Chess Clubs in Alabama
With roots dating back to the late 19th century, the game of chess has a rich history in Alabama. To further promote the game and encourage growth of the chess community in the state, the Alabama Chess Association (ACA) was established in the 1980s as a non-profit organization. The ACA aims to promote chess through various events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics, accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. In addition, the ACA is dedicated to promoting chess in schools and fostering the development of young chess players in Alabama.
Chess Clubs in Alaska
The rich history of chess in Alaska dates back to the mid-20th century when the game gained popularity among the state’s residents. In recent years, the chess community has flourished with the establishment of various clubs throughout Alaska. The non-profit Alaska Chess Association (ACA) was founded in the 1980s to promote the game through organizing tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics, aimed at advancing chess skills of players of all ages and skill levels. The ACA is dedicated to fostering the growth of the chess community in Alaska, including promoting the game in schools and youth programs and nurturing young chess talent in the state. Despite the challenging climate and remote location, chess remains a beloved game among people of all ages in Alaska.
Chess Clubs in Arizona
Chess in Arizona has a history dating back to the late 19th century, when the game gained popularity among the state’s residents. The 1920s and 30s saw the formation of chess clubs such as the Phoenix Chess Club, Tempe Chess Club and Tucson Chess Club, and regular tournaments were organized throughout the state. The Arizona Chess Association (ACA) was founded to promote the game and in the 1940s and 50s, the state was led by a group of strong chess players who competed in both state and national tournaments. The ACA continues to work on promoting chess in schools and youth programs and fostering the development of young chess players, with events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics. The University of Arizona has a strong chess program that focuses on developing chess players of all ages and skill levels through coaching, training, and competitions and collaborates with local schools and organizations to promote the game.
Chess Clubs in Arkansas
The history of chess in Arkansas dates back to the early 20th century, when chess clubs were formed in cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville. The Little Rock Chess Club, founded in the 1920s, was one of the earliest and most active chess clubs in the state, regularly organizing tournaments and matches. In the 1940s and 1950s, a group of strong players led the chess community in Arkansas, competing in tournaments and matches both locally and nationally. Over the years, various chess clubs and organizations have been formed to promote the game throughout the state, and today the Arkansas Chess Association (ACA) continues to grow the chess community by promoting the game in schools and youth programs and organizing events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics.
Chess Clubs in California
The game of chess gained popularity in California in the mid-19th century, with the formation of chess clubs in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, founded in 1855 in San Francisco, is still active today. During the 1920s and 1930s, chess saw a surge in popularity in California, with the formation of many new chess clubs and regular tournament organization. In the 1940s and 1950s, strong players led the chess community in California and competed in both state and nationwide tournaments. Over the years, the chess community continued to grow, with various chess clubs and organizations established to promote the game in California. Today, the California Chess Association (CCA) works to foster the development of young chess players in the state by promoting the game in schools, youth programs, and organizing events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics.
Chess Clubs in Colorado
The game of chess gained popularity in Colorado in the late 19th century, leading to the formation of chess clubs in cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs, including the Denver Chess Club founded in 1887. Throughout the early and mid-20th century, the popularity of chess continued to grow in the state, resulting in the formation of various other chess clubs like Colorado Springs Chess Club, Boulder Chess Club, and Fort Collins Chess Club, which regularly organized tournaments and matches both in Colorado and across the country. Today, the chess community in Colorado has continued to grow with many chess clubs, schools, and organizations promoting the game throughout the state. The Colorado Chess Association was established in 1975 to promote chess in schools and youth programs, and foster the development of young chess players in the state through events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics.
Chess Clubs in Connecticut
The history of chess in Connecticut can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the game started gaining popularity among the state’s residents. Early chess clubs like the Hartford Chess Club (founded in 1875) and the New Haven Chess Club helped spread the game’s popularity and organized tournaments and matches both within Connecticut and around the country. As the years went by, the popularity of chess in Connecticut continued to grow, and today many clubs, schools, and organizations promote the game throughout the state. The Connecticut Chess Association was established in 1975 to promote chess in schools and youth programs, as well as develop young chess players through events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics.
