Crossville, TN –The United States Chess Federation (USCF) played host to over one hundred visitors at the ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House this past Saturday, July 22.

The organization, which relocated operations March of 2005 had been working out of the county owned former First Baptist Church building on First and East Streets while awaiting completion of the new headquarters building on O’Brien Drive in Crossville.

Numerous local and regional dignitaries were in attendance, including TN Department of Tourist Development Commisioner Susan Whitaker who was representing Governor Phil Bredesen, State Senator Charlotte Burks, State Representative Eric Swafford, Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III, Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill. Rob Safdie represented the Board of Education. The long term efforts of Randy Graham, Chairman, and Beth Alexander President & CEO of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and longtime member, chess promoter Harry Sabine to support the relocation were successful.

The festivities also drew several USCF dignitaries. Former USCF Executive Board members President John McCrary, VP of Finance Frank Camaratta and VP Stephen Schutt. The Tennessee Chess Association (TCA) was represented by President J. Michael Cross, Vice President Allen Snow and TCA Chess News Editor Leonard Dickerson.

Three years ago, when the then 67 year-old U.S. Chess Federation began a search for a new home, Crossville quickly emerged as the prime candidate.  Crossville’s Chamber of Commerce, city officials, and even Tennessee state officials played a role in bringing the USCF to Cumberland County. 

Founded in 1939, The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the governing organization for chess in America.  With over 80,000 paid members, its membership spans every state and territory of the U.S and beyond. There are nearly 2,200 USCF-affiliated chess clubs, and more than 100,000 chess players participate in USCF events every year. The official publication, Chess Life, has a monthly readership of approximately 100,000.