Checkmate: How US Chess Federation Manages Memberships and More with CiviCRM

The US Chess Federation is the official governing body and nonprofit organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Founded in 1939, the organization serves more than 110,000 members and 1,300 affiliated chess clubs and organizations. They also sanction and rate more than 10,000 tournaments annually and host 25 National Championships for both amateurs and professionals.

Unlike other sports, chess is a game enjoyed by all ages, and the US Chess Federation’s membership options managed through CiviCRM range from preschool children to players in the golden years of life. The US Chess Federation relies on CiviCRM for managing various individual membership types, as well as family, group, affiliate, school, and other membership options.

With CiviCRM, US Chess also manages donations, governance activities, affiliate permissions, complaints, and mass marketing emails. A custom-built vouchers feature also allows for packs of memberships to be purchased and distributed through schools and clubs to introduce children who otherwise might not have access to the game.