Getting a US Chess membership is the first official step if you want to play rated chess tournaments in the United States, receive an official national rating, and become part of the American chess community.
If you are new to US Chess, the process may look confusing at first. But in reality, it is straightforward once you understand each step.
This guide will walk you through the entire process clearly, from understanding what a US Chess membership is to completing your registration and using your membership after you sign up.
1. What Is a US Chess Membership?
A US Chess membership is an official registration with the United States Chess Federation. It allows you to participate in rated chess events and gives you access to many chess-related benefits.
With a valid membership, you can:
- Play in officially rated chess tournaments (both online and over-the-board).
- Receive a US Chess rating based on your tournament results.
- Be listed in the national rating database.
- Receive chess publications such as Chess Life or Chess Life Kids (depending on your membership type).
- Get updates about tournaments, events, and chess programs.
- Participate in the governance of US Chess, including voting in elections.
If you want your games to count toward an official U.S. rating, a US Chess membership is mandatory.
2. Choose the Right Membership Type
Before signing up, you should decide which membership type fits you best. US Chess offers several options based on age and long-term commitment.
Common membership types include:
- Youth Membership
For children and teenagers, usually under age 19. This option is more affordable and designed for young players. - Young Adult Membership
For players in their late teens or early twenties, often at a discounted rate compared to full adult memberships. - Adult Membership
For most adult players. This is the standard option if you are over 18 and not eligible for youth or senior rates. - Senior Membership
For older players, typically age 65 and above. - Family Membership
Covers multiple members of the same household, often parents and children. - Life Membership
A one-time payment that provides lifetime membership, with no need for renewals.
Most first-time members choose a one-year or two-year membership. You can always upgrade later if your plans change.
3. Gather the Information You Will Need
Before you start filling out the registration form, prepare the required information. Having everything ready will make the process much faster.
Required Personal Information
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender (if requested)
- A unique email address (this email cannot already be used by another US Chess member)
- Mailing address
- Phone number
Optional Information
- School name (for students)
- Tournament preferences
- Communication preferences (newsletters, event alerts)
Important: Each US Chess member must have their own email address. Family members cannot share a single email.
4. Start the Membership Registration Process
To begin your membership application:
- Visit the official US Chess website.
- Navigate to the membership or “Join US Chess” section.
- Review the overview of benefits and membership types.
- Click the option to begin registration as a first-time member.
This will take you to the registration form designed specifically for new players.
5. Complete the First-Time Member Form
The registration form is where you officially enter your details.
You will be asked to provide:
- Your full name exactly as you want it to appear in tournament records.
- Your date of birth.
- Your email address (double-check for accuracy).
- Your mailing address, especially if you want to receive printed magazines.
- Your phone number.
Some sections are optional, such as:
- Whether you want to receive tournament announcements.
- Whether you want promotional emails or newsletters.
- Preferences related to chess activities and events.
You may also need to complete a CAPTCHA or verification step to confirm you are a real person.
Take your time here. Errors in name or birth date can cause problems later when entering tournaments.
6. Select Membership Length and Make Payment
After completing the form, you will move to the payment section.
Here you will:
- Choose the membership duration, usually one year or two years.
- Confirm your membership type and total cost.
- Enter your payment information and complete the transaction.
If you have a voucher or special discount, this is usually the stage where it can be applied.
Once payment is successful, your membership is officially created.
7. Create or Activate Your US Chess Account
After payment, you will receive a confirmation email.
This email may ask you to:
- Set up a password.
- Activate your online account.
- Sign in to the US Chess website.
Your online account allows you to:
- View your membership status.
- Update personal information.
- Check your membership expiration date.
- Manage communication preferences.
Keep your login details safe, as you will use them often.
8. Receive and Save Your US Chess Member ID
Once your membership is active, you will be assigned a unique US Chess Member ID number.
This number is extremely important because:
- It identifies you in all rated tournaments.
- It links your games to your official rating.
- Tournament organizers will ask for it when you register.
Save this number in multiple places (email, notes app, or written copy).
9. Understand What Happens After You Join
After registration, you will typically receive a welcome message explaining:
- How to access your profile.
- How to find rated tournaments.
- How ratings work.
- How to renew your membership when it expires.
If you selected printed publications, they may arrive by mail after some time.
10. Start Playing Rated Chess
With an active membership, you can now:
- Register for US Chess–rated tournaments.
- Play games that count toward your official rating.
- Track your progress over time.
- Join chess clubs and communities connected to US Chess.
Your rating will be calculated after your first rated event and updated as you play more tournaments.
Final Tips for New Members
- Double-check your personal information before submitting the form.
- Use an email address you will always have access to.
- Renew your membership before it expires to avoid issues entering tournaments.
- Keep your Member ID handy for all chess-related activities.
- If you are unsure which membership type to choose, start with a one-year option.
Conclusion
Getting a US Chess membership is not complicated once you understand the process. By choosing the right membership type, filling out the form carefully, and completing payment, you can become an official member in just a few minutes.
From that point on, every rated game you play becomes part of your chess history.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.