Chess tournaments in Virginia: Where to look for the best ones?
Updated: Sep 21
Last updated: August 2026
Looking for chess tournaments in Virginia? The Virginia Chess Federation, founded in 1934, is one of the oldest chess organizations in the country, and it keeps the state's calendar busy year-round — from Richmond's youth-focused clubs to Northern Virginia's biggest annual opens. And if you'd like to sharpen your game first, why not try a trial lesson with a master at MM Chess Academy?
Virginia Chess Tournament Calendar — 2026–2027
Event | Date | Location | Prize Fund | Source |
Sept 5–7, 2026 | Glen Allen, VA | $5,600 | VCF | |
Sept 18–20, 2026 | Washington Dulles Airport Marriott | — | US Chess | |
Sept 19–20, 2026 | Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront | VCF Cup Event | US Chess | |
Sept 20, 2026 | DoubleTree Washington Dulles Airport, Herndon | — | US Chess | |
Sept 26, 2026 | North Chesterfield, VA | — | VCF | |
Oct 9–12, 2026 | Dulles, VA | VCF Cup Event | VCF | |
Jan 2–4, 2026 (next edition ~Jan 2027) | Virginia | — | US Chess | |
March 7–8, 2027 (Blitz March 6) | Thomas Jefferson HS, Alexandria | — | VCF |
Looking for tournaments in another state? Check our full tournament finder.
Founded in 1934, the VCF is one of the oldest chess organizations in the United States. It sponsors the Virginia Closed Championship every Labor Day Weekend, the Virginia Open every January, the Charlottesville Open in July, and the Zofchak Memorial in November — several now in their second decade.
📍 Quick Facts
Current State Champion: NM Kevin Su (Herndon)
Current Amateur Champion: Dan Koontz (Richmond)
Current Senior Champion: IM Mark Ginsburg (McLean)
Membership: $15/year adult, $8/year junior (under 18)
Official source: vachess.org
Chess Tournaments in Richmond
Scholarship Chess Business Center — helps rated tournament players connect chess analysis skills to career opportunities. Runs a Saturday Swiss on the last Saturday of each month (G45/d5).
Bright Minds RVA Chess Club — focused on Richmond inner-city youth development; runs a free summer chess camp each year.
RVA Pieces: The Richmond Chess Club — weekly outdoor tournaments at their Jackson Ward facility.
Discovery Chess — a kid-focused educational business in Midlothian founded by Rhonda Adorno, blending chess with STEAM enrichment.
More Virginia Chess Organizations
DMV Chess — running tournaments since 2017. Annual DMV Open (July) and Annual Beltway Open (August), each with 9 rating sections; plus weekly online tournaments every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Hampton Roads Chess Association (HRCA) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit running the Zofchak Memorial and Coastal Virginia Open almost monthly.
Capital Area Chess Club — runs the Skyline Open, Cherry Blossom Classic, and Colonial Open, all at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott.
Chess Girls DC — promotes chess for girls around the DC area and surrounding states.
Conclusion — Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
From a 1934-founded state federation to a busy Richmond scholastic scene, Virginia's chess community runs deep and year-round. At MM Chess Academy, every coach is a certified, master-titled player — National Masters, International Masters, Woman International Masters, and Olympiad team members among them — ranking in the top 0.1% worldwide. Founded by National Master Misha Vilenchuk, we've taught over 700 students, many of whom have gone on to win national competitions and earn their own Master titles.
FAQ
When is the Virginia Closed Championship?
Every Labor Day Weekend — the 2026 edition (87th annual) runs September 5–7 in Glen Allen, VA, with a $5,600 prize fund.
How old is the Virginia Chess Federation?
Founded in 1934, making it one of the oldest chess organizations in the United States.
Who is the current Virginia State Chess Champion?
NM Kevin Su of Herndon.
When is the Virginia Scholastic & College Championship?
March 7–8, 2027, at Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria — the first time it's returned to Northern Virginia since 2020.
Is there a chess club focused on Richmond's inner-city youth?
Yes — the Bright Minds RVA Chess Club, which also runs a free summer chess camp each year.
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