Competing at the first meeting of Madison-Huntsville Chess Club are Wally Malmburg playing Jenson Wilhelm, in foreground, Undrea Randolph, Luis Morenilla, Dr. Paul Mulqueen, Scott Edwards and Russell Freeman. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Two locals clubs for adult chess enthusiasts have consolidated into one group.

“The historic Huntsville Chess Club merged with the emerging Madison Chess Club to form the Madison-Huntsville Chess Club (MHCC) on Sept. 1,” Don Maddox said. Maddox formerly served as editor of “Chess Life” magazine.

Meetings will be held every Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sunny Street Cafe, 7143-B U.S. 72 W. at the Slaughter Road intersection in Madison. The club will not have a curfew at this venue. “The doors lock when we leave,” Maddox said.

As club manager for Madison-Huntsville Chess Club, Maddox will maintain and publicize the club and coordinate between the two organizations.

“The first official act of the new club will be to conduct drawings at 8 p.m. during the first three meetings to give away a premium set of chess pieces to welcome members and commemorate what is a historic step forward for the local chess community,” he said.

House of Staunton, Clayton Burrell, Shawn Sullivan, Frank Camarrata and Maddox are contributing door prizes for meetings.

No connection exists between the Madison-Huntsville Chess Club and Madison City Chess League for youth “beyond a mutual interest in promoting local chess,” Maddox said.

“Attending and participating in club activities is the best way to ensure continued activity and growth,” Maddox said.

His commitment to this initiative is long term. “I have been teaching chess for more than 40 years. I believe Madison-Huntsville Chess Club will make a lasting contribution to children and adults in the Tennessee Valley,” he said. “Chess is one of the few activities that kids, adults and seniors can compete in as equals.”

Individuals can show their support of local chess by dining at Sunny Street Cafe and writing “CHESS” across the top of their receipt.

For monthly chess tournaments, visit madisonchess.com. Local tournaments charge a modest entry fee, compared to higher fees and travel expenses to distant tournaments.

For more information, call 256-783-5042 or email to ddmaddox@hotmail.com.