Site Navigation

Home
About
Services
Testimonials
Contact
FAQ

It's Good To Be King Inc

"A Shop For All Ages"

About Us

WE ARE ON SUMMER HIATUS
WE WILL BE CLOSED AND TAKE THE SUMMER TO ASSESS WHETHER TO REOPEN IN THE FALL OF 2026

Our business environment has become extremely difficult. Piling on to the long ongoing war of attrition with e-commerce, we are confronted with a tariff turmoil blitzkrieg by massive frontal assault of decreased availability of merchandise and flanking attacks of significantly increased costs for the chess sets we can actually continue to stock.

In the face of such overwhelming forces, we are retreating from the battlefield and strategizing our possible future.

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

We sell a wide range of chess merchandise at all price points -including complete chess sets of pieces and boards (including folding and magnetic sets), chessmen of Staunton and figure design, chess boards of all sizes, and chess clocks and accessories.
While carrying mostly chess merchandise, we also sell backgammon sets and checkers as well as history type merchandise including plastic toy soldiers, historic replicas, bobbleheads and playing cards.

Our Services include:

Customers are greeted and helped directly by our owners, Tom and Marguerite. They are the ones who personally select all of our products and display our merchandise; and they will be the ones who talk with you about what you are looking for, consult with you on making your selection, and take care of you at the cash register and package up your purchase.
Because our customers purchase the chess sets that they directly view and “hands on” examine at the store, we have very few issues after the sets are taken home or given as gifts. However, if there are issues, we offer refunds and exchanges – all handled at the store in person by our owners.

Our Products include:

Listed below are the major groupings/types of chess sets that we currently have in the store:
Magnetic chess sets plastic and wood: $15.99 to $89.99.
Folding and cabinet wood chess sets: $29.99 to $139.99.
Plastic tournament chessmen and roll-up boards - $29.99 to $89.99.
Historic figure chessmen/sets: $79.99 to $189.99.
Wood weighted chessmen/sets: $19.99 to $299.99.
Metal chessmen from Italy: $89.99 to $379.99.
Wood and leather chess boards - $29.99 to $199.99.
Marble and alabaster chess sets: $199.99 to $399.99.
Chess clocks – analog and digital: $49.99 to $89.99.
Please call or e-mail the store as indicated on the “Contact Us” page for more detail as to what we have in stock “up to the minute” when you are thinking to come in.

Testimonials

On 5/30/2026 Brenda Hu had this to say:
Had a great experience buying my first chess set at this shop. Easy parking as well. Thanks!

On 3/18/2026 Nicole Palacios had this to say:
My daughter's been playing chess for about a year now, and getting really good at it! She got her own portable magnetic chess game to take where ever now!

On 2/15/2026 Haven Sullivan had this to say:
great place and great service. highly recommend!!

On 2/12/2026 Miguel Cesar had this to say:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stopped by It’s Good To Be King – The Chess & Soldier Store today and finally picked up a new chess board I’ve been wanting for years. Incredible experience. The owner is welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about chess and the local community. You can feel this isn’t just a store — it’s a place built around history, strategy, and connection. Great selection of boards and sets for all levels. I picked up a magnetic board perfect for hosting games at the restaurant, and I’ll definitely be back. If you’re in Elmhurst and love chess (or want to learn), this is the spot. Support local. ♟️ Ni Hao Asian Café

On 2/7/2026 David M. had this to say:
Great selection great people. Enjoyed it picking out our new set! We will be back again!

Contact Us

It's Good To Be King Inc
129 W. 1st St. Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 833-5060
Email: itsgoodtobekingchess@gmail.com; contactus@goodtobeking.com

Kitty Corner Northwest of Elmhurst Metra Station. In The Middle of the Downtown Elmhurst Area.

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Debit Cards

Our Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

FAQ

What kind of store is this?

We are a brick-and-mortar chess store located in downtown Elmhurst City Centre, serving the Chicago area since 1996. We specialize in selling physical chess sets in-store.

Do you sell online?

No, we are a physical retail store only. All purchases are made in person, allowing customers to see and handle the chess sets before buying.

What types of chess sets do you carry?

We offer a wide variety of chess sets, including classic, themed, and specialty designs. Inventory changes, so we recommend visiting soon for the best selection.