DS5 recently joined the chess club at his school. This happens to be a pretty competitive chess club that sends kids to big competitions (including nationally). DS is obviously young, but they do have kids compete in this age range.

We know NOTHING about this scene at all. The costs seem minimal. Info says tournament will be rated by the US Chess Federation.

DS is pretty good for 5, but not a prodigy or anything. We aren't sure how good because we aren't chess people at all. We certainly do not sit around coaching him and he can go months between games, but recently he's been into it. He loves to play, but also still tends to cry sometimes when he loses, though this is much better when playing strangers.

Thoughts on tournaments for a child this age? What is the scene like? Should we wait a year?