In 1979, the UF Chess Club sent an underrated team to the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Championship.
An underdog, the UF team upset every major university in the tournament, winning the tournament.

Since then, the club has remained active, with notable events including a lecture and 20-player simultaneous with
IM Daniel Ludwig in 2008 and the 124-player Dr. John G. Harris Chess Championship in 2022. 

As of Spring 2026, Gator Chess Club meets on Thursdays at 6:00 pm in Room G310 of the Reitz Union.
The club also hosts a number of tournaments and events every year, including those open to the public and those for UF students only.