Chess Clubs in Delaware
The roots of chess in Delaware can be traced back to the late 19th century when the game started to gain popularity among residents. In the early 20th century, chess clubs formed in cities such as Wilmington, Newark, and Dover, with the Wilmington Chess Club being one of the earliest and most active until the 1940s. Throughout the early and mid-20th century, the popularity of chess continued to grow in Delaware, with several chess clubs forming and regularly organizing local and national tournaments and matches. In recent years, the chess community in Delaware has flourished, with clubs, schools, and organizations promoting the game and developing young chess players through events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics. The Delaware Chess Association was established in 1975 to support these efforts.
Chess Clubs in Florida
Chess in Florida has a history dating back to the early 20th century, when it gained popularity among the residents. In the 1920s and 1930s, chess clubs were established in cities such as Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, and regularly organized tournaments and matches both locally and nationally. The 1940s and 1950s saw a steady growth in the popularity of chess in Florida, with many new chess clubs forming, including the Miami Chess Club, the Tampa Chess Club, and the Jacksonville Chess Club, which organized tournaments and matches for players of all skill levels. Today, the chess community in Florida continues to grow with many chess clubs, schools, and organizations promoting the game and developing young players through events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics, supported by the Florida Chess Association (FCA), founded in the 1970s.
Chess Clubs in Georgia
Chess has been popular in Georgia since the early 20th century. The growth of the game in the state saw the formation of chess clubs in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus in the 1920s and 1930s, which held regular tournaments and matches both locally and nationally. The 1940s and 1950s saw an increase in the popularity of chess, leading to the creation of more clubs like the Atlanta Chess Club, the Savannah Chess Club, the Columbus Chess Club, and the Georgia Tech Chess Club. These clubs provided opportunities for players of all skill levels to improve and compete through tournaments and matches. Today, the chess community in Georgia is thriving with the presence of various clubs, schools, and organizations promoting the game, and the Georgia Chess Association (GCA), founded in the 1970s, further supports its development by organizing events such as tournaments, teaching programs, and chess clinics.
Chess Clubs in Hawaii
Chess in Hawaii has a rich history, having been introduced to the islands in the 1800s by American and European settlers. Over time, it gained widespread popularity, leading to the formation of multiple chess clubs by the early 1900s, such as the Honolulu Chess Club (established in the 1890s) and the Honolulu Chess and Checker Club (early 1900s). Other influential chess clubs in Hawaii include the Waikiki Chess Club, Oahu Chess Club, and the University of Hawaii Chess Club. Initially, chess was primarily played by the upper class in Hawaii, but it eventually became a popular game among the general population. Currently, chess continues to thrive in Hawaii, with numerous tournaments and events taking place throughout the year. The Hawaii State Chess Federation is dedicated to promoting the game and organizing tournaments, including the annual Hawaii State Chess Championship.
Chess Clubs in Idaho
Idaho boasts a significant presence in the world of chess, with its earliest recorded chess club having been established in the early 1900s. The Idaho Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, is the state’s premier chess organization, dedicated to promoting the game and providing opportunities for players of all abilities. The Boise Chess Club, also established in the 1940s, is a respected club that regularly hosts tournaments and events. The Pocatello Chess Club, with a long-standing tradition of chess excellence, continues to hold regular meetings and tournaments, attracting players from the region. These clubs and their commitment to the game of chess contribute to Idaho’s rich and vibrant chess history.
Chess Clubs in Illinois
Chess has a long history in Illinois, with roots dating back to the 19th century. Early chess clubs in the state include the Chicago Chess Club, the oldest chess club in the US founded in 1857 and a major center of chess activity at the time, the Illinois Chess Association, founded in 1890 and the state’s oldest chess organization promoting chess and organizing tournaments and events, and the Evanston Chess Club, founded in the late 1800s and active for over a century with regular meetings and tournaments. These clubs, along with many others, have played a crucial role in promoting chess in Illinois and providing opportunities for players to improve and compete. Illinois is renowned for hosting prestigious tournaments such as the US Open, US Junior Open, and US Women’s Open.
