About Us

The Hackettstown Chess Club, founded in September 1972 by Kenneth Thomas, hosts weekly USCF-rated chess games every Monday night at 7:30 PM at the Hackettstown Community Center, located at 293 Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Thomas, also serving as treasurer of the NJ State Chess Federation, has been actively involved in organizing tournaments and editing Atlantic Chess News.

About Kenneth Thomas

Kenneth Thomas, born February 24, 1938, served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) from April 23 to December 31, 2004, during a severe financial crisis. Appointed by Bill Goichberg, Thomas took on the role at a reduced salary and successfully restored the USCF to profitability.

Born in Mead, Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl era, Thomas moved to New Jersey after World War II and graduated from Bound Brook High School. He served in the United States Army Ordnance Corps from 1961 to 1964, specializing in nuclear weapons assembly. After military service, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston in 1972 and settled in Hackettstown, NJ. Thomas founded the Hackettstown Chess Club in 1972, organized tournaments, and held financial roles, including auditor and controller.

Currently residing in Hackettstown, Thomas serves as treasurer of the New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCF), edits Atlantic Chess News, and teaches accounting at Centenary College.

Kenneth Thomas & Pal Benko

Kenneth Thomas & Grand Master Pal Benko