Membership

HRCA Membership

Who needs a membership?

HRCA is a member-based organization, which means our members have a say in our governance by voting at Annual Meetings and electing our Board of Directors. Members ages 16+ are eligible to vote. Membership fees help us pay for rent, insurance, background checks, staff, Scholastic Cup awards, and more. HRCA Membership is subject to the HRCA Rules and Membership Terms and Conditions, outlined below.

HRCA membership is required to participate in most classes and clubs at HRCA, the HRCA Scholastic Cup, and for Schlich Scholarship eligibility.

Youth Membership is included in most HRCA Core Classes! Please click here to see if you may already have a membership before purchasing.

Start Here:

Are you trying to sign up for a class? Please STOP here and visit: https://hrchessclub.org/program-overview/

Are you trying to register for a tournament? Please STOP here and visit: https://hrchessclub.org/tournament-finder/

Are you looking for more information on HRCA Membership? Please continue below!

Membership Fees

The HRCA Board of Directors voted in July 2025 to simplify the HRCA membership fee structure to youth and adult levels. The new prices are as follows, and in effect as of 8/1/2025.

We offer very low membership fees! We currently have two membership levels: Youth ($15) and Adult Membership ($25).

Membership is subject to the HRCA Rules and Terms and Conditions outlined below. HRCA membership fees are not refundable and are not prorated.

What Programs Already Include Membership?

The following classes/programs include HRCA membership in their tuition and fees. You do NOT need to purchase a separate membership for the student:

	HRCA CORE PROGRAMS
Girls Club	Guppies	Homeschool Club
HRSCC	PSCC Learn to Play (youth only)	Masters Class (youth only)
Minnows	Seahorses

	SCHOOL CHESS PROGRAMS
Cape Henry Chess Club	Chesapeake Bay Academy Chess Club	Christopher Farms Chess Club
Cooke Elementary Chess Club	Great Bridge Christian Chess Cub	Kingston Elementary Chess Club
Norfolk Collegiate Lower School Chess Club	Old Donation School Chess Club	Sherwood Forest Elementary Chess Club
St. Gregory the Great Chess Club	Star of the Sea Chess Club	Strelitz Chess Club
Southside STEM Academy	Trantwood Elementary Chess Club

Frequently Asked Questions

I paid an annual registration fee in the spring or summer that included HRCA membership. Do I need to pay again?

Yes, Youth Memberships are only valid through August 31st of the year. Adult Memberships ($25), are valid for 1 calendar year.

How do I know if my class/program included membership?

If your class/program is listed in the chart above, it includes HRCA membership! If you are in one of our partner classes at Rec Centers, Libraries, Community Centers, and another program not listed, you will need to purchase HRCA membership separately.

I am a parent or family member – do I need a membership?

Family, friends, and chess enthusiasts are encouraged to join HRCA! With membership, you can have a say in HRCA’s governance by voting for the Board of Directors at HRCA’s Annual Meeting and support HRCA in a small way beyond class tuition fees that do not cover all expenses.

I just paid for a membership, but found out I was already a member. Can I get a refund ?

Memberships are non-refundable, but we will gladly extend your membership for an additional year based on your expiration date!

I paid for a $25 regular membership, and then later signed up for a class. Do I need to pay the registration fee?

Yes. All classes now have a $20 registration fee.

If you do not have a current membership or you have one that expires before the class is scheduled to end, you will need to purchase a membership or renew an expiring membership.

For PSCC Learn to Play & Masters Classes – Youth membership + ChessKid is included with registrations for participants age 18 and under.

Do I need an HRCA membership to play in tournaments?

We do not require HRCA membership for our own weekend tournaments unless you are wanting to compete in the new HRCA SCHOLASTIC CUP. HRCA membership is not required to play in tournaments hosted by outside organizations, like VCF or US Chess.

Membership is required to participate in our chess clubs which may have weeknight tournaments, such as HRCC and PSCC. Currently, membership is NOT required for PSCC’s new monthly cash prize tournament series.

What are the Terms and Conditions of HRCA membership?

By becoming a member of HRCA, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. Your membership is contingent upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms.

HRCA Membership is subject to HRCA’s Code of Conduct, the HRCA General Liability Waiver and Release, the US Chess Safe Play Policy, US Chess Code of Ethics, and US Chess Rules (collectively “HRCA Rules”). These policies and guidelines are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all members, promote good sportsmanship and positive relationships with our community, and ensure that we are good stewards of the facilities and equipment we own, lease, and operate.

Payment for HRCA membership must be done through online registration. Membership is not complete until both completed Membership Form and payment are received. HRCA memberships are not pro-rated and they are not refundable. Membership is not automatically renewed. Members will be notified when it is time for renewal via email. Renewals require completion of the HRCA Membership Application and payment of membership fee.

HRCA reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice. Continued participation in our programs or use of our facilities after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. It is your responsibility to regularly review the Terms and Conditions to stay informed of any changes.

Full HRCA Membership Terms and Conditions are available HERE.

Membership Form

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