Chess Clubs in Indiana
Chess has been a part of Indiana’s history since the 19th century with early chess clubs including the Indiana State Chess Association, Fort Wayne Chess Club and Indianapolis Chess Club. The Indiana State Chess Association, founded in 1891, is the oldest chess organization in the state and organizes tournaments and events for players of all skill levels to promote chess throughout Indiana. Both the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis Chess Clubs, established in the late 1800s and early 1900s, hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. Throughout the years, these clubs and others have played a significant role in promoting chess in Indiana and providing opportunities for players to improve their skills and compete, including hosting prestigious tournaments such as the US Open, US Junior Open, and US Women’s Open.
Chess Clubs in Iowa
Chess has been a part of Iowa’s history since the 19th century. The Iowa Chess Association, established in the 1940s, is the state’s oldest chess organization, fostering the growth of chess throughout Iowa by hosting tournaments and events for players of all skill levels. The Des Moines Chess Club, established in the late 1800s, and the Cedar Rapids Chess Club, established in the early 1900s, are two of the oldest chess clubs in Iowa and regularly hold meetings and tournaments for their members. Through the efforts of these clubs and other organizations, schools, and chess enthusiasts, Iowa has been able to maintain a vibrant chess culture and provide opportunities for players to develop their skills and compete.
Chess Clubs in Kansas
Chess has a long tradition in Kansas, dating back to the 19th century. Early chess clubs in the state include the Kansas Chess Association, the Wichita Chess Club, and the Kansas City Chess Club. The Kansas Chess Association, established in the 1940s, is the state’s oldest chess organization and promotes the game by organizing tournaments and events for players of all skill levels. The Wichita Chess Club, established in the late 1800s, and the Kansas City Chess Club, established in the early 1900s, both hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. Throughout history, these clubs, as well as many others in Kansas, have played a vital role in promoting chess and providing opportunities for players to improve and compete. Kansas has also hosted numerous local and regional tournaments and produced notable chess players who have represented the state in national and international competitions.
Chess Clubs in Kentucky
Chess has a long history in Kentucky, dating back to the 19th century, with early chess clubs including the Kentucky Chess Association, Louisville Chess Club, and Lexington Chess Club. The Kentucky Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, is the oldest chess organization in the state and promotes chess throughout Kentucky through organizing tournaments and events for players of all skill levels. Both the Louisville Chess Club, founded in the late 1800s, and the Lexington Chess Club, founded in the early 1900s, hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. These clubs, along with other chess clubs, organizations, and schools in Kentucky, have played a significant role in promoting chess in the state and providing opportunities for players to improve their skills and compete. Kentucky has also hosted many local and regional tournaments, and Kentucky chess players have represented the state in national and international competitions.
Chess Clubs in Louisiana
Chess has a rich history in Louisiana, dating back to the 19th century, where early chess clubs such as the Louisiana Chess Association, the New Orleans Chess Club, and the Baton Rouge Chess Club were established. The Louisiana Chess Association, established in the 1940s, is the oldest chess organization in the state and plays a key role in promoting the game by organizing events and tournaments for players of all skill levels. The New Orleans Chess Club and the Baton Rouge Chess Club, both established in the late 1800s and early 1900s respectively, hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. Throughout history, these and other chess clubs, organizations, and schools have played a crucial role in promoting the game in Louisiana and providing opportunities for players to improve and compete. Louisiana has hosted numerous local and regional tournaments, and Louisiana chess players have also represented the state in national and international competitions.
Chess Clubs in Maine
Chess has a rich tradition in Maine that dates back to the 19th century, with a long-standing popularity among the residents of the state. A testament to its popularity are the numerous chess clubs and tournaments that have been established in various cities and towns throughout the years. The Maine Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, serves as the oldest chess organization in the state, working to promote the game and provide opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate in tournaments and events.
Chess Clubs in Maryland
The history of chess in Maryland dates back to the 19th century, and it is home to early chess clubs including the Maryland Chess Association, the Baltimore Chess Club, and the Washington Chess Club. The Maryland Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, is the oldest chess organization in the state and promotes chess by organizing tournaments and events for players of all levels. The Baltimore Chess Club, established in the late 1800s, holds regular meetings and tournaments, while the Washington Chess Club, founded in the early 1900s, also holds regular meetings and tournaments. Throughout history, these clubs, along with many others in Maryland, have played a crucial role in promoting chess in the state and providing opportunities for players to improve and compete. Maryland has hosted numerous local and regional tournaments and has produced notable chess players such as GM Joel Benjamin, GM Alex Shabalov, and IM Pascal Charbonneau.
