Membership runs for one or two years, or for life. Select your type and term as you continue, or review the plans below first.
Individual membership
Only price and eligibility differ between plans.
Every plan includes
Rated play
An official US Chess rating
Online or in person, at national and local events.
Chess Life
12 digital issues a year
Our award-winning magazine.
Chess Life Kids
6 digital issues a year
Written for younger players.
Print
$12 Chess Life · $6 Chess Life Kids
Opt-in fee per year. Waived for Life, Benefactor and Blind Life members.
Adult
Any person not qualifying for or choosing one of the other plans.
$54 / year
$105 for two years
Join or renew
Looking for a family, life, benefactor or special-circumstances membership?
Compare all 11 plans
| Membership type | One year | Two years |
|---|---|---|
| AdultAny person not qualifying for one of the below. | $54 | $105 |
| SeniorAge 65 and over* | $48 | $93 |
| Young AdultUnder 24 at expiration* | $33 | $63 |
| YouthUnder 19 at expiration* | $24 | $45 |
| Family Plan 1Parents and children under age 19, may include college students up to age 24 | $102 | N/A |
| Family Plan 2All children under age 19 living in a household at the same address | $66 | N/A |
| Life MemberAge 64 and underNo print opt-in fee | $1,620 once | N/A |
| Life MemberAge 65 and over*No print opt-in fee | $810 once | N/A |
| Benefactor MemberAny age — $1,380 if you are already a Life MemberNo print opt-in fee | $3,000 once | N/A |
| Blind LifeAny ageNo print opt-in fee | $405 once | N/A |
| SpecialBlind or incarcerated | $22 | N/A |
*You must be in the age range for the entire term purchased. For example, you cannot buy a two-year Young Adult membership if you would turn 24 before the end of the second year.
Benefits of membership
Help grow the game, and get more out of it yourself.
- Play official US Chess rated games, online or in person, for national and local events.
- Recognition for your performance across age, gender, and game categories in our Top 100 lists.
- Opportunities to improve as a player, chess organizer, coach, or tournament director through webinars and official certifications.
- Voting Rights in US Chess Elections; participate in governance and have your say in the future of chess in America.
- Digital access to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids, our award-winning magazines.
- Print editions of Chess Life and/or Chess Life Kids (opt-in fees apply).
- Helping us grow the game in America and worldwide!
After you join
New member information — we email this link to you as well.