United States of America Chess Federation (“US Chess”) membership (“Membership”) is available to chess players, organizations that promote chess, and those with an affinity for chess, subject to these US Chess Membership Terms and Conditions (these “Terms and Conditions”) and other applicable US Chess policies and procedures. US Chess requires that all US Chess members (each, a “Member” and collectively, the “Members”), except Life Members, pay an annual Membership fee.[i] Each Member also must adhere to these Terms and Conditions, the Rules of Chess, the US Chess Code of Ethics, the US Chess Articles of Incorporation, the US Chess Bylaws, Safe Play Policy, and all applicable US Chess policies and procedures (collectively, the “US Chess Rules”).
During the Membership application and renewal process, all those applying for initial Membership or renewal of Membership (each, an “Applicant” and collectively, the “Applicants”) are required to attest that they have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the US Chess Rules. Applicants must further agree that failing to adhere to the US Chess Rules, as determined in the sole discretion of US Chess, will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but shall not be limited to, suspension or revocation of Membership by an appropriate US Chess sanctioning authority in accordance with the Policies and Procedures set forth in the US Chess Rules. These Membership Terms and Conditions and Policies are subject to change solely at the discretion of US Chess.
Member Status
Resignation Of Membership
A Member may resign from Membership at any time. A resigning Member is not relieved from any obligation for charges incurred, services or benefits actually rendered, dues, assessments or fees arising from contract or otherwise, and this provision shall not diminish any right of US Chess to enforce any such obligation or obtain damages for the Member’s breach.
Membership Expiration
Each Membership, except Life Memberships,[ii] shall expire upon the conclusion of the membership. Upon the expiration of a Member’s term, such Member shall submit a new Membership application to be considered for renewal of such Membership. US Chess is under no obligation to extend or renew a Member’s Membership at the expiration of a term. US Chess expressly reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to re-admit or to decline to admit a Member following the expiration of a Membership term or to establish additional conditions for admission. No Member shall have any right or expectation of continued Membership following the expiration of a Membership term. All Members, regardless of the type of Membership, must pay and remain current with their US Chess dues in such amounts as are set forth in, or established in accordance with, the US Chess Bylaws.
Suspension Or Termination Of Membership
Members of US Chess and Applicants agree, as a condition of Membership, that their Membership may be suspended or terminated by US Chess for good cause, as determined by US Chess in its sole, good-faith discretion and subject to the policies and procedures set forth in the US Chess Rules. Good cause includes, but is not limited to: (1) any failure by the Member to comply with one or more US Chess Rules, (2) any failure to pay dues, (3) decisions arising from the US Chess complaint process, or (4) any other reason that US Chess, within its sole discretion, determines is in the best interests of the organization.
Executive Board And Board Of Delegates Decisions
Except as otherwise provided in the US Chess Bylaws, all US Chess Executive Board and US Chess Board of Delegates decisions that relate to or affect Membership status, rights, or duties are final and binding.
Disputes
Choice Of Law Selection
These Membership Terms and Conditions and all other US Chess Rules shall be governed, construed, and enforced by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any dispute relating to or arising out of these Terms and Conditions or any rights or obligations of an Applicant or Member shall be resolved exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction sitting in Cook County, Illinois. As a condition of Membership, each Member waives any objections to venue in Cook County, Illinois.
