Is it possible/plausible?

When I return home to rural Missouri, I've been thinking about starting a chess club there. I've been wondering a couple of things.

Firstly, how would I go about doing that?

Secondly, how likely is it that it would succeed, and thirdly, is it possible/plausible?

Here's a few pros and cons-

Pros-

• Not another chess club for hours.
• I live less than 20 minutes away from a town of several thousand people.
• I also live less than 30 minutes away from a university of several thousand students.
• There are several possible venues.

Cons-

• I'm not rich.
• I'm only 14.

• I have no idea if there would be sufficient interest.
• I'm clueless

Can anyone give me guidance? I really would like to see my favorite game come to my area.

Thanks!

-GD

Maybe try posting flyers at churches, the grocery store, schools, etc...People of all ages play chess. Some people might be interested but hesitant, so make sure there is a way for them to learn or others to teach. Maybe you could even get something in the newspaper about the benefits of having chess in the schools. Being less than 30 minutes from a university is a GREAT asset! They can provide you with a venue and plenty of people who are interested and have the time. And of course it's 2011, so you should really set up a facebook/website/twitter etc...You are already on chess.com, so try reaching out to people in your area or hosting an event. Good luck!

I was wondering the same thing

The only difference is that I'm  12, not 14

Thanks! I'll definetly make that attempt when I come back home!

You say I should make sure there is a way new people can learn/be taught. Is there an economical way to do that? I'd rather not require any fees or dues until the club has established itself. Of course, with that, I'm probably also not going to hold any rated things either, and people will have to bring their own boards and stuff...

I don't know, should I charge a fee? I don't think it's a good idea until the club is established.

If you manage to start a club, just have days where people can just play, and then have tournament days. On the tournament days you can charge people a small entrance fee ($5 maybe?) to play in the tournament (don't make it elim).  Give prizes to first and second place, and use the rest of the money to pay for fees (you might have to pay for the space you use, or you could use the money to invest in some sets or clocks for the club).

@GatheredDust: I just know when some people hear "Chess Club" they think of a highly academic game, either old englishmen sipping brandy and sitting on leather sofas in a smoke filled room or a bunch of 10 year old mensa members who are going to crush their ego. It's important to make chess accessible. I think one of the cheapest things to do is go over a classic annotated game. Maybe you could find a way to watch an instructional youtube video, or play some fun chess variants. Just make sure folks feel there is something for all skill levels and that a newbie won't walk in only to get laughed out of the place. I was very nervous going to my first chess club meeting and though I got thrashed, the people were very nice about it and gave me pointers and recommendations. 

Thanks guys.

So... since I don't want to charge membership fees, where are my best chances for a low or nonexistant cost? (I'm assuming either a school or the university)

starting at your school:

http://www.rockfordchess.org/clubs/starting.htm

Beer and women