For people looking to play chess in the Phoenix area there is Valley Chess run by NM Joel Johnson. Currently they meet on Sundays at Borders bookstore in Paradise Valley, but he is looking at starting more locations.
You can find information at http://www.valleychess.org
Starting in November Valley Chess will be going weekly at 3 different locations:
Sundays from 2pm till 7 pm at the Borders across from the Paradise Valley Mall.
Phoenix - Paradise Valley
4555 E. Cactus Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Mondays from 6 pm till 10 pm at the Borders.
Chandler
Chandler Pavilions
870 N 54th Street
Chandler, AZ 85226
Thursdays from 6 pm till 10 pm at the Borders.
Glendale
7320 West Bell
Glendale, AZ 85308