About Us
The Idaho Chess Association (ICA) established in 1947 is a not-for-profit member-supported corporation promoting the game of chess throughout Idaho. We are the official State Affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). Idaho Chess Association is an IRS 501(c)(3) section non-profit charity organization since 2018. All donations are tax-exempt and are used to fulfill ICA's Mission and Visions.
We organize official chess tournaments and bestow various official titles such as Idaho State Chess Champion or Idaho Scholastic Chess Champion based on the results of those tournaments.
We support and promote chess all around the great state of Idaho. We have a rich history and sense of tradition and leadership that takes the noble game of chess to the highest standards and levels of competition throughout Idaho. A Trustee represents each of our regions and includes: North, West, South Central, and East regions.
Please feel free to participate in our many events and to enjoy the game of chess on the competitive level either through events we organize, or those organized by other organizations throughout Idaho.
We welcome comments and suggestions. To contact us, please visit our email us. Please enjoy and return to our site often as new events are being organized as time marches on.
Current Board of Directors
President: Adam Porth
Vice President: Jeff Roland
Secretary: Tilly Backstrom
Treasurer: Eric Hon
At-Large: Deon Goodwin
Trustee West: Kyra Schoenwald
Trustee East: Jay Simonson
Trustee South Central: Peter Clark
Trustee North: Adam Porth
Current ICA Tournament Directors
Adam Porth
Jeff Roland
Tilly Backstrom
Deon Goodwin
Kyra Schoenwald
Jay Simonson
Peter Clark
Steve Dahlstrom
Policies
Chess can be a contact sport, participate in over-the-board tournaments at your own risk.
Participating in ICA events allows the ICA to publish photos and news to the worldwide web, websites, social media and other outlets.
All ICA tournament directors are USChess Certified and have completed Safe Sport training.
Non-discrimination: The Idaho Chess Association values diversity and equality and encourages all chess players, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, national origin, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status, and social class. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Players registered within 24 hours of a tournament start time may not be paired in the first round.
Games will be forfeited if the player does not show up for approximately 30 minutes.
Players may not be away from the board for longer than 15 minutes.
Cell phone penalties: Cell phones are not allowed in the playing hall or on a player's person without the expressed consent of the Tournament Director. The time penalty will be 10 minutes or half your remaining time; whichever is less.
Decisions by Tournament Directors can be appealed to Chief Tournament Directors by players/participants only.
Online Tournaments utilize chess.com anti-cheating algorithms. Any appeals must be made to chess.com.
Any ethical violation by participants, parents, or spectators are subject to penalty or suspension from participation in ICA events. Ethical violations also include cheating, bullying, bigotry, violence, threats, harassment, theft, disruption, and others (see ICA Standard of Conduct). Be a decent human being, please!
We will refund any fees within 24 hours of cancellation in full (or for extenuating circumstances).
Registration fees will not hinder players from participating in our events. If you want to play, we will find a way!
Players are required to provide chess equipment unless specified.
Idaho Chess History (if you would like to add some Idaho Chess History, email us the documents or photos - Thank you!)
Our Vision
The Idaho Chess Association's vision is to enrich the lives of all people and Idaho communities through the game of chess.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Idaho Chess Association is to provide organized chess play, coordinate chess activities within the state, support and develop local chess clubs, encourage player development, and to enhance appreciation of chess.
Our Values:
The Idaho Chess Association values fair play and good sportsmanship, education through sharing and teaching, chess players with diverse abilities and skills, creating a variety of chess activities and opportunities, decisions using sound logic and forethought, and continued growth and learning through chess.