FAQ

1. How do I become a member?

2. • You can sign up for membership by visiting our Membership Page and selecting the tier that best suits your needs.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a member?

   • Members receive access to exclusive tournaments, discounts for coaching, tournament, and camps, learning resources, and more. Check out our Membership Tiers for full details.

4. What is the difference between the membership tiers?

   • We offer different tiers with increasing levels of benefits, from casual play to exclusive events and coaching. You can find detailed information on our Membership Page.

5. Can I upgrade or downgrade my membership?

   • Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time by contacting our support team.

6. Do I need a membership to participate in tournaments?

   • No, non-members can participate in our tournaments by paying the entry fee for the tournaments, but members get discounted or free entries, depending on their tier.

7. Is there a family membership option?

   • Yes! We offer a Family Membership that allows almost any amount of family members to join and enjoy the benefits together. Learn more about it on our Membership Page.

To join most of our tournaments, you will need to have a CFC (Chess Federation of Canada) ID. 

All CFC information can be found here: https://www.chess.ca/en/players/membership-join/ After you have clicked that link, please scroll down to the Q & A section, click the dropdown menu, and click "I have never been a CFC member". It will then show you all the neccesary instructions for purchasing a CFC ID.

1. What kinds of tournaments do you offer?

   • We offer a variety of tournaments, including Classical, Rapid, Blitz, and Bullet (online only) formats, both online and in-person. We also have Signature tournaments which can be found under Signature Tournaments Many of our tournaments are also CFC and FIDE-rated.

2. How do I sign up for a tournament?

   • You can find the instructions under "Upcoming tournaments" and click the tournament google doc link to get tournament-specific information. Members may enjoy free or discounted entries depending on their tier.

3. Are there tournaments for beginners?

   • Absolutely! We host tournaments for all skill levels, from beginner to masters. There are sections in our tournaments, dedicated to give beginners a chance to win prizes too! Our events are designed to help you grow as a player.

4. How do the ratings work for tournaments?

   • Our tournaments are often rated by either the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC) or FIDE, or both! This means your performance will impact your official chess rating. Casual play tournaments are not rated. 

5. What happens if I miss a tournament I signed up for?

   • If you cannot attend a tournament, please let us know as soon as possible. Refunds or credits may be available based on the specific event's policy. 

6. Classical Events:

If you have chosen to sign up for a classical event, you MUST record your games on the scoresheet using Algebraic Notation. If you do not know how to use Algebraic Notation, please refer to the Chess Resources & Learning page for more information. 

1. What coaching options do you offer?

   • We provide both private and group coaching sessions for players of all skill levels. You can sign up for a single session or package deals, with discounts available for members.

2. Can I choose my coach?

   • Yes, you can select from our roster of experienced coaches, or we can recommend one based on your skill level and learning goals.

3. What are your chess camps like?

   • Our chess camps are designed to be fun and educational, with structured learning sessions, casual play, and specialized training. Camps are available during holidays and breaks. Usually, the instructors will be Grandmasters or other titled players. 

4. Are chess camps open to non-members?

   • Yes, non-members are welcome to join our camps, but members receive a discount on camp fees. 

Note: Chess Coaching & Camps are not available right now. Please check back later.

1. Do you offer game analysis services?

   • Yes, Premium members receive free monthly game reviews (Depending on your tier).

2. Please check our Chess Resources & Learning page for Chess Resources.

1. What payment methods do you accept?

   • We accept e-transfers, cash, and credit/debit cards for memberships, tournament entries, and other purchases.

   • Please note that tournament registration is often closed the day before at 11:59 PM, so there are often no in-person registrations. For more information, please check the tournament-specific doc. 

2. Can I cancel my membership?

   • Yes, you can cancel your membership by emailing our team with the subject "Membership Cancellation". However, refunds are not issued. 

3. Is there a refund policy for tournaments or coaching sessions?

   • Refund policies vary by event. Please refer to the specific tournament or session details for more information, or contact our support team for assistance. For coaching sessions, we offer credit, or your money back minus the fee for the classes attended and a 15% processing fee.