Chess Clubs in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, chess has a long history dating back to the 19th century, with several early chess clubs including the Massachusetts Chess Association, the Boston Chess Club and the Cambridge Chess Club. The Massachusetts Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, is the oldest chess organization in the state and promotes chess throughout Massachusetts by organizing tournaments and events for players of all skill levels. The Boston Chess Club, established in 1849, and the Cambridge Chess Club, founded in 1857, both hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. These clubs and many others, along with schools, have played a significant role in promoting chess in Massachusetts and providing opportunities for players to develop their skills and compete. Massachusetts has hosted numerous local and regional tournaments and its chess players have represented the state in national and international competitions, including notable players such as GM Larry Christiansen, IM John Curdo and IM Vinay Bhat.
Chess Clubs in Michigan
Chess has a rich history in Michigan, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The Michigan Chess Association, established in the 1940s, is the state’s oldest chess organization and promotes the game throughout Michigan by organizing tournaments and events for players of all skill levels. The Detroit Chess Club, founded in 1881, and the Ann Arbor Chess Club, established in the early 1900s, are two of Michigan’s oldest chess clubs, offering regular meetings and tournaments to members. Throughout history, Michigan’s chess clubs, organizations, and schools have played a vital role in promoting chess and providing opportunities for players to improve and compete, hosting numerous local and regional tournaments. Michigan has also produced several notable chess players such as GM Larry Evans, IM John Donaldson, and IM John Watson, who have represented the state in national and international competitions.
Chess Clubs in Minnesota
Minnesota has a long history of chess dating back to the 19th century, with early chess clubs such as the Minnesota Chess Association, Minneapolis Chess Club, and St. Paul Chess Club playing a significant role in promoting the game and providing opportunities for players of all skill levels to improve and compete. The Minnesota Chess Association, founded in the 1940s, is the oldest chess organization in the state, organizing tournaments and promoting chess throughout Minnesota. The Minneapolis and St. Paul Chess Clubs, both founded in the late 1800s and early 1900s, hold regular meetings and tournaments for their members. Minnesota has hosted numerous local and regional tournaments and produced notable players such as GM Yasser Seirawan, IM John Donaldson, and IM Greg Shahade, with Minnesota chess players representing the state in national and international competitions.
Chess Clubs in Mississippi
The Mississippi Chess Association promotes chess in the state and organizes tournaments and events for players of various abilities. Established for over 50 years, the association has been crucial in promoting the game throughout Mississippi, with a focus on schools and universities. Mississippi has produced talented chess players, including National Master John R. Smith, and hosted several significant chess tournaments like the Deep South Open.
Chess Clubs in Missouri
The history of chess in Missouri dates back to the 19th century, with early chess clubs like the St. Louis Chess Club, the Kansas City Chess Club, and the Missouri Chess Association playing a crucial role in promoting the game throughout the state. The St. Louis Chess Club, established in 1857, is one of the oldest chess clubs in America and holds regular meetings and tournaments. The Kansas City Chess Club, founded in the late 1800s, and the Missouri Chess Association, founded in the 1930s, also play a significant role in promoting chess in Missouri and organizing events and tournaments for players of all skill levels.
Chess Clubs in Montana
The Montana Chess Association has been actively promoting chess in the state and organizing events and tournaments for players of different abilities for many years. It has played a crucial role in spreading the game throughout Montana, with a focus on schools and universities. The state has produced talented chess players and regularly hosts major events, like the Montana Open, providing opportunities for chess enthusiasts to participate. Furthermore, numerous educational institutions in Montana have established chess clubs, offering students the chance to learn and play the game.
Chess Clubs in Nebraska
The Nebraska Chess Association has been promoting chess in the state and organizing tournaments and events for players of all skill levels for many years, and it has been instrumental in promoting the game in schools and universities. Nebraska has produced talented chess players and hosted several major chess tournaments, including the Nebraska Open.
Chess Clubs in Nevada
The Nevada Chess Association, active for many years, promotes and organizes chess tournaments and events for players of all skill levels, with a focus on spreading the game in schools and universities. The Nevada State Chess Championship, a significant annual event since the 1960s, draws skilled chess players from the state and beyond. Nevada is also home to talented chess players and hosts major tournaments like the Nevada Open.
