National Chess Day!

On October 9, 1976, President Gerald Ford declared every October 9th as National Chess Day "to give special recognition to a game that generates challenge, intellectual stimulation, and enjoyment for citizens of all ages." National Chess Day began in South Carolina at the request and under the watchful eye of Bill Dodgen, who served as the President of the South Carolina Chess Association. Bill’s idea was to encourage local and state chapters of the United States Chess Federation to organize events to bring in beginners and others who enjoyed the game of chess but had never played in an organized event.