About Us
Organizing premier chess tournaments across the United States.
CCA Chess Tournaments
Chess tournaments run by the Continental Chess Association
Founded in 1964 by Bill Goichberg, the Continental Chess Association began as a New York City-based tournament organizer and expanded nationally in 1968. The organization has held over 2,300 chess tournaments in 28 states, DC, and the Bahamas, distributing over $24 million in prize money while maintaining its guarantee commitments.
CCA is affiliated with the United States Chess Federation and requires USCF membership for participation in its events.
Contact
Continental Chess Association
Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803
Email: Director@Chess.us
Historical Milestones
1966 — Pioneered rated scholastic tournaments. The December 1966 Greater New York Scholastics drew 614 players and created 400 new USCF members, breaking previous national records. Also introduced elementary school tournaments to competitive chess.
1969 — Originated the National High School Championship with 370 players from 21 states. Created “Quad” tournaments featuring 4-player round robin sections with similarly-rated competitors.
1973 — Established non-smoking tournaments. Initiated the National Junior High School Championship and the World Open with $15,000 in prizes.
1976 — Launched the National Elementary School Championship (68 inaugural players; now draws approximately 2,000). Started round robin Futurity tournaments to provide FIDE ratings for American masters including Boris Baczynskyj, Joel Benjamin, and others.
1977 — Became the first USA organizer offering Swiss Internationals for FIDE titles and ratings.
1986 — The World Open drew 1,506 players, setting a world record for open tournaments that still stands.
1990 — Introduced multiple time controls and flexible playing schedules. Began offering grandmaster game analysis through Pal Benko and others.
1991 — Created National Scholastic K-12 Grade Championships, expanding from 340 inaugural participants to over 1,500.
1992 — Originated the Philadelphia International.
1995 — Implemented time delay clocks to resolve sudden death disputes objectively.
1999 — Launched CCA-ChessWise International with 17 grandmasters competing. Established record of 1,489 US Chess Federation members enrolled in a single year.
2000 — Organized five tournaments with $100,000 or more in prizes guaranteed.
2001–2018 — Progressively expanded Swiss International offerings, reaching eight by 2018. Notable additions include the Continental Class, Manhattan Open, Bahamas International, and Southwest Class. Introduced mixed doubles prizes in 2013 to increase female participation.
What We Offer
- USCF and FIDE rated tournaments throughout the year
- Events across 28 states, DC, and the Bahamas with convenient hotel partnerships
- Multiple sections for all rating levels
- GM and IM norm opportunities at major internationals
- Guaranteed prize funds — over $24 million distributed and counting
- Flexible schedules with multiple time controls and entry options