About

About the Bellingham Knights Chess Club

Meet other local chess players to play the world's oldest strategy game. Anyone who enjoys chess (any age or level) is welcome to play for challenge, fun, and skill improvement. Online chess is great, but there is no substitute for meeting new people and playing on a real chess board. Join us if you play the game at any level or would like to learn.

Players can play any style of chess they mutually agree to (blitz, rapid, standard, etc.). We have a dedicated meetup that gets together at 2:00 PM on most Sundays at various menus in the Bellingham area. Each Sunday's meetup location is indicated in the club calendar.

Chess players are offered the opportunity to meet and play with other chess players of all skill levels who generally come from Bellingham and the surrounding Whatcom county area. These casual games are free ... just come and go within the designated hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM).

If you have a good chess board/pieces (preferably regulation size), please bring it! Some people like to bring their chess clocks, too. If you don't have a chess board, you're still welcome to come out and play as the club has a limited number of chess sets.

During play if any dispute arises, World Chess Federation (FIDE) rules apply. Several basic rules, for example:

once piece is touched, it must be moved, if a legal move can be made
once a piece is moved and released, it cannot be changed
do not distract/annoy the opponent, do not talk if requested by opponent

We will use this webiste as a way to let chess fans know about Whatcom County chess tournaments and other chess activities in the area, as well as spread the word on the benefits of playing chess. It's also a great way for playes to create new chess meetups, events, and tournaments.

The chess group has started out as a recreational club but will evolve to include instruction and competition as it grows/matures. Beginners are always welcome. More specific goals will be defined later depending on member interest but may include chess tutoring, simultaneous play exhibitions, and preparing players for local and statewide chess tournaments. We hope to have several USCF-rated coaches and a chess master to help members become better chess players. In May 2016, we became a USCF-affiliated club (ID# A6047170).

The organizers' aim is to keep the chess club aspect always free. To that end, we rely on volunteers, donors and sponsors. The club is open to anyone of any age, nationality, religion or skill level. Chess is a 'common language in the world.

Many thanks to the our current sponsors: Chess House and The Fairhaven Program

Mission and Goals

Mission

To foster increased interest, participation, and enjoyment of the game of chess in the greater Whatcom County, Washington area and surrounding communities.

Goals

To provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where club members can socialize while sharing their interest in the game of chess
To increase the awareness of the educational value of chess
To encourage casual, friendly competition so club members can practice and improve their chess skills in a recreational setting
To offer occasional organized chess tournaments for competitive-minded club members
To promote increased knowledge and understanding of the game of chess through occasional instructional sessions

Sponsors and Donations

The Bellingham Knights Chess Club has a diverse group of members -- all ages and levels. The aim is to keep the membership in the club free. So we rely on sponsors, donations and volunteers to help with club activities. As needed, the organizer underwrites the web hosting, USCF affiliate membership costs, prizes for the monthly in-house quads tournaments, and promotional expenses. Voluntary donations can be made to help defray the costs of running the club. Click the "Chip-In" button to make a donation of any amount.