Blending the strategic calm of chess with the pulse of dance music and the buzz of social media, Knight Club is redefining how young Londoners connect. Every Tuesday night, this rapidly

growing chess collective transforms into a vibrant social hub, attracting over 100 players who come not just to compete, but to connect.

Since its launch last year, Knight Club has become a cultural fixture, offering a refreshing break from digital life. Set against live DJ sets and the steady click of chess pieces, the club provides a unique space where face-to-face interaction thrives—something its mostly under-25 volunteer team sees as increasingly rare and valuable.

“Chess gives people something to gather around, something to bond over,” said 21-year-old organiser Lucia Ene-Lesikar. “It sparks conversation and creates instant, meaningful connections between people from all walks of life—whether they’re creatives, tech professionals, or working in healthcare.”

For founder Yusuf Ntahilaja, Knight Club is about more than just the game. “At its core, it’s a space for people to come together,” he said. “Chess is the catalyst, but what we’re really doing is fulfilling a basic human need—to connect, to gather, and to belong.”

In a fast-paced, screen-saturated world, Knight Club offers something timeless: real people, real conversations, and the simple joy of playing a game together. Photo by Mukumbura, Wikimedia commons.