How do I register for the tournament?  You can register online at www.wscachess.org .  The deadline for online registration is Thursday, November 19 at 11:30 p.m.  You can also register on the day of the tournament at USM, but you should get there early.  The entry fee for those who register online is $10.00.  The on-site entry fee is $15.00.

How do I pay for the tournament registration?  Payment is made at the tournament registration desk on the day of the tournament.  Those players who registered online pay $10.00.  Those who register at USM on the day of the tournament pay $15.00.  All checks should be made out to USM.

What time should I arrive to the tournament?  Players who have not yet registered online for the tournament should arrive early (8:15 or earlier).  Players who need to join USCF or renew their USCF membership must do so BEFORE checking in, so they should also arrive early.  It is strongly recommended that those players arrive no later than 8:15 a.m.  All players who arrive after 8:45, whether or not they are pre-registered, will play in the second round.

Why is USCF membership required for this tournament?  USM's tournament is a USCF-rated tournament.  USCF membership is required to play in USCF-rated tournaments.

What are the benefits of playing in a USCF-rated tournament?  Players who play in a USCF-rated tournament obtain a USCF rating.  A USCF rating is beneficial to those chess players who plan to play in a USCF national tournament.  Students without a USCF rating can only play in the championship or "unrated" sections at USCF national tournaments.  Students with USCF ratings can choose from a number of different sections targeted to their rating.

Even for players who do not plan to play in a national tournament, it is beneficial to have a USCF rating if they plan to play in USCF-rated chess tournaments in Wisconsin or other parts of the country.  Also, some tournaments (including the Wisconsin State Scholastic Championship Tournament in Oshkosh) use USCF-ratings to create the rankings used to generate pairings.  For those tournaments, USCF-rated players are ranked above players who do not have a USCF rating.

The benefits of an annual USCF membership also include an online (or hard copy) subscription to Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids.

Are there any downsides to obtaining a USCF rating?  No.  In fact, not having a USCF rating can put a player at a disadvantage at National USCF tournaments, as that player may only play in either a "championship" section (which has the highest rated players) or in the unrated section.  At Nationals, a USCF rating allows a player to play in sections with players at his or her own level, with the option of "playing up" if that is chosen.  While a USCF rating will preclude a student from playing in the unrated section at a USCF-rated chess tournament, we don’t view this is as significant.  In our experience, there is a huge range in the level of play in the unrated section at National tournaments, and this section generally is not the best section for most students to play in.  USM’s chess program encourages all of its members, including beginners, to play in USCF-rated tournaments and to obtain a USCF rating.

How much does a USCF membership cost?  Annual USCF membership ranges from $16-$25, depending on the player's age and magazine choice (online access or hard copy by mail).  At USM’s tournament, USM’s Chess Club and the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Association will be underwriting a $7.00 discount on all new USCF annual memberships purchased at the tournament.  (Discount does not apply to membership renewals.)  With the discount, new USCF memberships purchased at USM's tournament will range from $9-$25.  USCF enrollment forms will be available at the tournament.  (Players who choose to pay for a multi-year USCF membership will also receive the discount, which will still be a total of $7.00.)  All checks should be made out to USM, who will be remitting payment to USCF.  A separate check is required for USCF membership purchases.

Please do not combine entry fee payments and USCF membership payments into a single check.

As an alternative to an annual membership, USCF offers one-day tournament membership for $7.  This membership allows a player to play in the tournament and to obtain a USCF-rating, but does not provide any of the other benefits of USCF membership.

How do I pay for a new USCF membership?  USM will have forms available for this.  Checks should be made out to University School of Milwaukee.  USM will remit membership applications and fees to USCF.

I had a USCF membership, but it is expired.  Is the USM discount available?  How should I pay for this?  If your USCF membership has expired, you need to renew your membership.  The USM discount is not available.  We strongly recommend that you renew your USCF membership BEFORE arriving at the USM tournament.  This can be done online at www.uschess.org.  While players with expired memberships will be able to renew their membership at the tournament, they should arrive early to do so.

I have played in WSCF-rated sections at WSCF chess tournaments.  Will there be any different rules if I play in a USCF-rated section at the USM tournament?  No.  USCF tournament rules govern all WSCF tournaments, so play at this tournament will be no different than at WSCF tournaments.  The only difference is that you will be required to have USCF membership, and WSCF ratings are not used.

I need a bye for one of the rounds.  How can I get one?  If you will need to miss one round in the tournament, you may request a half-point bye for that round.  All bye requests must be in writing and must be made before the first round.  Forms will be available for this; they must be completed prior to 8:45 a.m.  Half-point byes are not offered for the last round.  Once a bye has been requested, the request is irrevocable.

I have additional questions.  Where should I direct them?  Questions should be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   .