Guppies Chess
A playful first step into chess for curious beginners ages 4–6. We use mini-games, movement, repetition, and lots of encouragement to make learning chess fun.
The Guppy Story
Guppies began when curious younger siblings at Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club wanted to join the fun but were not quite ready for formal chess instruction. HRCA created a special group where young children could learn in their own way and at their own pace.
The original Guppies learned through mini-games, repetition, and play-based activities focused on one or two skills at a time. The approach worked: several early Guppies later appeared on the US Chess Top 100 lists for their age groups.
Today’s Guppies continue that tradition with patient instruction, age-appropriate challenges, and plenty of opportunities to practice. Many students move into HRCA’s developmental chess groups after building a strong foundation here.
What Will My Child Learn?
Meet the Pieces
Learn each chess piece’s name, movement, and special abilities.
Set Up the Board
Practice placing the board and pieces in the correct starting positions.
Check and Checkmate
Discover how to protect the king and recognize the end of a game.
Mini-Games
Build skills through short, focused games that are easy to understand.
Think Before Moving
Begin developing attention, planning, and problem-solving habits.
Chess Sportsmanship
Practice taking turns, showing respect, and being a good chess partner.
Grown-Ups Join the Adventure
A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must remain in the classroom with each Guppy. Adult participation supports classroom engagement and helps families practice the week’s skills at home. Repetition and adult support are important parts of success at this age.
Is Guppies the Right Fit?
Guppies Is Designed For
Beginner students ages 4–6, generally Pre-K through first grade.
Children may be completely new to chess or know a few pieces but still need help playing a complete game.
What’s After Guppies?
Students who master the basic rules or age out of Guppies may be ready for Seahorses,Minnows, another beginner class, or the Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club .
Schedule, Location, and Tuition
When We Meet
Tuesdays
5:15–6:00 p.m.
Where We Meet
King’s Grant Presbyterian Church
745 Little Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Tuition
$140 per session
ChessKid Gold included
$20 nonrefundable registration fee
Late-registration fees may apply
Autopay required
September 15–November 17, 2026
9 scheduled classes
January 12–March 23, 2027
9 scheduled classes
Before coming to class: Please check the Schedule & Alerts page for closures or changes. The Parent Portal calendar may not show dates when class is not meeting.
Financial Assistance
Limited needs-based assistance and payment arrangements may be available. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the class begins.
Visit the Financial Aid page for eligibility information and application instructions.
Ready to Join the Guppies?
Class sizes are intentionally small. Follow the steps below to check availability and register.
Review the class listing below for the session you want.
A Register option means enrollment is currently open.
Follow the registration prompts and add your payment method.
Available Guppies Classes
What Will My Child Learn?
Meet the Pieces
Learn each chess piece’s name, movement, and special abilities.
Set Up the Board
Practice placing the board and pieces in the correct starting positions.
Check and Checkmate
Discover how to protect the king and recognize the end of a game.
Mini-Games
Build skills through short, focused games that are easy to understand.
Think Before Moving
Begin developing attention, planning, and problem-solving habits.
Chess Sportsmanship
Practice taking turns, showing respect, and being a good chess partner.
Grown-Ups Join the Adventure
A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must remain in the classroom with each Guppy. Adult participation supports classroom engagement and helps families practice the week’s skills at home. Repetition and adult support is a big part of success at this age!
Is Guppies the Right Fit?
Guppies Is Designed For
Beginner students ages 4–6, generally Pre-K through
first grade.
Children may be completely new to chess or know a few pieces but still need help playing a complete game.
What’s After Guppies?
Students who master the basic rules or have aged out of Guppies may be ready for a traditional beginner class, Seahorses, and other beginner classes ., Minnows, or the Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club .
Schedule, Location, and Tuition
When We Meet
Tuesdays
5:15–6:00 p.m.
Where We Meet
King’s Grant Presbyterian Church
745 Little Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Tuition
$140 per session
Includes a premium ChessKid Gold Account
$20 nonrefundable registration fee due at enrollment
Late Registration fees apply
Autopay required
September 15–November 17, 2026
9 scheduled classes
January 12–March 23, 2027
9 scheduled classes