In its first year, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis hosted undoubtedly the most successful U.S. Chess Championship to date. The prestigious 164-year-old tournament took place over 10 days in May 2009 and boasted more than $130,000 in prize money. It featured the most competitive field in the history of the tournament. The club’s website attracted people from 168 countries who watched games live, kept up with the latest news, and listened to analysis from experts.

The club also earned the honor of hosting the 2009 U.S. Women’s Championship, which was held October 3-13 and included 10 of the most elite female players in the country.

This year, the CCSCSL will host the 2010 U.S. Chess Championship, May 13 -25. The 2010 U.S. Women’s Championship and 2010 U.S. Junior Closed Championship will be held concurrently July 9-19 at the CCSCSL.

Though these national championships are major highlights, the club has been busy throughout the year fulfilling its ambitious mission. In 2009, the CCSCSL hosted more than 120 tournaments, with another 130+ already on the schedule for this year.

On the scholastic side, the club arranged more than 100 classes for kids and beginner/intermediate players. Special events included guest speakers and simuls (when a high-caliber player takes on multiple opponents simultaneously, sometimes even blindfolded) with some of the top players in the country.

The club hired a full-time Resident Grandmaster (GM), Ben Finegold, in January. He gives a special lecture, free for members, every Thursday, a free kids’ class on Sundays and private lessons. No other club in the U.S. has a full-time resident GM.

Another significant accomplishment is the implementation of chess in 30-plus classrooms in 2009! That means more kids are reaping the many rewards that the game has to offer.

All of this has translated into a remarkable boost in membership. The club currently boasts more than 500 active members, blowing all predictions and goals out of the water.

The club has also remained active in the community, hosting and participating in several events at local venues, including the Muny, high-school football games, the Science Center and the Contemporary Art Museum. It has also partnered with organizations such as UrbanFuture and the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri.

Finally, the United States Chess Federation (USCF) named the City of Saint Louis “Chess City of the Year” in 2009, and Tony Rich, the club’s executive director, was awarded Organizer of the Year by the USCF.