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Nonprofiteer
← CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS.

Totals

Total revenue
$31,206,877
Total expenses
$19,681,176
Contributions and grants received
$30,572,962
Grants paid
$3,775,536
Program service revenue
$566,353
Investment income
$46,704
Other revenue
$20,858
Total assets, end of year
$29,019,699
Total liabilities, end of year
$8,453,705
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$20,565,994
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$14,133,185
Management and general expenses
$4,490,735
Fundraising expenses
$1,057,256
Program service expenses (Part III)
$14,133,185

Program services were 71.8% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1a · Federated campaigns

    $10,000

  • 1b · Membership dues

    $47,470

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $208,971

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $30,306,521

  • 2a · Program service revenue: DIRECT CLASSROOM

    total $420,435 · related or exempt $420,435

  • 2b · Program service revenue: APPLIED EDUCATION

    total $145,918 · related or exempt $145,918

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $46,704 · excluded $46,704

  • 6a · Gross rents

    real property $46,729

  • 6b · Less rental expenses

    real property $46,729

  • 6c · Rental income or loss

    real property $0

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $53,963

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $208,971

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $98,279

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$44,316 · excluded -$44,316

  • 10a · Gross sales of inventory

    $11,972

  • 10b · Cost of goods sold

    $8,808

  • 10c · Net income from sales of inventory

    total $3,164 · related or exempt $3,164

  • 11a · Other revenue: YOUTUBE ADVERTISING

    total $24,525 · unrelated business $24,525

  • 11d · All other revenue

    total $37,485 · related or exempt $32,343 · excluded $5,142

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $62,010

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $3,775,536 · program services $3,775,536

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $306,889 · program services $184,156 · management and general $92,044 · fundraising $30,689

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $2,649,193 · program services $1,202,917 · management and general $1,203,492 · fundraising $242,784

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $62,697 · program services $28,290 · management and general $28,662 · fundraising $5,745

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $290,361 · program services $133,968 · management and general $129,682 · fundraising $26,711

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $230,067 · program services $107,716 · management and general $101,081 · fundraising $21,270

  • 11a · Fees: management

    total $250,300 · program services $100,120 · management and general $75,090 · fundraising $75,090

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $688,915 · management and general $688,915

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $82,561 · management and general $82,561

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $269,710 · fundraising $269,710

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $3,561,774 · program services $3,024,284 · management and general $458,983 · fundraising $78,507

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $291,022 · program services $240,730 · management and general $41,549 · fundraising $8,743

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $430,551 · program services $254,494 · management and general $146,764 · fundraising $29,293

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $155,348 · program services $72,734 · management and general $68,252 · fundraising $14,362

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $1,813,825 · program services $838,912 · management and general $831,078 · fundraising $143,835

  • 17 · Travel

    total $1,256,990 · program services $1,231,434 · management and general $20,798 · fundraising $4,758

  • 20 · Interest

    total $2,080 · management and general $2,080

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $274,667 · program services $128,598 · management and general $120,676 · fundraising $25,393

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $261,150 · program services $122,270 · management and general $114,737 · fundraising $24,143

  • 24a · Other expenses: EVENT PAYOUTS

    total $2,303,976 · program services $2,303,976

  • 24b · Other expenses: MEALS & ENTERTAINMENT

    total $439,210 · program services $205,637 · management and general $192,968 · fundraising $40,605

  • 24c · Other expenses: PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

    total $170,036 · program services $80,259 · management and general $74,170 · fundraising $15,607

  • 24d · Other expenses: TRAINING & EDUCATION

    total $16,895 · management and general $16,895

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $97,423 · program services $97,154 · management and general $258 · fundraising $11

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $599,183 · end of year $1,301,121

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $71,754 · end of year $75,282

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $23,600 · end of year $16,130

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $281,246 · end of year $9,983,948

  • 5 · Loans and receivables from officers and key people

    beginning of year $13,543 · end of year $10,043

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $42,416 · end of year $36,154

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $178,198 · end of year $261,025

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $15,510,783

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $4,400,387

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $8,274,176 · end of year $11,110,396

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $7,142,917 · end of year $6,225,600

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,268,504 · end of year $1,783,984

  • 18 · Grants payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $1,351,721

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $21,716 · end of year $28,135

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $6,292,720 · end of year $5,289,865

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $8,822,007 · end of year $8,866,514

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $222,086 · end of year $11,699,480

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

TO MAINTAIN A FORMAL PROGRAM OF CHESS INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES AND LEVELS AND TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF CHESS.IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS, AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION, TO MAINTAIN A FORMAL PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION TO TEACH THE GAME OF CHESS AND TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF CHESS.

Activities or mission (Part I)

PROVIDE FORMAL CHESS INSTRUCTION AND INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF CHESS.

