USCF Membership - is it worth it?

You have to get if you want to play in US Chess rated events, either cover the board or online. If you don't have events near your and don't care about online ratings, then the only reason to join would be yo support chess in the US.

I am a USCF member, but if this is worth the money will vary from person to person. 

You don't need a USCF membership to enjoy the game of chess, learn chess, or even be serious about it. There are many free or inexpensive resources for chess learning (such as chess books or free chess videos on YouTube etc.). You can also play mostly online or even play in-person at a local chess club and none of this requires a USCF membership. These are some of the reasons to not get one. 

Now for the reasons to get a membership, it gives you valuable OTB chess experience which online never offers and even in-person clubs can be a little less formal. By getting a USCF membership and playing in events, you not only get a rating, but you also get valuable playing experience and the excitement of playing in a "real" chess tournament. 

If you do purchase a membership, take a look at all the options because there are MANY memberships to choose from and there are discounted memberships for things like being below a certain age, being a student, or being a senior [citizen]. Memberships typically last for 1 full year, but some plans can go up to even a life-time. 

Ultimately, the decision to join or not is up to you and your 15 year old son. I like being a USCF member, but I also recognize it isn't for everyone.

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