The game of backgammon has a long history, yet its timeless appeal continues to delight, challenge, and connect diverse players around the world. Locally, backgammon is enjoying an exciting revival in one thriving area club, the Chicago Backgammon League.
Currently a vibrant, rapidly growing community, the Chicago Backgammon League was originally started in the 1970s by Jack Schacht, and was inspired by his work running the National Backgammon League. Jack Schacht and Jill Murphy worked to reinstate the original club, and the League is now actively overseen by Executive Director Carissa Beaman, who recently shared her insights.
Beaman explained that the game of backgammon “is one of the oldest board games played around the world; people have been playing some version of it for over 5,000 years. It’s been found in ancient Mesopotamian sites, in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, and spread across the globe through trade.”
The two-player game involves navigating checker-like pieces around a board marked with a series of triangular-shaped markings, with players attempting to safely reach a “home base” first while skillfully blocking the opponent’s pieces. Backgammon inspires a mixture of strategy, forethought and luck, while fostering companionable camaraderie between players. The game offers a chance for players to exercise and hone cognitive skills, yet requires no intense physical exertion, and so is ideal for those seeking social interaction while facing physical limitations or challenges. “What’s wild is that despite its long history, the game feels just as modern and fresh today as it ever did,” Beaman noted.
Beaman first experienced backgammon during her childhood, through enjoyable games shared with her mother. “…It is a fond memory I had [of] that intentional time with her,” she recalled. “Going into high school learning the mix of strategy, luck, and social energy has been foundational,” Beaman said. She has continued this beneficial tradition by teaching her own children how to play backgammon.
Originally, Chicago Backgammon League’s founding partners, Jack Schacht and Jill Murphy, met in the 1970s, when Schacht helped Murphy’s mother run backgammon tournaments and then helped mentor a children’s league for the popular game. At the time, Murphy’s mother had successful backgammon clubs throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. More recently, Schacht returned to the idea of re-starting these popular clubs and reached out to Murphy for her input and assistance. “Jill was excited to become a founding partner and assist the league with the tournaments and inventory to help bring a shared vision for something bigger to life,” Beaman explained, noting that Schacht and Murphy have been collaborating ever since.
Chicago Backgammon League Founding Partner Jack Schacht “ran the backgammon clubs in the 70s, filling ballrooms with lively tournaments,” Beaman explained. “As a retired and still-energetic individual, the idea to re-launch today was really born out of wanting a place where anyone could walk into a warm, welcoming room full of people excited to play, whether they were total beginners or seasoned pros,” she said.
Beaman said that Schacht had partnered with her to help direct the new league, which is quickly gaining momentum. Beaman explained that the recent resurgence in the popularity of backgammon had signaled the optimum time to formally restart this league. She concluded, “What excites us all is seeing how connecting over the game helps people unwind, make friends, and grow their confidence; that truly inspires us to grow.”
Harnessing this wave of positive input and forward momentum, the team at Chicago Backgammon League is enthusiastic about the unique set of experiences they can bring to the community. As the league prepares to officially launch, they are offering a highly discounted membership rate of $95 for the first year, as well as an exclusive pin, to the first 250 founding members. Beaman noted that thus far, members have included a varied group, “from college students and young professionals to retirees and parents.” This blend of individuals adds to the vibrancy and success of the new league, offering its participants a chance to socialize and build connections with those who share similar life situations, as well as those of other ages and occupations. “Members are diverse in age, background, and skill level, which makes us really unique; we love that mix of all backgrounds that are brought together,” Beaman explained.
The Chicago Backgammon League joins the ranks of popular leagues on both the East and West Coasts of the United States. According to Beaman, leagues are popular in other major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. Though a few other backgammon “meet-ups” are available in the Chicago area, the Chicago Backgammon League offers participants a unique chance to meet in an environment that is supportive, welcoming to all, and open to backgammon players of all skill levels. Beaman noted that “what sets us apart is our focus on inclusivity and fun, no stuffy atmosphere, just a passion for the game and for connecting people. We’re also the only league in the area with active programs for all ages and skill levels.”
The Chicago Backgammon League strives to create a relaxing, enjoyable experience for all of its members. “We focus on making every event feel inviting, with no pressure or intimidation,” Beaman said. The League will offer an assortment of fun events for its members, from weekday game nights to upcoming tournaments. Those new to the game can get their first backgammon lesson free. Membership in the League has grown quickly, with many people learning about the League and its activities by word of mouth, and others locating the League through social media. Beaman noted that “the sense of community keep[s] people filling out interest forms on https://chicagobackgammon.com/contact-us/”.
Looking ahead, the Chicago Backgammon League is excited to be planning a special Caribbean cruise for both members and friends during the winter. The cruise will feature a variety of social events as well as backgammon tournaments enjoyed while at sea. Beaman was also excited to note that in the Chicago area, the League will be working with local teens to start a mentorship program.
Through this initiative, backgammon will be introduced into after-school programs as a way to teach and hone math, strategy, and teamwork skills.
Overall, the Chicago Backgammon League aims to eventually help host regional tournaments and work with area schools. They hope to have a dedicated space for the club meetings as well as retreats. Beaman said, “The big goals are to keep growing our community, add more neighborhood chapters, and make backgammon a go-to social activity all over Chicagoland and suburbs.”
Beaman and the team at Chicago Backgammon League are thrilled to be able to share the multiple benefits offered by this popular, timeless game. The benefits both of playing backgammon and participating in a vibrant social community touch the lives of a diverse population. “Backgammon is not just about competition, it’s about sharpening your mind, meeting new people, and building confidence,” Beaman explained. “Our league is a great place to make friends, improve your strategy skills, and just unwind from daily stress. It’s social, mentally stimulating, and just plain fun.”
Beaman concluded, “Backgammon is truly for everyone, whether you’re looking to compete, learn, or just have a good time. Our league is all about community, growth, and making the game accessible. We invite anyone, at any level, to give it a try! Let’s Play! You can come as a stranger, roll as friends and leave a legend!”
For more information, check out their website
Chicago Backgammon League | Play, Compete & Connect
This article is from the
EY January 2026 Issue