Chess Clubs in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Chess Association promotes chess in the state and organizes events and tournaments for players of all skill levels. With a history of promoting the game in schools and universities, the association has been active for many years. Manchester Chess Club, founded in the late 1800s, was one of the earliest chess clubs in New Hampshire, followed by the Portsmouth Chess Club in the early 1900s and the Nashua Chess Club in the mid-1900s. The state has produced talented chess players, such as GM Sam Shankland, who have represented New Hampshire in the US Championship and other major tournaments. The New Hampshire Open is one of the major tournaments hosted in the state.
Chess Clubs in New Jersey
The New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCCF) has been actively promoting the game across the state since the early 1900s through organized events and tournaments for players of all levels, with a focus on schools and universities. Early chess clubs in New Jersey include the Newark Chess Club established in the late 1800s and the Trenton Chess Club and Jersey City Chess Club founded in the early and mid-1900s respectively. New Jersey has also produced numerous talented chess players, such as GM Joel Benjamin, and has hosted major tournaments like the New Jersey Open attracting players from across the country.
Chess Clubs in New Mexico
The New Mexico Chess Organization (NMCO) is the entity responsible for promoting chess in the state and organizing events and tournaments for players of all skill levels. It has been active since the early 1900s and has played a significant role in popularizing the game throughout the state, particularly in schools and universities. The Albuquerque Chess Club, founded in the early 1900s, was one of the earliest known chess clubs in New Mexico, while the Las Cruces Chess Club and the Santa Fe Chess Club were founded in the mid- and late-1900s respectively. The state has produced numerous talented chess players over the years, including GM John Fedorowicz, who has competed in the US Championship and other major tournaments. New Mexico is also a popular destination for chess players, hosting several major tournaments like the New Mexico Open that attract players from across the country.
Chess Clubs in New York
New York is rich in chess history and has a dedicated following, with players of all ages and skill levels enjoying the game for many years. The New York State Chess Association (NYSCA) promotes the game across the state, particularly in schools and universities, by organizing events and tournaments for players of all levels. The Manhattan Chess Club, founded in the early 1900s, was one of the first chess clubs in New York, followed by the Brooklyn Chess Club in the mid-1900s and the Queens Chess Club in the late 1900s. New York has produced many talented chess players, including champions like GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Fabiano Caruana, GM Wesley So, and others who have represented the state in the US Championship and other major tournaments.
Chess Clubs in North Carolina
The North Carolina Chess Association (NCCA) has been promoting chess in the state since the early 1900s, organizing tournaments and events for players of all levels. The NCCA, along with early chess clubs like the Raleigh Chess Club and Charlotte Chess Club, has helped establish chess as a beloved game in North Carolina, particularly in schools and universities. North Carolina has produced talented chess players like GM Gata Kamsky and GM Yasser Seirawan, who have competed in the US Championship and other major tournaments. Chess continues to be enjoyed and promoted by players, schools, and chess clubs throughout the state, with the NCCA regularly hosting tournaments like the North Carolina Open and the North Carolina Scholastic Championships, attracting players from the state and region.
Chess Clubs in North Dakota
The North Dakota Chess Association hosts various events and tournaments annually and the North Dakota State Chess Championship is an annual event.
Chess Clubs in Ohio
Ohio has a rich history of chess, dating back to the founding of the Cincinnati Chess Club in 1845. Other early Ohio chess clubs include the Cleveland Chess Club (1857) and the Dayton Chess Club (1875). Notable Ohio chess champions include Samuel Factor (Ohio State Chess Champion 1896, 1900), George Koltanowski (Ohio State Chess Champion 1933), and Dean Ippolito (Ohio State Chess Champion 1999). Today, Ohio continues to thrive in chess, with successful clubs and programs such as the Cleveland Chess Club, the Columbus Chess Club, the Dayton Chess Club, and the Cincinnati Chess Club promoting the game and supporting local chess players.
