I live in Kingston, NY. Recently, I joined the USCF- mostly to push myself to be a more active player in chess. But I hope to play in tournaments. In my city, there is Saturday chess at the library for kids from 10am-1pm. But there isn’t anything for adults. I would like to start a chess club because I know many adults in the area (I am sure many more that I do not know) that are active chess players. Unfortunately, many of these players do not know each other or come from different walks of life or professions and aren’t aware of each other. What better an idea than to have a place where they can meet and play chess. Firstly, I must travel to participate in chess tournaments and get a rating. My plan is to get rated then start an affiliated club and be a club director- of course I believe I have much to do in preparation to this endeavor. What I am asking is for advice and recommendations. I have many of my own ideas and have written out some plans but I am always open to different perspectives especially from those with experience greater than my own. For me, chess is an amazing game that teaches one to think hard. I would like to offer a club to gather people of all ages - experienced or not to learn, play and compete in chess.
Hi Jason,
There is an active chess club in Poughkeepsie (Vassar-Chadwick). We meet every Monday night (excepting holidays), usually for USCF rated tournaments. During the summer months we meet at the Marist campus.
One of our members, Ken Evans, lives in the Kingston area and is/was very active in coaching scholastic chess in that region - he might actually be the person who runs the chess club at the library you mentioned.
I recommend you stop by and check it out - and play in a tournament or two. Nothing stopping you from starting a club in Kingston too, but it’s probably the best way to get some perspective on what is involved, what to expect, meet other adult players in the area, etc.
P.S. We just finished a three round swiss (G/75), and next Monday will be G/5 blitz. I’m not sure I will make it to that one, but the Monday after that we are having a five round G/15 Swiss. The next slower time control (relatively speaking) is a G/60 Quad starting July 13th.
Excellent idea to go visit the club in Poughkeepsie.
Recent forum threads about starting up chess clubs:
Keep paging back in time through this chess club forum, as startup questions come up every now and then.
Getting a rating, affiliating with USCF and being prepared to organize/direct tournaments are good goals; however, you do not need to do any of that before you start a chess club.
You could start a club right now, and just get together and play chess.
Tournament plans can emerge later, as chess players find you and word gets out that there’s a chess club in the area. Better yet, you might find some people to help you organize this, maybe even someone who has directed before.
Be patient. It takes a while to get rolling, but it’s worth the effort.
Thanks for the responses. I am glad to know that at least PK has an active club. Its a little out of the way and Mondays aren’t particularly a day I am able to play- but at least I know its there. I have met Ken. I’ve recently tried to contact him too.
I appreciate the information and encouragement. I know that there is much work involved in starting a formal club but I am on a mission to spark interest (or greater interest) and learning of chess in this area. It would be a good thing to have a location where people can gather regularly (for even casual play) and the opportunities for competitive play via tournaments.
yes… patience and dedication. Thanks.