You don’t need to be an ICA member to play in Illinois tournaments — but members get $5 off entry to select state championship events, and membership is what keeps chess going across the state. Join or renew online in about two minutes; no website account needed. Membership runs one year from the day you join, and renewing early just adds the year on.
- $5 off entry to select state championship events
- Supports youth & scholastic programs statewide
- Backs Warren Junior Scholars & Rising Stars
- $5 off entry to select state championship events
- Vote in the annual board election
- Sustains chess across Illinois
- Everything in Regular Adult
- An added gift to the Illinois Chess Association
- Gift portion is tax-deductible
- Everything in Regular Adult
- A larger gift to the ICA
- Gift portion is tax-deductible
Renewing
Renew any time. If your membership hasn’t lapsed yet, the new year is added to your current expiry — you never lose time.
Who can join
Any adult in Illinois — you don’t need to be a US Chess member or a competitive player. Parents and supporters are welcome. Scholastic membership is for players 18 and under.
Payment
Pay by card or PayPal. Your membership record updates automatically as soon as the payment clears.
Give beyond membership
One-time gifts to the Illinois Chess Association or to the Warren Junior Scholars Program — the intensive training program for the state’s top young players. Your support also backs scholastic chess and the Rising Stars program.