HRCA is excited to offer beginner and advanced beginner/Intermediate chess class options to better serve our community! Some classes require registration directly with the host venue.
Class fees vary by location and/or availability of grant funding. HRCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the life benefits of chess. We strive to keep our programs affordable for all – usually 20-50%+ less than other chess programs, and sometimes completely FREE! We also have limited partial scholarships for those in financial need.
*Please note that the calendar in your Parent Portal does not allow us to mark dates that the class is not meeting. Please refer to our weekly newsletter, or website alerts page for any schedule changes!
HRCA requires autopay for tuition and registration fees. A non-refundable Annual Registration Fee will be charged to the account on file within 72 hours of enrollment, unless already paid via the Parent/Student Portal. Tuition will be posted to your Parent/Student Portal approximately one week before payment is due. To avoid autopay, you may log into your Parent/Student Portal and make your own payment early.
Guppies Chess for Ages 4-6
(Virginia Beach)
This class is specifically designed for total beginners ages 4-6 (Pre-K through 1st grade). If students show mastery of the basic rules of the game before they turn 7, they are welcome and encouraged to move on to Hampton Roads Scholastic Chess Club and continue honing their skills in our “Minnow” and “Rockfish” pre-competition groups.
Guppies are required to have a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult to be in the classroom with them. This approach ensures better classroom management and active engagement for our youngest children. It is also critical to the success of the program, as families can review and practice what they learned at home. Repetition is key at this age!
Classes are on Tuesday evenings, 5:15-6:00 PM at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church, 745 Little Neck Road in Virginia Beach. There are 12 total classes in each session.
Returns in September. Rates for 2025-2026 have not been established yet.
Seahorses Chess for ages 6-13
(Virginia Beach)
Seahorses was added to our class lineup in early 2025 to meet a demand for beginner classes for kids who have aged out of Guppies, but are not quite ready to join HRSCC. This course will teach the fundamentals of chess to students with no or minimal knowledge of the game, from piece movement, openings, checkmates and basic tactics.
Upon course completion, students may be able to enroll in HRSCC’s premier youth tournament club or take our intermediate level classes and camps.
Classes are on Tuesday evenings, 6:15-7:00 PM at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church, 745 Little Neck Road in Virginia Beach. Parents of younger students should remain onsite.
Class returns in September. Rates for 2025-2026 have not been established yet.
Learn to Play @ PSCC (Hampton)
No PSCC classes are currently scheduled.
Introduction to chess for complete beginners ages 6-adult. This 8 week course will teach the fundamentals of chess to teens and adults with no or minimal knowledge of the game, from piece movement, openings, checkmates and basic tactics. Class meets on Mondays from 5:30-6:15PM at HRCA’s Peninsula Club, located at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, 2200 Coliseum Drive in Hampton. Players may stay after class to practice/play casually at HRCC until close (around 9:00PM). Parents of younger students should remain onsite.
Financial Assistance, including monthly payments, may be available for those in need. Registration fee due at time of enrollment. Please click HERE for financial aid application.
Recreation Centers in Virginia Beach
HRCA and the Kempsville Rec Center have partnered to bring Beginner and Intermediate level chess classes to the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach !
These sessions are held Monday evenings from 6-7PM and last an average of 9 weeks. Classes are open to Adults and Youth ages 7+.
Virginia Beach Rec Center membership and a class fee is required to participate.
Please register and pay directly with Kempsville Rec Center. HRCA financial aid and scholarships are NOT available for Rec Center classes.
Fall classes begin September 8th, 2025!
Library Chess Programs
HRCA partners with local libraries across Hampton Roads to bring chess programming to youth in the community.
Chess programs are offered at various libraries throughout the region, but not all are affiliated with HRCA. We proudly partner with the following library branches to provide high-quality instruction, experienced coaches, and structured programming:
Slover Library (Norfolk) – no classes currently scheduled
Main Street Library (Newport News) – monthly casual chess meet ups for tweens/teens
All classes are subject to HRCA’s Code of Conduct, Financial Policies, and Youth Protection Protocols.