Hampton Roads Chess Association
presents
The HRCA Birthday Bash!
July 11, 2026
Kempsville Recreation Center
800 Monmouth Lane
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Join us as we celebrate a huge milestone -- HRCA's 10th Anniversary as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit!
By registering and attending this event (as participant or guest), you acknowledge and agree to abide by the US Chess Federation's Safe Play Policy, and HRCA's Code of Conduct and General Liability Waiver and Release. More details below.
Registration for this event closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, July 9th! No last-minute or on-site registration!
There is a LOT of information to share for this event, and most questions can be answered below. Please read thoroughly!
FORMAT
The FREE portion of the event features a Chess Challenge against notable local players, casual chess, party games, an open house to learn about our programs, a birthday celebration, and a presentation on HRCA's past and future.
The event will also offer a 5 or 6-round (based on entries) G/10; d0 Blitz Swiss system tournament, which is akin to a bracket system in sports. It is not an elimination event. You will play all rounds (unless assigned a full-point bye for an uneven number of players). This tournament is NOT RATED -- no US Chess membership required. This event has a capacity of 60 players!
Boards, sets, and clocks are provided.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
This event is open to people of all ages. For the tournament portion, you must be able to play through a complete game of chess. US Chess membership is not required for anyone -- this is not a rated event.
Players under age 14 require an adult to be onsite for the duration of the event. This can be a parent or other family member, friend / parent of a teammate, or coach.
SECTIONS
Celebration: Enter this section FREE if you plan to attend any portion of the event but NOT play in the tournament. Please enter each member of your family separately so we have an accurate headcount.
Blitz Tournament
Beginner (Unrated): Players of all ages who do not have a US Chess rating. Designed for beginners with little to no tournament experience.
Novice (U500): Players of all ages with a US Chess regular OTB rating Under 500 on the July supplement. Membership does not need to be current (not a rated event).
Amateur (U1000): Players of all ages with a US Chess regular OTB rating Under 1000 on the July supplement. Membership does not need to be current (not a rated event). Designed for players rated between 500-999.
Open: Players of all ages with any US Chess regular OTB rating on the July supplement. Membership does not need to be current (not a rated event). Designed for players rated over 1000.
Check your US Chess membership here
EVENT SCHEDULE
BLITZ AWARDS
Custom event medals to top 3 finishers in each section. Participation ribbons to all others. Additional medals possible based on entries. No team awards.
ENTRY FEES
General celebration activities - FREE - please register in advance for a headcount. Walk-ups allowed.
Blitz Tournament
$25 Early Entry Fee through 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 30th.
$30 Standard Entry Fee through 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 9th.
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 11:59 PM ON THURSDAY, July 9th. NO ON SITE REGISTRATION FOR BLITZ.
The Blitz tournament is capped at 60 players.
REFUNDS
If you need to withdraw, please contact the Event Organizer.
Refunds will be given as a tournament credit ONLY. Refunds create a lot of administrative work and loss of important operational revenue to HRCA. Our default refund is to now give participants a CREDIT towards a future HRCA tournament. The credited amount will be $20 and is valid for 1 year. After June 30th, there is a 50% credit. No refunds after July 9th.
**Please check the ENTRY LIST before registering to make sure you do not register multiple times. Duplicate entries are subject to an administrative refund fee of $10.
SPECIAL NOTES FOR EVENT DAY
PARKING:
While there is a large, free parking lot at the rec center, it is generally pretty full. Overflow parking is on the adjacent streets.
MEALS:
If you will be joining us all day, please plan lunch to ensure you are present for the presentation and cupcakes from noon to 12:30. You are allowed to pack your lunch, have lunch delivered, leave site to get lunch, or enjoy the FOOD TRUCKS that will be parked in front of the rec center. Mr. Shawarma Middle Eastern Street Food and Shmitt Sandwich will be on site from 11-1 for your dining pleasure!
EVENT LOCATIONS:
The Chess Challenge will take place outdoors and in the foyer of the rec center. For the remainder of the activities, walk straight down the hall to the classrooms in the back off the building. The general celebration activities will take place in the "Quads" room on the right side of the hallway as you head down that way. The Blitz tournament will take place in Rooms 5 and 6 on the left side of the hallway.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Volunteers help ensure our events run smoothly and that players and families have an enjoyable experience. Volunteer spots include things like setup and cleanup, tournament directors, scorekeepers, hall monitors, celebration activity assistants, etc. CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER.
CONTACT US
Please contact the Tournament Organizer:
For more information/questions, contact the Tournament Organizer at tournaments@hrchessclub.org or 757-472-5909.
Email is the fastest way to reach us.
POLICIES AND RULES
Please note only designated areas of the facility are open to players and guests. No one is allowed in undesignated areas (including the aquatics center or fitness centers or track) at any time without a rec center membership or day pass.
It is our goal to provide a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Community partnerships are vital to HRCA, and we want to ensure we remain good stewards to our partners and their facilities. There is a lot of downtime during tournaments -- parents are responsible for supervising their children when they are not playing a scheduled match. No drop-offs for youth under age 14.
By registering and attending in this event (as participant or guest), you acknowledge and agree to abide by the US Chess Federation's Safe Play Policy, and HRCA's Code of Conduct and General Liability Waiver and Release. For more information on Safe Play or HRCA's Code of Conduct and General Liability Waiver and Release, please click the BLUE links above. Violations of these policies may result in warnings, or ultimately, disqualification or dismissal from the event without refund.
Photo Policy: Please be advised that photos and/or videos may be taken at HRCA events for use in HRCA's marketing, grant reporting, educational, news, or other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other forms of media, including on our website and social channels. HRCA will not identify images using the full names of those photographed without express written permission. By attending an HRCA event, you consent to have your image recorded for distribution and agree to release, defend, hold harmless, and indemnify HRCA from any and all claims, including compensation, involving using your picture or likeness. If you wish to opt-out, you can make your wishes known to the photographer, and/or the event organizers, and/or contact HRCA at hrca@hrchessclub.org.