About Our Classes and Clubs

HRCA is committed to bringing the life benefits of chess to people of all ages and abilities throughout Hampton Roads.  In addition to our many school chess programs, we currently offer a variety of programming in the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton.  We are in various stages of planning to bring similar chess programs to Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth.

Click on the program name below each chart for more detailed info, including registration links and current openings.

Annual registration fee for HRCA Core Programs is non-refundable. For our youth members, it is only billed once per student, per academic year regardless of how many classes are taken with HRCA. Youth Registration Fee includes HRCA youth membership (valid through 8/31) and ChessKid Gold account.

For our older teen/adults, registration fee includes a regular HRCA membership, which is valid for 1 calendar year, and offers unlimited casual play at HRCC and PSCC. Current HRCA members do NOT need to pay registration fee unless membership expires before end of session.

Selecting the best class can be a challenge, especially when definitions of ability levels vary so much within the chess community– and even at HRCA! For nearly all of our classes, our Coaches give brief assessments to determine which level students best fit for the session. If we believe you or your student fits better in another level, we will let you know so that you can get the most of out each class. Generally, our classes are classified as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced levels, but individual skill levels can vary within those classes. Below the class listings is a handy guide to skill levels!

HRCA Core Programs

HRCA Community Partner Classes

These are HRCA-taught classes with our Community Partners in Hampton Roads. Click on the class name below to learn more, see available spots, and to register.

HRCA Ability Levels

As Zig Ziglar said, “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” The same applies to chess — every Grandmaster was once a beginner. HRCA is here to help you grow and gain the life benefits of chess along the way.

Here is a handy guide on which HRCA classes/clubs may be the best fit for you or your player. When in doubt, please email us and we will happily assist with placement before registration. Again, if our coaching staff determines during assessment that you or your student better fits a different class level, we will let you know!

• Beginner
  • Brand new player. 
  • No knowledge of chess and/or still learning the pieces and how they move.
  • Not rated.
  • No tournament experience.
    
    • Best Classes/Clubs: 
      • Guppies
      • Seahorses
      • Learn to Play classes at HRCA 
      • Beginner classes at school/community partners
        
        
        
• Novice
  • Still learning chess, but knows basics and can play through a game without assistance, even if poorly. 
    • Not USCF rated. 
    • May or may not have tournament experience.
      
      • Best Classes/Clubs:
        • HRSCC (Level 1- Minnows)
        • Girls Club
        • PSCC (youth and adults)
        • HRCC (Adults)
        • Homeschool Club
        • Ladies Club
        • Learn to Play classes at HRCA 
        • Beginner classes at school/community partners
          
          

• Intermediate
  • Looking for chess training focused on tactics and strategy. 
  • Probably has some tournament experience. 
  • Not USCF rated or is newly rated
    
    • Best Classes/Clubs: 
      • HRSCC (Level 2 – Rockfish, Level 3 – Barracudas)
      • Girls Club
      • PSCC (youth & adults)
      • HRCC (Adults)
      • Homeschool Club
      • Ladies Club
      • Intermediate classes with community partners and school programs, if available.
        
        
        
• Experienced
  • Has had 2+ years of formal chess training and tournament experience. 
  • Usually has a USCF rating under 900.
    
    • Best Classes/Clubs:
      • HRSCC (Level 4 – Swordfish, Level 5 – Dolphins, Level 6 – Sharks, Level 7 – Orcas)
      • Girls Club
      • PSCC (youth and adults)
      • HRCC (Adults)
      • Homeschool Club
      • Ladies Club
      • Intermediate classes with community partners and school programs.
        
        
        
• Advanced
  • Experienced chess player. 
  • Has a USCF rating of 900+. 
  • Ready for Master-level classes.
    
    • Best Classes/Clubs: 
      • HRSCC (Level 8 – Megalodons, Level 9 – Mosasaurs)
      • Masters Class (youth and adults)
      • PSCC (youth and adults)
      • HRCC (youth and adults)