Chess has a long presence in Canada, with organized play emerging in the mid-19th century and the game continuing to develop culturally, competitively, and institutionally ever since. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, the earliest organized chess activity in Canada began in 1844, when the first chess club was established in Montréal, Quebec, marking the formal beginning of the country’s chess community. Shortly thereafter, similar activity was recorded in Toronto, and clubs soon appeared in other centers, laying the foundation for national organization.

A major milestone came in 1872 with the founding of the Canadian Chess Association in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1932, the Canadian Chess Association was reorganized as the Canadian Chess Federation, and in 1945 it adopted the name it still uses today, the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC). This organization remains the national governing entity for the game in Canada, affiliating Canadian chess with the global governing body, Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE).

Canada’s participation in the international chess world expanded as the CFC organized national championships and sent teams to international competitions such as the Chess Olympiad during the 20th century. The CFC also oversees national rating systems and titles and organizes several national events, including the Canadian Open and the Canadian Chess Championship, which serve both competitive and qualifying purposes within the broader world of competitive chess.

Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Canada produced notable chess figures who have contributed to the country’s profile in the international chess community. Among them is Kevin Spraggett, born in Montréal in 1954, who became one of Canada’s most prominent grandmasters and remains one of the country’s highest-rated players, including participation in elite international competition.

Chess in Canada is not confined only to adult competition but extends into scholastic and recreational realms. Organizations such as the Chess’n Math Association, formed in 1985, have promoted the game in schools and youth communities, with a focus on instruction and scholastic competition.

Over time, chess in Canada has also participated in major international events. For example, historic matches and tournaments have taken place on Canadian soil, such as portions of the World Chess Championship 1894 in Montréal and significant Opens and junior championships in later years. Although these events are part of the broader narrative of chess in Canada, they underline the role the country has played in hosting and contributing to global chess culture.

Today, chess remains a vibrant part of Canada’s sporting and intellectual landscape, supported by clubs, organizers, educators, and players who maintain the game’s relevance across ages, regions, and competitive levels.