Chess Clubs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a rich history with chess, dating back to the early 1900s with the establishment of the Oklahoma City Chess Club. The Tulsa Chess Club was founded in the 1930s, and other early chess clubs also existed in the state. Oklahoma has produced several noteworthy chess champions, such as James R. West who won the Oklahoma State Chess Championship in the 1950s and John Grefe who took the 1971 Oklahoma Open Chess Championship title. Michael Aigner is another notable Oklahoma chess player, having won the Oklahoma Open Chess Championship in 1999, 2001, and 2002. Today, successful chess programs and clubs in Oklahoma, like the Oklahoma City Chess Club, Tulsa Chess Club, and Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization, continue to promote the game and support local chess enthusiasts.
Chess Clubs in Oregon
Chess has a rich history in Oregon, with the first recorded chess club, Portland Chess Club, established in 1887, followed by the Salem Chess Club in 1890 and Eugene Chess Club in 1896. Notable Oregon chess champions of the 20th century include Herman Steiner, who won the Oregon State Chess Championship in 1927 and the Pacific Northwest Chess Champion title in the 1940s, and Nick DeFirmian, who won the Oregon Chess Championship three times in 1975, 1976, and 1977. Today, Oregon is home to successful chess programs and clubs, including the Portland Chess Club, Salem Chess Club, Eugene Chess Club, and the Oregon Chess Federation, which support local chess players and promote the game. The annual Oregon Open is a well-known tournament in the region.
Chess Clubs in Pennsylvania
Chess has a rich history in Pennsylvania, starting with the founding of the Philadelphia Chess Club in 1824. Other historic chess clubs in the state include the Harrisburg Chess Club (1839) and the Pittsburgh Chess Club (1857). Pennsylvania boasts of several renowned chess champions, such as George G. Barrell (Pennsylvania State Chess Champion in the 1860s), Samuel Factor (Pennsylvania State Chess Champion in 1891 and 1892), and George Koltanowski (Pennsylvania State Chess Champion in the 1930s). Today, Pennsylvania is home to several thriving chess programs and clubs, including the Philadelphia Chess Club, Pittsburgh Chess Club, Harrisburg Chess Club, and the Pennsylvania Chess Association, which actively promote and support chess players. Pennsylvania has also produced notable chess players and grandmasters such as Samuel Reshevsky and Samuel Shankland.
Chess Clubs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island boasts a rich chess history, dating back to the founding of the Providence Chess Club in 1857. Other early Rhode Island chess clubs include the Pawtucket Chess Club (1868) and the Woonsocket Chess Club (1875). The state has produced noteworthy chess champions such as John Curdo, who won the Rhode Island State Chess Championship in the 1970s. Today, Rhode Island is home to thriving chess programs and clubs, including the Rhode Island Chess Association, promoting the game and supporting local chess players through tournaments and events. Chess education is also growing in popularity in Rhode Island schools, benefiting children and youth.
Chess Clubs in South Carolina
South Carolina has a long history with Chess, but the early records are scarce. The Charleston Chess Club, established in the late 1800s, and the Columbia Chess Club, founded in the early 1900s, are among the first known chess clubs in the state. South Carolina has produced several distinguished chess champions, such as James R. West, who held the South Carolina State Chess Championship title in the 1950s and 1960s, and David R. Hater, winner of the 1970s South Carolina State Chess Championship. Today, South Carolina has numerous successful chess programs and clubs, including the Charleston Chess Club, the Columbia Chess Club, and the South Carolina Chess Association, which continuously promote the game and support local chess players. Additionally, chess has become a popular educational program in South Carolina schools, fostering chess education for children and youth.
Chess Clubs in South Dakota
South Dakota has a thriving chess community despite having a relatively short history with the game. The Sioux Falls Chess Club, established in the late 1950s, and the Rapid City Chess Club, established in the early 1960s, were among the first chess clubs in the state. South Dakota has also produced several talented chess players including Charles E. Powell who won the South Dakota State Chess Championship in the 1970s and Ryan Sowa who won multiple state championships in the 2000s. Today, the South Dakota Chess Association supports local players and promotes the game, while schools offer chess education programs to children and youth.
Chess Clubs in Tennessee
Chess has a rich history in Tennessee with the first club established in Nashville in 1858, followed by the Memphis Chess Club (1866) and the Knoxville Chess Club (1875). The state has produced several prominent chess champions including John W. Schulte who won multiple Tennessee State Chess Championships in the late 1800s and early 1900s and Thomas W. Fogg who held the title of Tennessee State Chess Champion in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, organizations such as the Nashville Chess Center, Memphis Chess Club, and Tennessee Chess Association promote the game and support local players while chess education continues to grow in popularity in Tennessee schools.
