About the Western Massachusetts Chess Association
Organized chess activity in western massachusetts gets its focus from the Western Massachusetts Chess Association (WMCA), an official affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). WMCA goes back quite a few years, but it wasn't until 1990, when it was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization that it rapidly grew in membership, activities and strength. One cannot mention the chess scene in this area without remembering the late Dave Lees, the driving force behind it all for 30 years. For more about David Lees see Lee Enderlin's essay David Lees--Chess Master, Teacher and Gadfly. WMCA promotes a wide range of chess events, and helps coordinate tournaments. It also publishes a quarterly newsletter, the Skittles Room.
Membership in WMCA includes four issues of the Skittles Room newsletter, a free tournament, that will be advertised in the Skittles Room newsletter, and reduced tournament entry fees. Adults get $2 off and under age 18 get half off at Western Massachusetts Chess Association sponsored events. Annual WMCA dues; Adults $10, Students $5.
WMCA seeks to represent the interests of Western Massachusetts chess players within the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA) and the New England Chess Association (NECA).