Ernie Schlich (1946-2026)

It is with profound sadness that I report the passing of Ernest W. “Ernie” Schlich Aug. 23, 2026. Ernie was a former US Chess employee, a long-time delegate, an NTD, organizer, and coach. Along with his wife, Joan, who passed away in 2017, he left a tremendous legacy for the chess community after more than 50 years of service.

Chess friends across the country remember Ernie fondly for his generosity with his time and attention; the late-night post-tournament TD dinners he held in order to exchange notes on lessons learned; the dedicated chess rooms in his homes where countless children got their start, and his affinity for off-color jokes and verbal pranking.

Photo courtesy of Hampton Roads Chess Association.

Ernie was actively involved in expanding competitive chess, and for being instrumental in the development of scholastic players, during his time in the Navy and after retirement, especially in South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia. In Charleston, S.C., where Ernie was stationed in the 1970s, he is known for organizing a tournament called the Snowstorm Special; it’s still running annually more than 50 years later.

In New Hampshire, where he transferred in 1992, Ernie is respected for the tremendous growth and transformation he brought to the state affiliate and his gift for finding new volunteers.

In Southeast Virginia, where Ernie retired from the Navy in 2000, he is considered the “godfather of chess.” He founded the Hampton Roads Chess Club, where he directed his last tournament in 2021, and laid the roots of what would become the Hampton Roads Chess Association, 2017 US Chess Club of the Year.

Ernie’s mentorship and legacy will continue to shape future generations of tournament directors, organizers, coaches, and players. His passing leaves an enormous hole in the heart of the chess community across the nation.