Membership
1. How can I play in club events, join the club, etc?
First, you must be a current member of the US Chess Federation: https://uschess.org
Second, fill out the member authentication form found here: https://www.chess.com/news/view/uscf-member-authentication-9266
Add your Chess.com username to your US Chess account: https://new.uschess.org/news/it-factor-part-3-managing-your-preferences
Third, click on the Join button on the club homepage.
2. Do I have to pay to play?
US Chess Club events are free to chess.com members that have current US Chess memberships. You do not have to be a premium member or pay for the event, just for your US Chess membership.
3. I "Joined" but I'm not in the club and can't play events.
If you clicked Join but didn't fill out the authentication form and add your chess.com username to your US Chess profile, you have to do that process as well.
Check your notes and messages. If we don't see a form we will attempt to leave you a note, with a link to the form. If there is a problem with your form, or we can't verify the username link to your US Chess account, we will message you about it.
4. I filled out the form but I'm not in the club/can't play in events.
Check your messages; if there is a problem with your form, we will deny your club request and let you know what you need to do to fix the problem.
Make sure you clicked Join on the club homepage.
5. I "Joined" but keep getting denied.
Did you fill out the form? If you request access and do not fill out the form within 24 hours of receiving the notification to do it, your request will be denied. If you subsequently request access and the form still hasn't been filled out, you will automatically be denied.
6. I filled out the form, was accepted into the club but was removed.
At the end of every month, we check members to see if their US Chess membership is due to expire. We attempt to notify expiring members up to 7 days in advance. If you have not renewed your membership by the 1st of the following month, you will be removed from the club.
If you renew your US Chess membership, click Join on the club page and we will verify your status.
7. If I have been removed and renew my US Chess membership, do I need to fill out the form again?
No. Just Join the club again and we will check your membership status and accept if you are current.
8. Why have I been banned from the club?
If you have requested multiple times to be in the club and have failed to fill out the form, your account will be banned until you fill out the form.
Serial account creators will also be unable to join the club. If you feel the need to close your account and open a new one, please don't do so multiple times.
9. I'm not from the United States, can I still join?
Yes. The only requirement is that you have a current United State Chess Federation membership which can be purchased by anyone at the US Chess site: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php