Articles & News

News and announcements from around the Northwest, newest first.

News archive

  • general Jan 15, 2026

    Important membership changes for 2026 — please read

    The Subscription/Membership page is updated for all locations. Washington subscriptions include a WCF "Premium" membership with paper copies. Oregon residents may choose Premium (paper) or Basic (online-only via Google Groups) OCF membership. Idaho options are on the ICA website. NWC expects 12 printed issues a year for the foreseeable future.

  • opportunity May 1, 2026

    Opportunity to host high-school exchange students

    There is an opportunity to host high-school exchange students from Spain and Germany — see the scholastic opportunities page for details.

  • new-NM Apr 1, 2026

    Another new National Master: Derek Heath

    Congratulations to Derek Heath, a 10th grader from Camas, Washington, who became the state's newest National Master — reaching a US Chess rating of 2201 by winning his first three games at the 9th Annual Neil Dale Memorial in Portland, Jan 3–4, 2026, with wins over Elijah Barish, Santiago Tenesaca Argudo and NM Jason Cigan.

  • research Mar 15, 2026

    Research survey: protection against public accusations

    Oliver Wakeman has created a research-project survey (previously posted to Lichess and Chess.com) to gauge how people feel about being protected against public accusations — for example, regarding cheating in chess. A Google Form link is available for those interested.

  • class Feb 1, 2026

    Eastside Oly chess instruction with NM Aditya Ponukumati

    The Eastside Oly Chess Club ran instruction sessions with National Master Aditya Ponukumati on Feb 8, 15, 22 and Mar 1, each 4–5 p.m. Members received a 10% discount and scholarships were available, with proceeds supporting club activities. Info: Luis Ayala, EastsideOlyChessClub.org.

  • research Jan 9, 2026

    Chess & Alzheimer's research study recruiting seniors

    Caton Tsao, an undergraduate research assistant at Clemson University's Cognition and Decision Science Lab, is recruiting adults 65+ for a study on how health, work status and an engaged lifestyle — including cognitively stimulating games like chess — relate to memory and decision-making. It involves a short prescreening survey and one remote session. Contact decisionlab@clemson.edu.