Did you know that only about 15% of all US Chess members are women and girls? Being the only girl in the school chess club is not easy. Hearing boys (and men!) make thoughtless remarks about expecting an easy win because they are playing a girl is disheartening. We hear these comments all the time. And sadly, a lot of girls drop out of chess as a result. Girls can be and are serious competitors, but they also just enjoy each other’s company, especially when they are such a minority in the sport! HRCA is committed to increasing the number of women and girls in our chess programs, and to making chess a better experience for them.
What is the Girls Club? As the name implies, no boys allowed! Girls enrolled in this club will receive instruction from a great role model, Coach Nina, each week, along with time to just play chess together, make friends, and have fun. We will be working on bringing in occasional guest speakers and coordinating empowerment activities outside of club. Our season will culminate in June by hosting the Hampton Roads Girls Open event for the girls in our region and beyond (more info coming soon!). Girls are strongly encouraged to also participate in other HRCA programs such as Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club.
Who can join this club? Girls* from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Where does this club meet? This club meets at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church, 745 Little Neck Road in Virginia Beach.
When does this club meet? This club meets on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 PM starting September 15th and continuing through the school year.
How much does this club cost? Thanks to a generous grant from US Chess and the St. Louis Chess Club, weekly attendance at this club is FREE. Girls will pay an annual registration fee of $35, which includes HRCA membership. Girls with an active HRCA membership through another program pay $25.
*As an Affiliate of US Chess, Hampton Roads Chess Association follows the US Chess Transgender Policy.