PACIFIC BEACH – Two strangers walked into a bar… and now they’re in a chess club together.
The co-founders met on Reddit a year ago looking for chess partners. They started meeting weekly at local bars. Soon, others joined in.
The group, now known as Beers by the Bay Chess Club, was co-founded by Mark Laturno, Aidan Ryan, and Julia Gale. Its purpose was to create a casual, friendly space for people to connect through games and conversation.
In its first year, the club held more than 40 weekly meetups and welcomed nearly 500 unique participants.
Over the past year, Beers by the Bay has become a “third place,” not home or work, but a welcoming, social environment where people gather to relax, connect, and unplug. The club just celebrated its first anniversary on Oct. 17 at Tavern at the Beach in Pacific Beach.
The three co-founders reflected on the somewhat surprising growth of their new chess and social club. “A lot of people love chess but don’t want the pressure of a tournament setting,” said Ryan. “Here, it’s about having fun. You can grab a beer, play a few games, and meet new people. That’s the whole idea.”
“We’ve built something that feels relaxed and inclusive,” said Gale. “Whether you’re playing chess or another game, everyone’s welcome. It’s a night where people actually talk, laugh, and connect.”
“I have been obsessed with chess and got seriously into it my freshman year in college,” said Laturno, a speed chess player. “This was my procrastination tool of choice where I would play hours of online chess,” he added. “But I didn’t have any chess buddies or anybody to play with.”
What Laturno, Ryan, and Gale did has worked. Their club now draws up to 70 players each week, with a mix of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Some are seasoned players, others total beginners, but many come simply to enjoy the vibe.
While chess is at the center, tables often fill with Connect 4, Jenga, Uno, and Yahtzee, adding to the inclusive, lighthearted atmosphere.
More information about the Beers by the Bay can be found here.
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