The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the official governing body for chess in the United States, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to its 95,000 members. Since 1939 it has worked to promote the game of chess, providing a rating system for players, giving national titles, supporting chess teams in international play, and working to build scholastic chess competition in the nation.

The award-winning Chess Life magazine is one important member benefit; affiliates receive the USCF Rating List six times a year, necessary to efficiently run chess tournaments. Many other publications are offered to USCF members. Another key member benefit: discounted prices on USCF's extensive product catalog offerings which include books, sets and boards, computers, software, teaching materials, and accessories. USCF memberships are offered in 12 categories.

Internet chess is fast gaining popularity and USCF members can go to World Chess Live to play chess online. Chess Live features master challenges, interactive chess exercises, rated tournament play, and more. The World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Museum had been located in Miami, Florida, since 2001, before moving to St. Louis, Missouri; the new location opened in 2011. The Hall features chess history and houses a growing collection of artifacts comprising some of the world's most interesting and important pieces of chess history, such as the Paul Morphy silver beverage set and the playing table from the 1972 Fischer-Spassky match.

Sid Samole was a pioneer in the invention of the commercial chess computer. He founded Excalibur Electronics, a well-known manufacturer of chess computers and other electronic games, and is the benefactor of the Museum.