Is there ANY way to turn it off!!!  I absolutely hate it!!!  Every 5 seconds, there's a pop-up that tells me who's online etc... I could really care less!!!  I can look on my main screen if I care to see that information!!!  I HATE THAT BAR!!!!!!!!

If that's the meebo chat bar, you can turn it off with these steps:

1. Go to your account page.
2. Under Privacy, click "Manage your privacy settings."
3. Under the CHAT BAR, select "Never show" in the list box.
4. Save your settings.

http://www.chess.com/home/privacy.html

You can turn it off from where it says CHAT BAR.

bless you all!!!  I hate that thing!!!  THANKS MUCH!!!

I think when you click on it 3 times you´ll get a free drink!

it may be uncomfortable but in time you will learn to love the bar.