Instead of the usual class prizes convicts can be awarded felony class prizes: I.e "top murderer, top carjacker, top drugdealer etc. " Tiebreaks could be decided in the yard. Entry fee a carton of smokes. First prize a getoutajail free card.
Excuse me for raining on this fantasy, but prison authoroities will probably not permit direct contact between their inmates and the inmates of other institutions.
Moderator Mode: On
Seeing that we are talking of prison chess, I am wondering if I should “Lock” this conversation… 
Moderator Mode: Off (I very well could be schizophrenic, changing personalities mid-conversation…)
Come on guys, we’re talking prison chess. Sure, I know there is a small percentage of situations where the game could be useful in rehabilitating the criminal mind, but I don’t see it as being a real tool used in such institutions.
The fact is that you might or could or even should be able to get a tournament or such in one institution. To get the authorities to allow the inmates to get together with other inmates from other prisons, and to make matters worse cross state lines, is very much not probable. I also strongly suspect they would not allow such communication via telephone or internet either, even amongst prisons in the same state system.
On a more serious note I actually played a convict in the Virginia State Chmpshp back in the 70’s. An armed prison guard stood near the table. I asked the guard what he would do if my opp would attempt to escape – shoot him he replied. By the way my opp was a convicted murderer who was a trustee for the warden.
I vehemently disagree with the notion that chess is of little value for inmates. The problems that typically lead someone down the road to crime are substance abuse, laziness (get-rich-quick thinking), and hasty (violent) action without thinking the consequences through. The hobby of chess addresses all of these issues in a very constructive way.
I know of former inmates who gained many benefits from chess while in prison, and credit chess with a large role in their successful re-entry into society.
Yes, there are practical limitations on playing chess across institutional boundaries. But within an institution, there is nothing but upside. Here’s a challenge: stop the cynicism, and instead volunteer at a local prison to help inmates improve in chess once per month. The most interesting thing about serving as a volunteer in prisons and that the person who gets the most benefits is the volunteer. I can attest to this from personal experience.
Indeed. Just ask Michael Vick.