Real chess.
Real people.
Your neighborhood.
Glow pairs you with players at your level who live near you. One in-person game a week, a small group, everyone plays everyone. Bars, cafés, parks, the corner table. Whoever wins plays the next one free.
21+ · $39 per tournament · full refund if a group doesn't form within four weeks
Now in New York, Boston, San Francisco & Las Vegas
How it works
-
1
Tell Glow about your chess
Tap Talk to Glow. Two minutes: where you are, how you play, when you're free, what you're after (competition, company, both). Chess.com or Lichess username welcome, not required.
-
2
Your group forms
Six to eight players at a similar level in your part of the city. As soon as the group is there, you get the schedule and your first opponent.
-
3
One game a week, in person
Two rapid games (15+10, swap colors) wherever you two agree to meet. There's a default night at a partner spot if you'd rather not plan.
-
4
Tell Glow who won
Either of you reports, the other confirms. Standings update, next pairing lands Monday. Everyone plays everyone; the winner's next tournament is on us.
At your level
No 2000 crushing a 700. Groups are built from how you actually play, and everyone plays everyone, so it evens out fast.
People, not profiles
You meet six or seven new people over a board, one at a time. Most groups end up with a standing Tuesday.
Built for busy weeks
You and your opponent pick the time. Glow nudges, keeps score, and settles the paperwork.
Get a spot
Talk to Glow right here. Two minutes: your city and neighborhood, how you play, when you're free. Glow builds your group and takes it from there. Not in New York, Boston, San Francisco, or Las Vegas? Say hi anyway and you're first in line when Glow Chess reaches your city.
21+ · By chatting you agree to Glow's Terms and Privacy Policy.
Questions
Which cities?
New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Somewhere else? Talk to Glow anyway: you'll go on the waitlist and hear the moment groups can form in your city.
How strong do I need to be?
Any level. Groups are built around how you play, from "I know how the pieces move" to club-rated. You'll be in a group where the games are close.
What does it cost?
$39 per tournament, paid once your onboarding is done. That's five to seven matched games over as many weeks. If a group doesn't form in your area within four weeks, you get a full refund. The winner's next tournament is free.
Where do we play?
Wherever you two agree: a partner bar or café with boards, a park table, a club. Public places only. Your group has a default night at a partner spot if you'd rather not plan.
What if my opponent flakes?
Glow nudges you both midweek and before the deadline. An unplayed game is a forfeit for both sides; repeat no-shows get removed. Tell Glow and the team sorts out anything odd.
Is this a dating thing?
No. It's chess with people near you. Plenty of friendships start over a board; what you do after the game is up to you.
Who's Glow?
Glow is a personal social agent by Glow Tech. You talk to it like a friend who happens to be very organized. It never sells your info and only shares your first name with your opponents.