  • SEE SCHEDULE O:APPLIED EDUCATION:IN 2024, THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUED TO HOST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL CHESS COMPETITIONS, PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH A REAL-WORLD UNDERSTANDING OF HOW FAR THEIR ACADEMIC AND STRATEGIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN CHESS COULD TAKE THEM. THESE EVENTS OFFERED STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO WITNESS NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CHESS PLAYERS COMPETING, SHOWCASING HIGH-LEVEL CHESS STRATEGY. THE ORGANIZATION'S LEADERSHIP BELIEVES THAT EXPOSURE TO SUCH TOURNAMENTS INSPIRES STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN CHESS, WITH THE PROSPECT OF ONE DAY COMPETING FOR SUBSTANTIAL CASH PRIZES AND ACHIEVING PERSONAL AND INTELLECTUAL RECOGNITION. IN 2024, THE ORGANIZATION HOSTED THE U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP, U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP, U.S. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, U.S. GIRLS' CHAMPIONSHIP, AND U.S. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, IN ADDITION TO THE SINQUEFIELD CUP, CAIRNS CUP, ST. LOUIS MASTERS, AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS. THESE PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITIONS, FEATURING SOME OF THE WORLD'S TOP PLAYERS, CONTINUE TO DRAW GLOBAL ATTENTION TO THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION AND ITS ROLE IN PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN CHESS EDUCATION.

    Expenses $8,543,671 · Grants $639,308 · Revenue $107,736

  • SEE SCHEDULE O:DIRECT CLASSROOM:DIRECT CLASSROOM:THE ORGANIZATION'S CORE MISSION REMAINS FOCUSED ON PROVIDING CHESS INSTRUCTION TO STUDENTS THROUGH TWO PRIMARY MODES: AT ITS CAMPUS LOCATED AT 4657 MARYLAND AVENUE IN SAINT LOUIS, MO, AND IN SATELLITE CLASSROOMS AT PARTICIPATING K-12 SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, AND COMMUNITY CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE GREATER SAINT LOUIS METRO AREA ("PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS"). ADDITIONALLY, THE VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORM ESTABLISHED IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO BE A VITAL COMPONENT OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INSTRUCTIONAL OFFERINGS. FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS PROVIDE LESSONS IN-PERSON AT THE CAMPUS, WITHIN AREA SCHOOLS, AND VIRTUALLY, SUPPORTING A DIVERSE RANGE OF STUDENTS. IN 2024, THE ORGANIZATION SERVED APPROXIMATELY 6,000 STUDENTS AT ITS CAMPUS, WHILE MORE THAN 6,000 STUDENTS WERE ENROLLED IN SATELLITE CLASSROOMS AND VIRTUAL PROGRAMS. THE ORGANIZATION MAINTAINS A STRUCTURED CURRICULUM, USING FORMAL CLASSES AND TEXTBOOKS TO DELIVER A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. IN 2024, THE ORGANIZATION HOSTED AND ORGANIZED OVER 100 CHESS TOURNAMENTS AND 200 LECTURES, CLASSES, AND SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. IT ALSO CONDUCTED VIRTUAL INSTRUCTIONAL SUMMER CAMPS, BOTH LOCALLY AND FOR STUDENTS NATIONWIDE, INCLUDING SPECIALIZED CAMPS FOR TOP-TIER STUDENT CHESS PLAYERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

    Expenses $5,589,514 · Grants $3,136,228 · Revenue $494,124

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • REX SINQUEFIELD

    PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    16 + 8 related

  • MIKE LUEKEN

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • DOUG ECKERT

    TREASURER (AS OF 3/24)

    Total calculated
    $1,733
    From this org
    $1,733
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • JAMES VOELKER

    TREASURER (THRU 3/24)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • ED BAUR

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • JEAN HOFFMAN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • MIKE PODGURSKY

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • ANTHONY RICH

    TECHINCAL DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $153,557
    From this org
    $142,211
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,346
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $140,909
    Bonus
    $1,302
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $4,266
    Nontaxable benefits
    $7,080
    Filer's total
    $153,557

  • TAD MIDDLETON

    DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION & HR

    Total calculated
    $153,332
    From this org
    $140,328
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $13,004
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $140,000
    Bonus
    $328
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $2,400
    Nontaxable benefits
    $10,604
    Filer's total
    $153,332

  • NORAH FRIEL

    FINANCE MANAGER

    Total calculated
    $142,994
    From this org
    $130,211
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $12,783
    Hours/week
    40 + 10 related

  • CATHERINE GALLAHER

    HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

    Total calculated
    $139,704
    From this org
    $121,328
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $18,376
    Hours/week
    40 + 10 related

  • JAMES GILDEHAUS

    DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES

    Total calculated
    $127,904
    From this org
    $116,328
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,576
    Hours/week
    40 + 10 related

  • LEVON ARONYAN

    GRANDMASTER & CHESS PLAYER

    Total calculated
    $345,371
    From this org
    $338,294
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $7,077
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $167,299
    Bonus
    $328
    Other
    $170,667
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $7,077
    Filer's total
    $345,371

  • YASSER SEIRAWAN

    CHIEF COMMENTATOR & SPOKESPERSON

    Total calculated
    $134,782
    From this org
    $114,728
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $20,054
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
11 November 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202513179349306906

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