Formed on 19 June 1954 as a Union of Associations in South Wales and Monmouthshire, it was originally a part of the British Chess Federation (BCF).
On 15 November 1969 it withdrew from the BCF to apply for membership in the World Chess Federation (FIDE) as an independent body.
FIDE accepted the application at the Siegen Congress in 1970 and Wales competed in its first Olympiad at Skopje 1972, finishing 43rd of 62.
The Union comprises five county associations or "zones": Dyfed [1], East Glamorgan [2], Gwent [3], West Wales [4], and Chester & District Chess League [5].
Its moto is "Ymosodiad Dewr; Amddiffyniad Sicr" - "Bold in Attack; In Defence Secure".