Chess Organizations
To help our members reach out to other chess organizations, we've compiled the list below. Check out their sites for more information!
The Illinois Chess Association (“ICA”) is the recognized state affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (“USCF”) for the State of Illinois. ICA is an Illinois corporation with not-for-profit status under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §501(c)3. As the USCF state affiliate, ICA is responsible for conferring chess titles for the state of Illinois under USCF auspices.
The US Chess Federation (US Chess) is the official governing body and not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Their mission is to empower people through chess one move at a time. Our vision is to enrich the lives of all persons and communities through increasing the play, study, and appreciation of the game of chess.
US Chess represents the United States in the World Chess Federation (FIDE), connecting our members to chess players around the world. Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, US Chess has grown to serve over 85,000 members and 2,000 affiliated chess clubs and organizations today.
Founded in Paris on 20 July 1924, the World Chess Federation (Federation Internationale des Echecs, known as FIDE from its French acronym) was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an International Sports Federation in 1999. With 188 member federations, FIDE is among the biggest sports organizations in the world, very proud of over forty official championships for youngsters, men, women and seniors.
Prior to the founding of FIDE, Chess had existed as a sport played at competitive level for centuries. In its over 2000 years history from its origins in India and outlying countries in Asia, the game had undergone a series of changes and metamorphosed into its present day form by the 15th century. In those days, there was no common code governing the Laws of Chess or uniform regulations for International Competitions. The only binding force was that it was a gentleman's sport in which the players were expected to act with decorum plus the enduring beauty of the game to its practitioners.
Scholastic Organizations
The following organizations help to develop chess in schools
The Northern Illinois Chess League is an IHSA Chess Conference composed of various high schools across Northern Illinois. The NICL Conference is committed to raising skill in and awareness of chess in schools and in the community.
The ICCA has been organizing chess coaches in Illinois since 1967. They provide resources and connections to help facilitate chess programs across the state. Check out their website for information about scholastic programs and resources to help teach and learn chess.
IHSA Chess has been organizing a State Finals Series for chess since 1975. Today, there are over 150 paricipating high schools
IESA Chess has been organizing a State Final Series for chess since 2011. Today, there are over 70 participating schools