Do I have to be a member to play?
Yes and no. We offer one time, non-member access to events at various charges depending on the event. Occasionally events will be free to the public. For a limited time casual chess on Thursday evenings will be free. Just check the event calendar for the latest information.
i.e. For tournament players, non-members pay an additional $7 registration fee per tournament which is waived for CR members. For casual chess players, we offer a one time per visit charge of $5 bucks. We will also be handing out free visitor passes to current members so they can bring guests along.
i.e. For tournament players, non-members pay an additional $7 registration fee per tournament which is waived for CR members. For casual chess players, we offer a one time per visit charge of $5 bucks. We will also be handing out free visitor passes to current members so they can bring guests along.
What is USCF membership versus membership to The Chess Refinery?
You have to have a USCF membership in order to play in USCF rated tournaments anywhere in the nation. USCF is the organization that keeps track of everyone's ratings and they are the ones that calculate it and publish a monthly supplement rating on all tournament players.
Membership to the club, The Chess Refinery, is needed to financially support the organization and its nonprofit programs that help the Houston chess community. Dues are needed to help pay costs of overhead such as rent, instructors and nonprofit program expenses.
Membership to the club, The Chess Refinery, is needed to financially support the organization and its nonprofit programs that help the Houston chess community. Dues are needed to help pay costs of overhead such as rent, instructors and nonprofit program expenses.
