren Parkhouse

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