Free Club
No membership fees. Open to everyone.
Weekly Play
Free casual play Thursday and Sunday.
Free Rated & Unrated Tournaments
Affordable events plus free community tournaments.
Player Friendly
No late fees, play-up fees, or hidden club fees.
Learn & Grow
Lessons, practice, and tournament preparation.
Community First
Building a strong and inclusive chess community.
About Summit Chess Club
About Us
Summit Chess Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Carmel, Indiana. Founded in 2023 as a nonprofit by a 14-year-old Carmel High School student, the club was formed primarily to promote chess and help beginners become tournament players.
We organize USCF-rated tournaments, free rated and unrated community events, lessons, weekly casual play, and outreach programs with local libraries, schools, and organizations.
Founder
Nikhil Murugan
Nikhil Murugan, a Carmel High School student, is the founder of Summit Chess Club and recipient of the 2026 US Chess Scholar Ambassador Award. Read the US Chess announcement ↗
Mission
Summit Chess Club’s mission is to make chess accessible, affordable, and enjoyable while helping players build confidence, discipline, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning skills through tournaments, lessons, outreach programs, and free community events.
Community Philosophy
SCC promotes a positive “Win or Learn” environment where beginners feel comfortable starting tournament chess, experienced players mentor younger students, and families can enjoy chess together without barriers.
Through partnerships with Carmel Christian Church, Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL), Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL), Kid City, Westfield, Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, and Tamil Sangam of Central Indiana, SCC expands chess opportunities for players of all backgrounds.
GM Events
Special events featuring Grandmasters give local players the opportunity to learn from, meet, and compete alongside some of the strongest players in chess.
GM Alex Lenderman
Visited the club for one-on-one unrated blitz games and a Q&A session.
GM Elshan Moradiabadi
Led a chess simul event at Summit Chess Club.
GM Lorenzo Lodici
Featured guest for a chess simul and blitz event at the club.
GM Sam Khanin
Hosted a Blitz Battle event with club players.
Free Weekly Casual Play
Open to the community. All skill levels welcome.
Thursday — Adults & Kids
Free casual chess meetup for adults and kids. Play, learn, analyze, and connect with the community.
📍 Carmel Christian Church▣ Every Thursday
Sunday — Kids (K–12) Only
Free weekly chess session for K–12 students. Learn, practice, and have fun.
📍 CCPL Teen Center▣ Every Sunday