Mike Swatek, Director: Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization (Oklahoma)
"The $1.50 single tournament membership...has reduced a financial hurdle...for first
tournament participation.... It's no longer necessary for...directors and organizers
to spend hours before, during, and after each tournament to check memberships, or
gather...personal information, or delay...the tournament if any membership information
is missing(...a common occurrence for large tournaments).... Membership and...rating
information [is] easily prepared and submitted in a few minutes after the tournament.
....Your attention to...details is much appreciated. Your...responsiveness to
suggestions fueled [CXR's] continuous and significant improvement.... The CXR team
deserves recognition for your significant contribution to 'extending the role of
chess in American society.' "
Chet Gunhus, National Director: Youth Enrichment League (Minnesota)
It was so easy to get the tournament results to you.
I'm already looking forward to the next event.
I can't tell you how much easier this is than
what we've been doing the last three years.
This is definitely the way to go for us!
I also want to "second" what Mike Swatek said [above]. My sentiments echo his.
FIDE Master Asa Hoffman (New York)
Asa Hoffman, the "Chess Gladiator" and New York Legend, says this: "For me, the main thing I like
about CXR is that ratings are up-to-date and accurate. Also, all the best players in the East
[eastern USA] are using it: several World Championship contenders; most of the top female players;
the best Juniors in the country; the best in every category. I like the colorful reports and it's
fun to go over the numbers."
Youth Chess Organizer Rebecca Rutledge (Oklahoma)
"...Many little school chess clubs have no idea how inexpensive and easy it can be to
run...rated chess tournaments....[CXR is] much cheaper than the competition, and less
paperwork hassle.... Getting a rating, watching it climb, comparing it to other kids',
etc. -- [these] are big motivators to [kids]. Add to that the stats and extras CXR
provides, and you've got a tool that's sure to deepen students' engagement in their
school chess programs, and motivate them to improve their skills.... CXR is...easy and
affordable...and many kids, for whom cost might otherwise be a barrier, are able to
participate."
Actor and Chess Player Morgan Freeman (California)
There are those who insist that the World is flat ....
Click link to hear Mr.Freeman Play Sound
Chess Club President Frank Alejandro (Hawai'i)
Frank Alejandro is president of the Windward Chess and Go Club:
"Chess has never had a rating program like CXR. Out here in the field sponsoring, coaching,
running clubs and tournaments, I see the needs. Just like any sports coach will look at
the stats, once you look at someone's status from CXR, it becomes apparent if they are truly
improving...and you can review a player's weaknesses to plan for improvement. CXR is a an
outstanding tool and one that continuously seeks to improve."
Scholastic Chess Coach, Daniel Vellotti (Idaho)
The founder of Vellotti's Chess Kids told us: "I really think that your group is great! I am going to continue to support it, and run my events through it. I already have 4 teams scheduled for the Nationals next May, and we plan on using Chess Express as a very important training tool to measure student performance along the way."
Chess Club President Michael Farris (Georgia)
Michael Farris, president of the Fihankra Chess Collective in Atlanta, says this: "If anyone is performing above the curve, it is Chess Express Ratings, making strides towards giving local clubs access to regulating their own tourneys and events, whether USCF or not, without the often-discouraging high USCF fees. It is more easily updated and maintained. People can see the results more readily, and they can talk about it the next day. Self-determination at its best."
Chess Club President Pete Blanchette (North Carolina)
Pete Blanchette, president of Knights Corner Chess Club of Gastonia, says this: "The most exciting thing that's happened at our club lately is that we joined Chess Express Ratings. What a difference! Attendance is up. All the statistics help to point out our weaknesses so we can see what needs improving. Our ratings are updated within 24 hours of reporting a game. We can't believe the difference in our club's participation and excitement, especially at $9 for a whole year!"
Chess Club President Mary McCooeye (Canada)
Mary McCooeye, president of the Simcoe County Chess Club in Ontario, says this: "You should have seen the crowd around the printed Hot List I posted on the wall today! Not everyone had received my email so it was a surprise to some. Everyone was smiling! And the kids?? They KNEW they were Hot Stuff--you just proved it!"