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. 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. History 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 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. Editors of Chess Life 05/1946–12/1957 Montgomery Major 01/1958-12/1960 Fred M. Wren 01/1961–12/1961 Frank Brady 01/1962–05/1966 J. F. Reinhardt 06/1966–11/1966 Ed Edmondson and Bill Goichberg 12/1966–––––––– Burt Hochberg and Ed Edmondson 01/1967–10/1979 Burt Hochberg 11/1979–01/1982 Fairfield W. Hoban 02/1982–12/1984 Frank Elley 01/1985–03/1988 Larry Parr 04/1988–––––––– Fairfield W. Hoban 05/1988–07/1989 Don Maddox 08/1989–––––––– Boris Baczynskyj 09/1989–10/1990 Julie Ann Desch 11/1990–10/2000 Glenn Petersen 11/2000–10/2003 Peter Kurzdorfer 11/2003–12/2003 Glenn Petersen 01/2004–03/2005 Kalev Pehme 04/2005–02/2006 Glenn Petersen 10/2005–02/2006 Gerald Dullea 03/2006–05/2018 Daniel Lucas 06/2018-05/2020 Melinda Matthews 06/2020-present John Hartmann Contributors to Chess Life Some of the notable chess authors and players to write for Chess Life: Lev Alburt Back to Basics Leonard Barden (1960s) Pal Benko In the Arena (1972–1981), Endgame Lab (1981–2013), and chess problem column Benko's Bafflers David L. Brown Key Krackers Robert Byrne John W. Collins (1950s and 1960s) Games by USCF Members Alex Dunne The Check is in the Mail Larry Evans Evans on Chess Bobby Fischer (June 1963 debut) Fischer Talks Chess