Founded in 1986 by the United States Chess Federation (US Chess), the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) is a non-profit institute that started with a modest collection of national chess memorabilia in New Windsor, New York. The WCHOF later relocated to Washington, D.C., then Miami, where it transformed into an international institution in 2001.
The present-day organization finally settled in Saint Louis after Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield provided the foundational funds for the museum’s relocation.
This organization presents world-chess exhibitions that explore the connection of chess to art. In addition, WCHOF has partnered with US Chess and the Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) to coordinate shows including U.S. Chess: 80 Years – Promoting the Royal Game and chess tournaments. Since 2009, STLCC has hosted the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships, while the WCHOF has collected important artifacts related to the history of American chess when these tournaments occur in Saint Louis. Through these championships, chess players from all over the country, and the world, gather to witness and participate.
There are several benefits to becoming a member of WCHOF. Members receive a personalized membership card, email updates/newsletters, a 20% discount in the WCHOF’s award-winning gift store, Q Boutique, invitations to special events, discounts on programs and ticketed events, and a WCHOF member gift. To learn more information, visit worldchesshof.org.
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