| Chess Life | |
| Frequency: | Monthly (Chess Life), bi-monthly (Chess Life Kids) |
| Founded: | 1946 (Chess Life) |
| Company: | United States Chess Federation |
| Country: | United States |
| Based: | Crossville, Tennessee |
| Language: | English |
| Issn: | 0197-260X |
The monthly Chess Life and bi-monthly Chess Life Kids (formerly School Mates and Chess Life for Kids) are the official magazines published by the United States Chess Federation (US Chess). Chess Life is advertised as the "most widely read chess magazine in the world", and reaches more than a quarter of a million readers each month. It focuses on American chess players and tournaments, instruction, human interest, and US Chess governance matters. Chess Life Kids is geared towards those under 14. A subscription to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids is currently one benefit of becoming a US Chess member or affiliate.[1] All members are given access to the online versions of Chess Life and Chess Life Kids (including back issues). Affiliates and some membership categories also receive printed copies of Chess Life and/or Chess Life Kids.[2]
The United States Chess Federation was incorporated on December 27, 1939. In the early years, it had no office and no publication. In 1945 and 1946, USCF Annual books were published. In 1946, publication of Chess Life started[3] as a bi-weekly newspaper, usually eight or twelve pages long. In 1961, Frank Brady converted Chess Life to a slick-covered magazine. In 1969, Chess Life merged with Chess Review, the other leading U.S. chess magazine. The magazine was published under the title Chess Life & Review starting with the November 1969 issue until 1980 when it returned to the name Chess Life.
Some of the notable chess authors and players to write for Chess Life: