St. George is proud to boast that it has its own chess center that promotes chess and serves as the local governoring body of the game as an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation. It was home to Utah's only chess grandmaster Igor Ivanov - who died in November 2005.

This community center aims to promote chess as it provides a venue for games several times a week; it also hosts a couple of tournaments each year. For the serious chess player, instruction, lectures, and private lessons are also offered by the center. The facility also offers study areas, a snack area with a vending machine, and an air hockey table.

The St. George Chess Center (354 East 600 South #302, St. George, UT 84770) is open 3 to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 pm on Friday, and for lunch between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on weekdays. All are welcome to join. For more information call (435)656-1966 or visit www.stgeorgechess.com.