The Northern California Chess Leadership Project is a unique student program blending chess competition with leadership and event management. Designed for student leaders, aspiring tournament directors, and chess arbiters, it offers hands-on experience organizing USCF-rated tournaments. Participants can join organizing committees or pursue certified arbiter training, gaining practical skills in operations, marketing, and officiating. This program fosters leadership development through mentorship, community engagement, and official recognition.
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USCF-Rated Chess Tournament • Leadership • Tournament Management • Arbiter Training
Calling student leaders, future tournament directors, and aspiring chess arbiters!
Do you enjoy chess? Have you ever wondered what it takes to organize an official tournament instead of simply competing in one?
This fall, 7EDU, in partnership with ICEA Chess, is launching the Northern California Chess Leadership Project—an innovative student leadership program that combines tournament operations, event management, community service, and chess education.
Unlike traditional chess programs, participants will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of tournament organization. Students can serve on the tournament organizing committee or pursue training to become a certified chess arbiter (referee). Whether you are an experienced tournament player or simply interested in leadership and event management, there is a place for you.
Students will work alongside experienced mentors to help design, organize, and operate a USCF-rated chess tournament.
Committee members may serve on teams including:
Tournament Operations
Player Registration
Marketing & Social Media
Sponsorship & Community Outreach
Volunteer Coordination
Photography & Media
Awards Ceremony
Logistics & Venue Management
Students who demonstrate exceptional initiative and leadership may receive:
Student leadership titles
Certificates of service
Personalized letters of recommendation recognizing their contributions
Students interested in tournament officiating will have the opportunity to receive arbiter training through our partner organization.
Qualified participants may:
Attend official arbiter training
Learn US Chess tournament rules and regulations
Assist in officiating official tournaments
Earn an official chess arbiter/referee certification (subject to certification requirements)
This pathway provides students with a unique opportunity to gain a professional qualification while serving the chess community.
Beyond chess, participants will develop valuable real-world skills, including:
Leadership
Project Management
Team Collaboration
Event Planning
Communication
Problem Solving
Professional Responsibility
These transferable skills prepare students for future academic, professional, and community leadership opportunities.
Most students experience chess tournaments only as competitors.
The Northern California Chess Leadership Project allows participants to experience the entire tournament ecosystem—from planning and managing a major event to serving as a certified referee and helping create a meaningful experience for hundreds of players.
Whether your goal is to:
Develop leadership and organizational skills
Gain experience managing large-scale events
Learn tournament operations and officiating
Make a lasting impact in the chess community
this program offers an exceptional opportunity to learn by doing.
We welcome:
Student leaders
Volunteers
Students interested in tournament management
Future certified chess arbiters (referees)
Anyone interested in supporting scholastic chess through leadership and service
Join us as we build one of Northern California’s most impactful student-led chess initiatives—where leadership, service, and competitive excellence come together.
Click Register your 7edu.vip portal to indicate your interest.
Complete the Google Form by August 21st, 2026: Form Link
By clicking Register, you consent to sharing your name, grade level, and email address with the organization for the purpose of coordinating this leadership and volunteer program.
If your primary interest is competing as a player rather than volunteering or serving in a leadership role, please visit the 2026 August ICEA Chess Scholastic Call for Players competition page for tournament information, eligibility, registration, and entry details.
Talk it through with a general counselor. They can help you decide if this program fits and what to do next.
