Chess is a language that speaks to everyone, whether you’re a Grandmaster in the making , or still waiting for your first checkmate. From surreal chess cities, to hotels that feel like a mid-century fever dream, these eight destinations are a “Queen’s Gambit”-style trip worth taking. Pack your bags and sharpen your opening theory —we’re going on a world tour. 1. St. Louis, Missouri: the chess capital St. Louis is widely considered the Chess Capital of the World, and for good reason. Located across the street from the World Chess Hall of Fame, the Saint Louis Chess Club isn’t just a building—it’s one of the most technologically advanced hubs on the planet, that also just happens to offer lectures, kid programs, and classes for every level of player. If you hang around long enough, you might spot legends like Hikaru Nakamura or Fabiano Caruana playing a casual game.…