We play online on chess.com. We've also found a local chess club at the YMCA. It meets once a week (a little late, but we go early). DS has a chess mentor that gives him informal lessons for free. If you can find a local chess club that would be your best bet. When you're searching, google for "scholastic chess" because that is what they use to describe younger players. People are generally really friendly and if you're lucky like us you'll find someone who will take your DS under his/her wing. It seems like when they seem someone with interest they go out of their way to help. I like the "chess club" culture that I've run into so far. I have not yet taken DS to a tourney. That'll depend on his interest and if he decides to stick with it.
Some other things that you may want to look at... google for "fritz and chesster learn to play chess". It's a well done chess tutorial game aimed for kids aged 8+. Our DS blew through the first game, but the second and third volume (we have but haven't played) get more into the deeper strategies.
Also your local B&N would probably have lots of books your DS would like. In particular "how to beat your dad at chess" is typically a favorite (even if it is a little sexist--mom can also play chess!) If your kid is a "patterns" guy like ours is, he'll really dig chess.
If you want to arrange for our DS's to connect for correspondence games on chess.com, send me a PM.
Hope that helps. We've been getting into chess these last four months. We went to NYC and played chess in central park. It really, really illustrated how our children are: he was super excited to play chess with people and then immediately afterward wanted to head to the playground.
JB
