Originally Posted by ultramarina
DS's chess club coach has been trying to get us to take him to Orlando, but I can't quite see spending money on this at this stage. (It is driveable for us, but hotel, etc.) Is your son in a school club, and are you experiencing any pressure from others to push him to compete more?

No, he is homeschooled. He and my DH started a local chess club this year that he participates in. It's mostly adults but as he likes interacting with adults this is ok. He plays in usually two local tournaments a month (one k-12 and one adult). He took a few lessons way back when he was four from a local master and the coach really wanted him to continue but we just couldn't afford it.