In order to provide even better service, we are offering a "frequently asked questions" area to address specific inquiries pertaining to chess clubs. If you have any questions which you need answered, please contact Club Development at: clubs@uschess.org or at USCF (931) 787- 1234, ext. 128.

Q: How do I find a club in my area?
A: You can search our online directory for a chess club near you, Club Directory. Another place to check is the State Chapters list right above the individual states. A lot of the state chapters will have a listing of chess clubs in their state. In any case, call first to make sure that the club is still meeting or the hours are still the same as listed.

Q: Okay, what if I don’t find any club close by me?
A: Then why not start one. It is real easy.

Q: How do I start a chess club in my area or school?
A: It is real simple: you need a place and the players. Places to look for starting a club are bookstores, coffee shops, libraries, town halls, and recreation centers to name a few. Contact Club Development, (931) 787-1234, ext. 128. They will make sure that a USCF's chess club affiliation packet is sent to you.

Q: Can my chess club organize a USCF-rated tournament?
A: Yes, it's easy! Request a copy of USCF's pamphlet, "Step-by-Step Brochure on Running Your First Tournament". We offer a variety of brochures and forms on our website: Brochures & Forms. When requesting to be mailed a brochure, be sure to include your mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number with your request.

Q: How much does it cost for a chess club to become an affiliate (member) of USCF?
A: $40.00 a year is the affiliate rate for clubs within the US. For those in Canada, $60.00 a year and all other countries, $80.00. Your club will receive a copy of our monthly publication, Chess Life, bi-monthly rating supplements, commissions on individual memberships collected, club discounts on purchases from our book and equipment catalog, and the authority to run rated chess events which can be USCF rated. By no means is this all so why not give us a call?

Q: If my chess club runs USCF rated events, how do we advertise?
A: Clubs can advertise their events in the Tournament Life section of Chess Life magazine. These inexpensive Tournament Life Announcements (TLAs)ads also appear on our website Tournaments.

Q: What is the meaning of the letters A,G,H,P, and T on materials that I receive from the USCF?
A = Regular affiliate
G = College affiliate
H = Scholastic affiliate (K-12)
P = Prison affiliate
T = State affiliate

Q: Are there additional US Chess Federation FAQs available?
A: Yes. Our index of "FAQ's" is offered on our homepage.