The World Chess Federation [Fédération Internationale des Échecs] (FIDE), established 1924, is the international governing body for chess. Canada is a founding member. There are 170 member federations (nations). FIDE was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an International Sports Federation in 1999. Chess has National Olympic Committee recognition in 115 countries, and chess is recognized as a sport in 105 countries. In 2011, FIDE registers 274,660 rated players, including 1,315 Grandmasters; and 1,643 International Arbiters, 890 FIDE Arbiters and 127 International Organizers.
Chess is the world's second most popular game (after soccer). On the internet, millions play chess by dedicated servers, or watch live webcasts of chess games. Webcasts are made possible when competitors use special hardware, such as the wireless devices developed by the Montreal firm MonRoi.
President: Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
The Chess Federation of Canada (CFC), established 1872, is a non-profit organization and the governing body for chess in Canada. The CFC is a founding member of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the international governing body for chess. In 2010, the CFC registers 1,883 players, including 9 Grandmasters; and 16 International Arbiters, 5 FIDE Arbiters and 2 International Organizers.
Chess is probably the second most participated in recreation / sport in Canada (after swimming).
Board of Directors:
President: Robert Gillanders (Burlington, ON)
Vice-President: Mark S. Dutton, IA (FIDE) (Victoria, BC)
Treasurer: Fred McKim (Charlottetown, PEI)
Secretary: Lyle Craver, IA (FIDE) (North Vancouver, BC)
Youth Co-ordinator: Michael Barron, FM (FIDE) (Toronto, ON)
FIDE Representative: Hal Bond, IA, IO (FIDE) (Guelph, ON)
Past President: Eric Van Dusen (Ottawa, ON)
The Ontario Chess Association (OCA), was established in 1879. The OCA is affiliated with the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC). The OCA co-ordinates chess activity in Ontario. In 2010, the OCA registers 1,008 players, including 2 Grandmasters; and 8 International Arbiters, 2 FIDE Arbiters and 1 International Organizer.
President: Michael von Keitz
Greater Toronto Chess League (GTCL), established 1897, is a non-profit organization which dates back to the founding of organized competitions among chess clubs in Toronto. In 2010, GTCL organizes and co-ordinates competitions among more than 25 chess clubs in the Greater Toronto area. GTCL is affiliated with the Ontario Chess Association (OCA). In 2010, GTCL registers approx. 400 players, including 2 Grandmasters; and 6 International Arbiters.
President: Michael Barron
Chess Institute of Canada (CIC), a federal non-profit corporation, was founded in 2005 to teach children, through the game of chess, responsibility for their words and actions. CIC teaches over 1,000 children each year.
Watch CIC's 90 second video Chess is Awesome (also available on their website).
President: Ted Winick