The Texas Chess Association (TCA) is seeking ten Delegates to represent Texas at the 2026 US Chess annual Delegates meeting, which is held in conjunction with the U.S. Open in Grand Rapids, Michigan from August 6 to August 9.
What are Delegates? A Delegate is a member of the Board of Delegates, which is the highest governing body in US Chess and makes major decisions, including amending the Bylaws, changing the rules of chess, approving the annual budget, voting on state chapter challenges and more.
Delegates first attend online workshops in the weeks before the in-person meetings, followed by two days of in-person workshops. These committee workshops focus on a variety of important chess issues (like national invitationals, women’s chess, college chess, scholastic chess, etc.). On the second day there is an awards reception recognizing volunteers and great chess players (there is free food too). The following day and the morning of the fourth day comprise the formal business meeting where Delegates debate and vote on a whole host of important issues. You could even present your own motions too!
Why be a Delegate? Not only do you get to represent Texas by voting on important issues that affect your fellow chess players, but you also get to network with a lot of people who are very influential in the chess community at the annual meeting. You can also put your Delegate status on your résumé.
You can find more information for new Delegates on the US Chess website.
Under the TCA Bylaws, past Delegates have preference for reappointment until February 28. Thereafter, any eligible member must be appointed on a first come first serve basis. If more people are interested than there are seats available, the overflow will be appointed as Alternate Delegates. To be eligible, a person must have an active US Chess and TCA membership, be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of Texas and commit to attending the annual Delegates meeting.
The TCA Board has decided to provide a base stipend of $300 for Delegates attending the business meeting on Saturday and Sunday morning. A bonus of $100 will be provided for Delegates attending the in-person workshops and other governance activities on Thursday and Friday. A bonus of $20 will be provided for each online workshop attended ($100 maximum). There is also an opportunity to earn an additional $50 for writing an article for Texas Knights. Rules and limitations apply.
For questions, please contact: admin@texaschess.org
