Is there maybe a minimum age of 13 required to start an account? I think there may be a way around it if there is parental consent, but I'd have to look up the relevant section of the Terms and Conditions.
Cannot enter birthdates after 1996

http://www.chess.com/legal.html#termsofservice
(the emphasis below is mine):
Registration
In consideration of your use of the Service, you represent that you are of legal age to form a binding contract. You also agree to: (a) provide true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself as prompted by the Service's registration form and (b) maintain and promptly update the Registration Data to keep it true, accurate, current and complete. If you provide any information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, or if Chess.com has reasonable grounds to suspect that such information is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, Chess.com has the right to suspend or terminate your account and refuse any and all current or future use of the Service. Chess.com is concerned about the safety and privacy of all its users, particularly children. For this reason, parents or guardians of children under the age of 13 who wish to allow their children access to the Service must create an account that is maintained by a legal guardian of at least 18 years old and monitor the child's usage. By allowing a child access to your account, you also give your child permission to access all areas of the Service. Please remember that the Service is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Accordingly, as the legal guardian, it is your responsibility to determine whether any of the Service areas and/or Content are appropriate for your child.
Why doesn't chess.com allow people to enter birth dates after 1996? We have lots of young players here. At least give a reason.