The 2009 regional events they hold in 24 places in Oregon have started. I was able to visit 4 of the 5 events held Jan 31 near Portland Oregon. Some of photos I took are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27748810@N03/sets/72157613242882488/ . I mostly took photos of the T-shirts kids and parents were wearing.
There are three divisions of play in the events K-5, 6-8, 9-12. Schools can enter 10 players per division. The state finals for 2009 are to be held at the Portland Convention Center on March 13-14. This event is an outgrowth of one started in the 1960’s and I believe held every year since.
For more information on Chess for Success check http://www.chessforsuccess.org .
Russell Miller, Camas WA