U.S. Chess Federation

The U.S. Chess Federation regulates and governs the game in the United States. It sanctions

tournaments and officials as well as oversees the ratings system that measures players' skills.

Chess is recognized as an essential tool that promotes inclusiveness and benefits education,

rehabilitation, recreation, and friendly competition.

Players must join the Federation to obtain a membership number which is required when

registering for rated tournaments and other events. Tournament directors submit results to

the Federation which updates a player's rating. The rating is an indicator of a player's skill level. Most tournaments are divided into competitive section ranges based on the rating system.

The general ratings include:

Novice (<800)
Beginner (800-1099)
Intermediate (1100-1399)
Intermediate2 (1400-1699)
Advanced (1700-1999)
Expert (2000-2299)
2200-2399 = 'Master' - strongest amateur rank

International professional players have two ranks:

2400-2499 = 'International Master' - basic professional rank; strong, experienced international player;
2500+ = 'Grandmaster' - Top of the line

The US Chess Rating Classifications include:

Senior Master (above 2399)
Master (2200-2399)
Expert (2000-2199)
Class A (1800-1999)
Class B (1600-1799)
Class C (1400-1599)
Class D (1200-1399)
Class E (1000-1199)
Class F (800-999)
Class G (600-799)
Class H (400-599)
Class I (200-399)
Class J (Under 200)

US Chess - Goals

* Expand the educational, social, recreational and rehabilitative applications of chess.

* Increase the visibility of chess on mainstream communications channels.

* Develop the depth and breadth of our partnerships.

* Use chess to increase opportunities for under-represented segments of society.

* Continuously improve internal operations and member services.

US Chess - Core Values

* Education. We promote the transformative power of chess for lifelong personal growth.

* Customer Service. We endeavor to be responsive, adaptive and proactive in providing

services to our customers.

* Excellence. We strive to be the best we can be as an organization and in service to the

game.

* Integrity. We honor, preserve and promote fair play.

* Inclusion. We believe everyone has a seat at the chess table.

* Love of the Game. We embrace chess as a historic and iconic game, and we celebrate its

history, growth and evolution in our activities and services.

So many opportunities available!

The U.S. Chess Federation web site offers so much information about being part of the great game.

Or scroll down here on our site for membership information below and click the link at the end to join.

Find out more

U.S. Chess Federation Member Benefits

Play official US Chess rated games, online or in person, for national and local events.
Recognition for your performance across age, gender, and game categories in our Top 100 lists.
Opportunities to improve as a player, chess organizer, coach, or tournament director through webinars and official certifications.
Voting Rights in US Chess Elections; participate in governance and have your say in the future of chess in America.
Digital access to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids, our award-winning magazines.
Print editions of Chess Life and/or Chess Life Kids (opt-in fees apply).
Helping us grow the game in America and worldwide!

U.S. Chess Federation - Membership

Adult - Regular

Players above age 24 may join at $54 for one year or $105 for two years at a time.

Adult - Senior *

Players age 65 and above may join at $48 for one year or $93 for two years at a time.

Adult - Lifetime A

Players age 65 and above may join at $810 one time and not have to renew.

Adult - Lifetime B

Players age 64 and under may join at $1,620 one time and not have to renew.

Adult - Young *

Players age below 24 may join at $33 for one year or $63 for two years at a time.

Youth *

Players below age 19 at expiration may join at $24 for one year or $45 for two years at a time.

Family Plan # 1

Family may join at $102 for one year at a time. Includes parents and children under age 19; may include college students up to age 24.

Family Plan # 2

Family may join at $66 for one year at a time. Includes Includes all children under age 19 living in household at the same address.

Special - Blind, prison inmates

Player may join at $22 for one year at a time if blind or incarcerated.

Special - Blind Life

Players who are blind may join at $405 one time and not have to renew.

Rate increase

If the rates appear to be more than they were last year, that is correct. The U.S. Chess Federation increased its membership rates which became effective January 1, 2025.

* Plans marked with asterisk

Member needs to be in the age range during the entire term purchased. For example, you cannot purchase a 2-year young adult membership if you would turn 24 before the end of the second year.

Safe Play

The Scott County Chess Club is committed to providing a safe environment for all chess players. We will not tolerate any kind of physical, mental, emotional, verbal or any other kind of abuse directed at any person participating in any of our events.

Any person found to be violating this policy will be ejected from the event. After due process, violators will be permanently banned from any future participation of events sponsored by the Scott County Chess Club.

If necessary, violators will be reported to local law enforcement authorities.

Our club tournament director/coordinator has completed Safesport training.

SC Chess has adopted and follows the U.S. Chess policy regarding Safe Play

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