I am new to chess/Chicago, what do i need to know about the chicago chess center?
Welcome to Chicago, and if you’re new to the game, welcome to chess!
The Chicago Chess Center (CCC) offers a wide range of opportunities for beginners and advanced players. For those new to the game, here are a few things we recommend to start your chess journey:
Lessons: Our instructors offer quality in-person chess lessons that bring the game to life in its purest form. Learning face-to-face at a real chessboard allows students to fully engage with the game—seeing patterns more clearly, thinking more deeply, and developing strong board awareness that translates directly to tournament and club play. Check out our lesson opportunities here.
Tournaments: When you feel you are ready, we offer tournaments multiple days a week. We will help walk you through everything that you need to know at the event. Generally, we recommend the Beginners Open and Wednesday Quads for beginners. Details for all the events are here.
The CCC welcomes players of all ages, backgrounds, and levels. Remember, every Grandmaster was at one point a complete beginner!
WHAT DO i NEED TO KNOW FOR MY FIRST RATED TOURNAMENT?
First, don't be afraid to play! Remember that every tournament chess player was once a beginner.
The CCC runs tournaments according to US Chess's Official Rules of Chess, which are very close to the rules of FIDE (the World Chess Federation), with some minor differences.
You will need to join US Chess for your first event; if you haven’t done so, or get stuck, we can help you at the tournament.
Please check out the pre-tournament reminders page for a list of common tournament rules!
What are the rules regarding Children?
How do prizes work?
The CCC is a generally open to the public, and parents should keep that in mind when dropping off their children. We recommend thinking about the CCC the same way you would a library; while staff are present, there are too many patrons to keep an eye on all of them, and staff cannot watch your children for you.
We recommend people use their best judgment, however it is important to know that children under the age of 13 may not be left alone for any reason (without a specific, written agreement). Children may not be left alone with anyone who not a well-known friend, relative, or guardian.
Next to every prize fund, there will be a (b/#); that means that prizes are based on a certain number of entries. If less then that number show up, we will pay out all prizes proportionally.
For example if the prize fund is $1000 (b/50), and 20 people play, the new prize fund is $400. All prizes are modified proportionally
Only entries that pay the full entry fee count towards the prize fund. All other entries are counted on a proportional basis.
What is your refund policy?
Please email us as soon as you know you will not be able to show up.
Lessons/Classes: edu@chichess.org
Tournaments: td@chichess.org
If you reach out to us at least 24 hours before your scheduled event, we will offer you a coupon credit for the price towards future events. If we cancel the event for any reason (i.e. weather, etc), you will receive a full refund.
Are there any special considerations for titled players?
PRIVACY NOTICE
Code of conduct
All players with a FIDE title (WCM/CM, WFM/FM, WIM/IM, WGM/GM) and players with the USCF NM title are eligible for free entry in all of the CCC events. With the exception of players with the GM title, the entry fee will be deducted from any monetary prizes that you win. However, please read the rules for individual tournaments, as some of our more prestigious events have a different structure. If you are an international player with a roughly equivalent National Master title, please reach out to td@chichess.org regarding entry fees.
Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the Chicago Chess Center and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.
All photography, video recording, and audio recording of minors will not be published on any CCC public platforms and or other CCC news platforms without parent, guardian, and child’s consent.
You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the aforementioned, please contact us at info@chichess.org
CCC CODE OF CONDUCT
All participants and guests who enter CCC facilities must abide by the CCC's code of conduct. This is to ensure a safe and equitable environment for all.
RESPECT AND INCLUSIVITY
All participants must respect each other, regardless of skill, age, sex, or background.
Sexist comments, discriminatory language, or any form of gender based harassment are strictly prohibited.
Verbal abuse, intimidation, shouting, or any other threatening behavior toward staff or guests will not be tolerated.
RESPECT OF TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS
Tournament directors must be treated with absolute respect and professionalism. Verbal abuse, intimidation, shouting, or any other threatening behavior toward tournament directors and staff will not be tolerated.
TOURNAMENT MATCH PROCEDURES
All participants must abide by the official USCF rules.
Minimal necessary verbal communication is permitted during play.
Communication of any sort regarding one’s own game or anyone else’s game is strictly prohibited while a tournament is underway. If you would like to discuss a game, please move to a separate room.
Request assistance or raise concerns through designated officials only.