Chess Clubs in Texas
Chess in Texas has a rich history, with the establishment of its first chess clubs dating back to the late 19th century. One of the oldest known clubs in the state is the Houston Chess Club, founded in 1884. Chess gained popularity in Texas in the early 20th century with the creation of clubs in cities like Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. Texas produced notable chess players such as International Master Herman Steiner in the 1920s and 1930s, and Dr. George Koltanowski, a well-known chess player and promoter famous for his simultaneous exhibitions and blindfolded chess. In the post-war period, the state continued to produce strong players such as International Master John Donaldson and Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan. Today, Texas boasts a thriving chess community with regular local and state-wide tournaments and events, governed by the Texas Chess Association.
Chess Clubs in Utah
Chess in Utah has a long history, with the Salt Lake City Chess Club being founded in 1887 as one of the earliest known chess clubs in the state. In the early 20th century, chess gained popularity in Utah with the establishment of several other chess clubs in cities like Ogden, Provo, and Park City. Utah has produced notable chess players, including John W. Collins, a renowned chess author and teacher, and International Master John Donaldson, who became one of the strongest chess players in the US. The Utah Chess Association governs chess in the state and promotes it through local and statewide tournaments and events.
Chess Clubs in Vermont
Chess has a long history in Vermont, with the first chess clubs established in the late 19th century, including the Burlington Chess Club founded in 1887. The popularity of chess grew in the early 20th century with the establishment of additional clubs such as the Montpelier Chess Club (1901) and the Brattleboro Chess Club (1920) in cities like Montpelier, Brattleboro, and Rutland.
Chess Clubs in Virginia
Chess has a long history in Virginia, with the establishment of the first chess clubs in the late 19th century, including the Richmond Chess Club founded in 1884. Chess gained popularity in the early 20th century with the creation of additional clubs like the Norfolk Chess Club (1901) and the Roanoke Chess Club (1920) in cities like Norfolk, Roanoke, and Alexandria. In the post-war period, Virginia continued to produce strong chess players, including Grandmaster Walter Browne, who was born in Sydney, Australia but later immigrated to the United States and lived in Virginia. He was a six-time U.S. Champion and represented the US in multiple Chess Olympiads.
Chess Clubs in Washington
Chess has a long history in Washington, with the first chess clubs being established in the late 19th century, including the Seattle Chess Club founded in 1891. The popularity of chess grew in the early 20th century with the establishment of additional clubs such as the Tacoma Chess Club (1908) and the Spokane Chess Club (1920) in cities like Tacoma, Spokane, and Bellingham.
Chess Clubs in West Virginia
Chess has a long history in West Virginia, with the establishment of the first chess clubs in the late 19th century, including the Wheeling Chess Club founded in 1891. In the early 20th century, the popularity of chess increased with the establishment of additional clubs such as the Charleston Chess Club (1901) and the Huntington Chess Club (1920) in cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown. Although West Virginia did not produce any famous chess champions in the post-war period, chess clubs and tournaments remained active with many local and state-wide events being regularly held. The West Virginia Chess Association governs the game in the state and promotes it throughout West Virginia.
Chess Clubs in Wisconsin
Chess has a rich history in Wisconsin, with the establishment of the first chess clubs dating back to the late 19th century, including the Milwaukee Chess Club which was founded in 1883. Chess gained popularity in the early 20th century with the establishment of several other chess clubs such as the Madison Chess Club (1901) and the Green Bay Chess Club (1920) in cities like Madison, Green Bay, and Racine. During the 1920s and 1930s, Wisconsin produced several notable chess players, including National Master Charles Bagby, a native of Milwaukee born in 1878, who became one of the strongest players in the state.
Chess Clubs in Wyoming
Chess has a limited history in Wyoming, a sparsely populated state in the US, but it has been enjoyed by enthusiasts for decades. The earliest known chess club, the Cheyenne Chess Club, was founded in the 1950s and although Wyoming hasn’t produced any famous chess champions, there have been numerous local and state-wide tournaments and events organized by the Wyoming Chess Association, which serves as the governing body for the game in the state.