Our Passion, Your Game.
Welcome to Chess Gorilla, born from a lifelong passion for chess and a commitment to its vibrant community.
For over 30 years, our founder, Shelby Lohrman, has been a dedicated presence in the chess world, providing players with top-tier equipment and gaining an intimate understanding of their needs.
Built to Last, Designed to Perform.
Our motto, "The Chess Gorilla, chess equipment designed to take a beating!" is at the heart of everything we do. We believe your chess equipment should be a dependable companion. That's why we focus on:
Exceptional Durability
We are committed to creating robust products engineered to withstand the rigors of intense play and frequent use, whether in casual home games, club matches, or competitive tournaments. This dedication to resilience means we consciously reject the concept of "planned obsolescence," where products are intentionally designed with limited lifespans to encourage repeat purchases. Instead, our aim is to provide chess equipment that stands the test of time, offering lasting value and reliability.
Premium Quality & Practical Innovation
Our commitment to quality begins with sourcing only the finest materials, ensuring that our chess sets, boards, and accessories are built for longevity and performance. This is coupled with a focus on practical innovation, developing products that genuinely enhance the chess-playing experience. We strive to be a leader in chess innovation by creating user-friendly and durable solutions. Examples of this include our SilverBack Chess Clock, praised for its ease of use and robust construction, and the EZNotate system currently in development, which aims to simplify chess notation for players of all levels.
Customer-Driven Design
We believe that the best innovations come from understanding the needs of those who use our products every day. That's why we actively listen to the valuable feedback and insights from our community of chess enthusiasts. This customer-centric approach allows us to develop products that not only meet but often anticipate the real-world requirements of players, ensuring our equipment is both practical and highly beneficial.
More Than a Purchase, It's Support for Chess.
Chessset.com is the sales arm of the Rochester Chess Center (RCC), one of the few full-time, non-profit chess centers in the U.S. not funded by mega-rich benefactors. Every purchase you make directly supports the RCC's programs and outreach, benefiting both local and national chess communities.
Chess Gorilla is our product development arm, constantly innovating to bring you the best. We're proud to have strong ties to the chess community and are committed to making it stronger through reliable, long-lasting products.
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Updates
Stay involved and be part of the Chess Gorilla Revolution! We are on the forefront of chess innovation. No other company puts out more new products and develops new ideas like the primates at Chess Gorilla.
Keep an eye out for the SilverBack Chess Clock,our revolutionary chess timer. We went and asked tournament directors, organizers, players, and coaches what they would like to see in a chess clock and crammed it all into one package.
This clock is not only easy to use, it also shows what it is set for any time the clock is paused. Our "Tournament Director" function makes this the easiest clock to add/subtract time to. The "Last Game" function is the only one of its kind where if a clock misfunctions and turns off, it will not only remember the times on each side, it will also remember whos turn it is and you can re-start the game from there.
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National Open Tournament Sales
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Trials and Tribulations of developing new products
Join Us.
Explore our range of chess equipment on Chessset.com. When you choose Chess Gorilla, you're not just getting quality gear; you're investing in the future of chess and supporting a community dedicated to the game.
Need help? Our team of real chess players is here for you. Contact us via email at sales@ChessSet.com or support@chessset.com, call us toll-free at 1-800-ON-CHESS (1-800-662-4377), or use our live chat during business hours.