Who We Are
CDA Chess Club is a real and competitive chess club founded by Master Jim Maki, based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We bring together players of every experience level — from complete beginners to USCF-rated masters — for weekly meetings, monthly themed tournaments, and ongoing community events.
Our members include people of all ages and backgrounds. On any Monday evening, you might sit across from a high schooler, a retired professional, a software developer, or a tournament veteran. What everyone shares is a love for chess and a respect for the spirit of the game.
Our Mission
We believe chess is more than a game — it builds critical thinking, emotional resilience, focus, and the ability to handle wins and losses with equal grace. Our mission is to make that experience available to everyone in the Coeur d'Alene area, regardless of their background or skill level.
• We welcome players of all ages and skill levels with no membership fee
• We use a club rating system to ensure fair, enjoyable pairings
• We run themed monthly tournaments to keep the game fresh and fun
• We foster an inclusive environment where every player matters
How Meetings Work
When you arrive, we take attendance and assess who's in the room. From there, we create structured pairings using our club rating system, which matches players based on known strengths so every game is competitive and fair. Games are played in a relaxed but focused atmosphere — there's always someone happy to offer tips or analyze a game afterward.
Not ready to play rated games yet? No problem. Players can opt out of rated play if both parties agree, and there's always the option to observe or play casually before diving into the tournament format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to come?
No. Just show up on Monday evening. You're welcome from day one.
Is there a fee to join or attend?
Meetings are completely free. Some regional USCF-rated tournaments have a small entry fee, but our weekly club meetings cost nothing.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. We have boards and clocks. Bringing a friend for your first visit is always a good idea — it helps you relax and get comfortable faster.
I'm a total beginner. Will I fit in?
Absolutely. We have experienced players who genuinely enjoy teaching, and from time-to-time we run a dedicated Beginner's Chess Club for newer players. Many of our current members started with no chess knowledge.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes — players of all ages are welcome. Young players often improve the fastest, and our members enjoy playing alongside and mentoring youth.
Do I need a USCF membership?
Not for weekly meetings. If you want to play in USCF-rated tournaments, we can help you get registered — it's inexpensive and opens the door to rated play across the country.