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A place to learn. A team to grow with.
Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club
Chess lessons + a tournament game every Tuesday.
HRSCC helps youth players build skills, confidence, and friendships in groups matched to their ability.
We celebrate effort and learning—not just winning.
September–early June
745 Little Neck Road
Enter on the preschool/Fellowship Hall side.
All students must check in before class. Parent/guardian must check out.
$20 nonrefundable registration fee per student, per class; 1.25% technology fee on payments
Is HRSCC Right for My Child?
HRSCC is a good fit if your child…
- Knows the basics and can play through a chess game.
- Is ready to learn in a group and try tournament play.
- Can participate in both the lesson and game each week.
No US Chess rating yet? That’s okay. Our HRSCC-Unrated groups (1 & 2) welcome players ready for their first competitive step.
Still learning the basics of chess?
We recommend starting with a true beginner chess class to learn the foundations like Guppies or Seahorses (based on age), a school or community beginner class, beginner chess camp, or Minnows.
Children move up through our levels based on skill and readiness. There is no pressure to advance before they are ready.
What Does a Club Night Look Like?
1. Learn with your group
Students receive instruction matched to their ability, from new competitors to advanced scholastic players.
2. Put it into practice
Students play a tournament game, practice their skills, and learn from the experience. Hard work is recognized, regardless of the result.
Your Questions, Answered
Select a question to see the details.
Which class should I choose?
No US Chess rating: Choose HRSCC-Unrated if your child knows the basics and is ready for competitive play. We’ll place them in Rockfish or Barracudas. These are the only HRSCC groups that do not require a US Chess membership or rating.
Already US Chess-rated: Use this guide. ChessKid ratings do not count for placement.
- HRSCC 3 · SwordfishUnder 300
- HRSCC 4 · Dolphins300–499
- HRSCC 5 · Sharks500–699
- HRSCC 6 · Orcas700–899
- HRSCC 7 · Megalodons/Mosasaurs 900+ · Training with a National Master
We offer an assessment night at the beginning of fall to help with placement. Look up your child’s US Chess rating or ask us for help.
Is there a trial class?
Yes! Free trial visits are available only on scheduled dates. Please sign up before attending so we can ensure we have space and give you extra attention.
Sign Up for a Trial NightWhat will my child learn, and who teaches?
Coaches choose lessons and resources based on their group’s skills and needs. Students learn through instruction, practice, and weekly tournament games.
ChessKid Gold is included. Students are encouraged to use it at home for study and practice, with fun incentives recognizing their effort.
Coaches are US Chess-certified, background-checked with regularly updated checks, and SafeSport-trained. Volunteer Assistant Coaches and Youth Leaders also support classes.
Learn more about our team .What does tuition cover? How do payments work?
- Tuition: $99 per month per student, billed on the 1st, September–May.
- Registration: $20 per student, per class. Nonrefundable.
- Included: Club instruction, curriculum, awards, Tuesday tournaments, and ChessKid Gold.
- Separate costs: Optional weekend tournaments, workshops, camps, and merchandise.
- Technology fee: 1.25% added to payments.
Tuition spreads the total program cost across nine monthly payments. It is not prorated; exceptions are considered case by case.
Autopay is required. Charges are posted in the Parent/Player Portal about a week before they are due. You may pay early through the portal before autopay processes.
Keep a valid payment method on file with enough funds for tuition and the technology fee. Declined, late, or bounced payments incur additional fees, and students cannot attend until payment is made. Repeated payment issues without communication may affect scholarship awards.
Read HRCA’s full payment and enrollment policies .When can my child join?
HRSCC accepts new students during designated enrollment windows so coaches can integrate them into classes and tournament play.
- Fall 2026: Enrollment closed September 15. A $20 late-registration fee applied after August 25.
- Mid-year 2026–2027: New students may join beginning December 16, 2026, and no later than January 19, 2027.
Admission depends on available space. Check the live class listing below for online registration.
Is financial assistance available?
Limited needs-based assistance, including partial scholarships, is available for students with demonstrated financial need.
Apply for assistance first, then register for class. Class charges will wait until your application is processed and your family’s portion is determined. All students must pay the $20 nonrefundable registration fee.
The Fall 2026 application deadline was noon on August 28. Contact HRCA about assistance for upcoming enrollment.
Where do I find schedules or report an absence?
Your full schedule is provided after enrollment and is available in the Parent/Player Portal under your class’s Resources.
The portal calendar may not reflect closures or virtual meetings. Check the weekly newsletter, HRCA app, and website for changes. When the facility is unavailable or weather prevents meeting, club meets virtually on ChessKid.
Please report absences in advance through the Parent/Player Portal so we can plan classes and games.
Open Parent/Player PortalWhat is the family volunteer commitment?
Your child joins a club. Your family becomes part of a community.
Each family volunteers one night per child each semester. This helps keep HRSCC tuition affordable and club nights running smoothly. It also gives you a chance to meet other families, encourage our players, and help create the welcoming community that makes HRSCC special.
No chess experience needed—just a willingness to lend a hand.
View the volunteer policy and roles.
Interested in a weekly role with a club discount? Key Volunteers commit September–early June and receive 15% off club tuition for one student. Roles include Check In/Check Out Lead, Store Lead, Ladder Lead, and Set Up.
Contact Jen at jennifergettins@hrchessclub.org about these positions.
What if we need to withdraw or take a break?
Submit a withdrawal in writing by email to hrca@hrchessclub.org or through a Drop Request in your Parent/Player Portal. Verbal notices are not accepted.
Notice is due by the 15th of the month for the following month. Late notice results in the next month’s tuition being charged. Payments already processed and missed sessions are not refundable.
Accounts cannot be paused. To take a break, continue paying tuition to hold your place, or withdraw and re-register if space is available.
Enrollment is subject to HRCA’s full policies, including financial policies, the Code of Conduct, and youth protection protocols.
What makes HRSCC different?
Founded in February 2014, HRSCC has helped hundreds of young players develop their chess skills—from first tournaments to advanced competitive play.
Our approach combines instruction, regular games, practice incentives, and encouragement. We recognize effort and progress rather than putting pressure on children to win.
We never “lose”—we learn. Families help make that positive approach part of every student’s experience.
More Than the Next Move
A place to practice, make friends, and keep trying. Every game brings another chance to learn.
Not sure where your child belongs? We’ll help.
Ready to Join? Start Here.
Find your class and select its registration link.
No registration link? Online enrollment is not currently available for that class. Spaces shown do not necessarily mean enrollment is open. Ask us for help.
