>>>Can someone tell me what benefits a "Chapter" organization provides over that of an independent group of chippers or a separate club?

From the ByLaws:

C. Rights of Chapters

1. Club chapters shall have the right to use the name and logo of the Club in such similar form as shall be approved by the Club.

3. Chapters may request additional funding for specific projects from the Club, and each such request will be considered by the Board individually.

D. Services to be provided by the Club

The Club will provide to each chapter upon request:

1. a current application form for reproduction and use by chapter members

2. space in the Club's official magazine for articles written by a chapter member about the chapter's activities and schedule, provided that such articles are in camera-ready form and are submitted to the Editor in compliance with the publication schedule published in the magazine

3. time and space for a chapter meeting at the Club's annual convention at no cost to the chapter, provided that a request for such time and space is submitted to the Convention Chairman in ample time to make the necessary arrangements

4. such assistance and guidance as the Club's officers may provide, given the limitations of their duties and time constraints.