Rating Fee Increase Effective January 1

US Chess will increase the per-game rating fee from 25 cents to 30 cents on Jan. 1, 2026, and from 30 cents to 35 cents per game on July 1. A plan for future adjustments will be discussed at the 2026 Delegates Meeting held in conjunction with the 2026 U.S. Open in Grand Rapids, MI.

The Executive Board unanimously approved this change at its Dec. 9, 2025 meeting.

The rating system is a core US Chess service, processing millions of games each year. Operating this system requires staff, technical resources, and ongoing investment, including continued development of the new MUIR system. Demand for timely and accurate ratings has increased, while the per-game rating fee has not budged for more than twenty years.

Most players will not be affected by this change. Tournament entry fees are set by organizers, and the 5 cents increase per rated game is typically distributed across an event. For example, an event with 200 rated games would incur an additional $10.00 in rating fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is US Chess increasing the rating fee?

The rating fee supports the systems and staff that make rated chess possible. This includes processing results, maintaining accurate player ratings, supporting tournament directors, and ensuring that ratings are posted quickly and correctly. The increase helps keep these services reliable as participation and expectations continue to grow.

Is this just because of inflation?

Inflation is one factor, but not the only one. Rated chess has become more complex and higher volume than ever before. The increase supports improved accuracy, faster rating updates, stronger data oversight, and long-term sustainability of the rating system.

What does the rating fee pay for?

Rating fees support:

Processing and posting ratings quickly
Maintaining a secure national rating database
Correcting errors and handling rerates
Supporting tournament directors and affiliates
Ensuring ratings remain accurate and trusted

These services require ongoing staff time and technical resources and engagement with the development and expansion of the MUIR system.

The increase helps preserve the quality and reliability players already expect. It supports timely updates, careful review of submissions, and continued modernization of rating systems as chess participation evolves.