Updates to Fee Structures for National Events

US Chess announces that, effective with the 2024 National K-12 Grade Championships, there will be a new fee structure for national events. This structure includes higher costs for last-minute entries. The full structure is explained below and can be found at the above link. Please note that the earliest deadline for registration ends Monday, October 21.

These changes are primarily due to increased costs being borne by US Chess. Despite breaking multiple attendance records in national events over the past two years, several recent national events have nevertheless lost money. US Chess values the affordability and accessibility of its events and, as such, has always leaned on the side of “under-charging” for national events. But as costs associated with hosting events in general rise, we must keep up.

These costs include fewer reduced-rate hotel rooms, increased costs on space and equipment rental, and an increasing cost of staffing and travel reimbursements. There are also increased costs associated with specific needs that national events must address. These needs include an increase in staffing to keep up with increased attendance, both in general and in light of the new player-to-TD ratios discussed on page 46 of the 2024-25 US Chess Scholastic Regulations. There are also costs associated with our need for an increased security presence at national events.

Another significant change to the fee structure is the increased rates for registering closer to the event. These increases reflect the significant costs to US Chess when players register last-minute. An increase in players requires an increase in staff, with heightened last-minute travel and hotel costs. This fee structure is designed both to encourage people to enter earlier and to allow US Chess to make adjustments for late entries without losing money.

Please note that the first early registration deadline for this December’s National Grade Championship is Monday, October 21. The entry fee is currently $100, and it rises after the first deadline to $150 for registrations postmarked by Monday, November 11. Registration then rises to $225 until Monday, November 25, and again to $350 until the final deadline of Thursday, December 5.

The increase in entry fee is $50 between the first and second deadlines, and it increases further from there. Given that the later registration deadlines come with comparatively higher increases compared to previous years, US Chess encourages everyone who is considering attending to register as early as possible. The purpose of this release is also to make sure all participants and their families are aware of these earlier deadlines and have sufficient time to make plans.

The national scholastic events directly organized by US Chess are: