PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The click of the timer as you select your next move and strategically watch your opponent, it's all a dance, a dance that makes up the game of chess.  

​Lyubomir Gospodinov knows that dance and strategy well.

Growing up playing this game, he made it more than a hobby, going on to win a national chess championship in 8th grade and a Florida state championship. He attributes much of that success to the chess club he grew up playing at, the St. Pete Chess Club.  

“I remember coming here in 9th and 10th grade of high school and I would play for fun on Fridays and even had a chess coach here,” Lyubomir said.  

Playing chess at the St. Pete Chess Club, a spot where his own father, also an avid chess player, is currently the chess club president. Showcasing that the love of this game is a family affair.  

“I appreciate now that I’ve moved back to St. Pete permanently after college, that I have the opportunity to come here and see old and new faces and play games and even challenge myself and play in some tournaments.”

The St. Pete Chess Club first opened its doors in 1930 in the very same building they still gather in today.

It's the oldest chess club to remain in the same place in the United States. The club has had international grand masters play here, like Sammy Reshevsky, Bobby Fischer, and Larry Christiansen, just to name a few.  

You can try your hand at this game alongside the greats during their open chess play days or even enter into one of their tournaments that has been taking place for the past 30 years.  

“You’d be surprised, you can meet a lot of people younger, older, or your own age.. you can make some really great friends and it’s just a great environment. We are very inclusive,” Lyubomir said.  

The St. Pete Chess club is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for open play. They also host a number of tournaments and lectures.