Leagues
Browse and join chess leagues.
Chess Global League is a free amateur chess league for adults and juniors who want regular, rated games — without the cost or formality of a club. Every month we run a new round: pick the online league and play your games on Lichess or Chess.com, or join a local chess league in your city and meet players face to face.
All leagues share the same Elo rating, so a win against a strong opponent on Lichess counts the same as a win in your local café. New players start at 1500 Elo and are placed in groups of up to five for short round-robins — close games, fast feedback, no commitment beyond a few games a month.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chess Global League really free?
Yes. Every league on this site is free to join — there is no entry fee, no subscription and no premium tier. We run it as a community project for amateur players who want regular, Elo-rated games against opponents at their level.
What is the difference between the online league and a local league?
The online league is global — players from any country play on Lichess or Chess.com and submit results here. Local leagues meet face-to-face in a specific city (cafés, chess clubs, parks). Both use the same shared Elo rating, and you can be a member of both at the same time.
How are players grouped each month?
At the start of each round, players are sorted by current Elo and split into small groups of up to five. Inside each group everyone plays a short round-robin. The top finishers move up to a stronger group next month and the bottom ones move down — so you always end up with opponents close to your level.
Do I need any rating or experience to join?
No. You can sign up as a complete beginner. Every new player starts at 1500 Elo and is placed in the lowest group of their league, where the games will be close and the swings small. After a few rounds your rating settles around your real level.
Can I start a local league in my city?
Yes — if there is no league in your city yet, send us a message and we will help you launch one. You only need a venue (a café, chess club or park) and a handful of players to begin. We handle the pairing software, Elo updates and standings.