The Commons
A shared space for programs, events, and regional engagement
The Commons is a shared, multi-purpose space adjacent to the Cleveland Chess Foundation’s dedicated study and analysis rooms. It is designed to support tournaments, lectures, classes, exhibitions, and community-facing programming while preserving the quiet, focused environment of the Foundation Space itself.
The Commons also includes high-quality chess boards and smart boards connected to shared monitors, allowing members to play and observe games outside of the Foundation rooms. This enables active play, instruction, and analysis in an open setting while keeping the Library, Smart Play Room, and Advanced Analysis Room reserved for deeper, uninterrupted work.
Use of The Commons is structured, scheduled, and mission-aligned—supporting organized activity and engagement rather than informal or drop-in use.
Access & Use Model
Access to The Commons is member-first and structured to support organized play, instruction, and programming.
Members may use the Commons for casual and instructional play on designated boards, including use of smart boards connected to the shared monitor, provided such use does not conflict with scheduled programs or events.
Hosting tournaments, lectures, classes, or organized events within The Commons is restricted to the Cleveland Chess Foundation and approved partner organizations operating as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Such uses are scheduled in advance and reviewed to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission and standards.
This access model allows The Commons to remain active and engaging while preserving the focused, research-oriented character of the Foundation’s dedicated rooms.
Relationship to the Foundations Space
While The Commons supports active play, instruction, and public-facing programming, the Cleveland Chess Foundation’s Library, Smart Play & Study Room, and Advanced Analysis Room remain dedicated to focused study, preparation, and research.
This deliberate separation allows the Foundation to serve both community engagement and deep individual development without compromise—ensuring that activity in shared spaces does not diminish the quality or integrity of the Foundation’s core environments.