EP 466 – Gaston Franco on the Remarkable Turnaround of the Hammersmith Chess Club and How to Grow Chess in Your Community

Twelve years ago, the Hammersmith Chess Club in London was down to fewer than 20 members and facing an uncertain future. Today, thanks to committed volunteers, a welcoming culture, and the broader boom in chess, it’s the largest chess club in London, and was recently named ECF Chess Club of the Year.

I’m joined by Hammersmith Club Captain Gaston Franco to discuss the club’s remarkable turnaround and what other communities can learn from it. We cover topics like financial sustainability, league play, and gender dynamics, as well as the importance of creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.

We also explore Gaston’s own chess journey, which highlights one of the game’s great strengths: its ability to provide instant community, especially when moving alone to a new country.

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0:00- Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Check out GM Ganguly’s new course here:

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2:00- Gaston Franco, the club captain of the Hammersmith Chess Club, joins me

Mentioned:

Watch Charlyze van Zyl’s tour of the Hammersmith Chess Club here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxR6mFl9d4E&t=1s

John White, club chairman

6:00 The Transformation of Hammersmith Chess Club

12:00- Common Club Activities and Structure, How they Appeal to Women and Junior Players

17:00- League Participation and Competitive Play

20:44 Membership Fees and Financial Sustainability

29:47 Sponsorship and Community Support

31:00- How the Club Fielded a team in the FIDE World Team Championship

33:13 Role of Grandmasters in the Club

Mentioned: GM Daniel King

34:28 League Matches and Club Activities

36:55 Chess Outreach and Community Engagement

39:10 Post-Pandemic Chess Boom

41:04 Challenges and Sustainability of Chess Clubs

43:18 Advice for Fledgling Chess Clubs

45:55 Guest Visits and Club Membership

47:24 Gaston’s Chess Journey from Buenos Aires to London

49:29 Comparing Chess Scenes: Argentina vs. London

51:52 The Future of Chess in Argentina

52:43 Community Events and Upcoming Tournaments

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