New Beginner Classes for ages 6- adults!
In addition to our community partner classes, HRCA is excited to offer three new beginner chess class options to better serve our community! Schedules are posted below, but please check our alerts page for any changes!
Class fees vary by location and/or availability of grant funding. HRCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the life benefits of chess and we strive to keep our programs affordable for all – usually 20-50%+ less than other chess programs, and sometimes completely FREE! We also have scholarships for those in financial need and for women/teen girls in our Learn to Play classes.
Seahorse Chess (Virginia Beach)
Introduction to chess for complete beginners to beginners with a little chess knowledge, ages 6-13. This 8 week 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 will have priority registration for HRSCC’s premier youth development club. This is an HRCA Core Program. Class meets on Tuesdays at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach from 6:15-7:00PM. Parents of younger students should remain onsite.
Winter session runs January 7 – February 25. Class tuition is only $110, which is our standard class rate of $13.75/week. A $25 non-refundable Annual Registration Fee is due upon enrollment and will be charged via autopay within 72 hours. Registration fee includes HRCA youth membership valid through 8/31 and a ChessKid Gold subscription (a $70 value!) valid through September. Full session tuition of $110 will be charged via autopay on January 1.
Financial Assistance, including monthly payments, may be available for those in need. Monthly payments are $55/month for 2 months (Jan 1 and Feb 1). Registration fee due at time of enrollment. Please click HERE for financial aid application.
Class Schedule:
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
The grid below shows class information, including how many open spots remain. Please click either “Register” in the grid or the gold “register” button to sign up!
Learn to Play @ HRCC (Virginia Beach)
Introduction to chess for complete beginners ages 14-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 Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30PM at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. Players may stay after class to practice/play casually at HRCC until close (around 9:30PM).
Winter session runs January 7 – February 25. Class tuition is only $110, which is our standard class rate of $13.75/week A $25 non-refundable Annual Registration Fee is required for participants who are not already HRCA members. This registration fee provides participants with a regular HRCA membership that is valid for 1 calendar year, and is good for unlimited casual play at both HRCC and PSCC! This is an HRCA Core Program.
Registration fee is due upon enrollment and will be charged via autopay within 72 hours. Full session tuition of $110 will be charged via autopay on January 1.
Financial Assistance, including monthly payments, may be available for those in need. Monthly payments are $55/month for 2 months (Jan 1 and Feb 1). Registration fee due at time of enrollment. Please click HERE for financial aid application. Scholarships for women are available through our women’s chess grant program.
Class Schedule:
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
The grid below shows class information, including how many open spots remain. Please click either “Register” in the grid or the gold “register” button to sign up!
Learn to Play @ PSCC (Hampton)
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.
Winter session runs January 13 – March 10. Class tuition is only $110, which is our standard class rate of $13.75/week. A $25 non-refundable Annual Registration Fee is required for participants who are not already HRCA members. Youth participants (under age 14) will receive a youth HRCA membership valid through 8/31 AND a ChessKid Gold premium online subscription valid through September. Teen and adult members will receive a regular HRCA membership, which is valid for 1 calendar year and good for unlimited casual play at both PSCC (Hampton) and HRCC (Virginia Beach)! This is an HRCA Core Program. There is NO class on January 20th.
Registration fee is due upon enrollment and will be charged via autopay within 72 hours. Full session tuition of $110 will be charged via autopay on January 1.
Financial Assistance, including monthly payments, may be available for those in need. Monthly payments are $55/month for 2 months (Jan 1 and Feb 1). Registration fee due at time of enrollment. Please click HERE for financial aid application. Scholarships for women are available through our women’s chess grant program.
Class Schedule:
Jan 13, 27. (no class 1/20)
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
Mar 3, 10
The grid below shows class information, including how many open spots remain. Please click either “Register” in the grid or the gold “register” button to sign up!
Beginner Classes with our Community Partners:
Kempsville Recreation Center, Virginia Beach
HRCA coaches are teaching both Beginner and Intermediate level chess classes at Kempsville Rec Center! 9 week session is only $59 and requires Rec Center membership. Please register and pay directly with Rec Center at https://bit.ly/krc_chess
Winter classes run from Jan 6 – March 10 (No Class on 1/20)
Spring Classes run from March 24 – June 2 (No class 4/14 or 5/26)
Denbigh Community Center, Newport News
HRCA’s Coach Sorel will be teaching a FREE beginner chess workshop on December 12 from 6-7:30PM at the Denbigh Community Center in Newport News.
Register at https://bit.ly/denbighchess-Dec2024 . (Free casual play also available!)
Our next workshop/casual play will be on January 16 from 6-7:30PM at the Denbigh Community Center in Newport News. Registration opening soon.
Slover Library, Norfolk
HRCA coaches are returning to Slover for FREE Beginner and Intermediate level chess classes. This 8 week session runs from March 1- April 26. These classes are graciously funded by a grant, and are restricted to Norfolk residents/students only. Registration will open mid-January.
All classes are subject to HRCA’s Code of Conduct and Youth Protection Protocols.