Chess tournaments in West Virginia: Where to look for the best ones?

Last updated: August 2026

Chess is more than just a game — it's a sport, an art, and a way of life. If you live in West Virginia, or plan to visit, there are more chances to play competitively than you might think, thanks to a small but dedicated network of clubs across the state. And if you'd like to sharpen your game before your next tournament, why not try a trial lesson with a master at MM Chess Academy?

Upcoming Chess Tournaments in West Virginia

• 2026 Italian Heritage Open — August 29, 2026, 9:00am–3:30pm

• Shepherdstown Library Octo II — August 29, 2026, 10:00am–3:00pm

• Thomas Bergquist Memorial 87th WV State Championship — September 19–20, 2026

Looking for tournaments in another state? Check our full tournament finder.

West Virginia Chess Association (WVCA)

Founded in 1941, the WVCA is West Virginia's official chess governing body, affiliated with the US Chess Federation. It organizes the state's biggest events and supports scholastic chess statewide.

📍 Quick Facts

Thomas Bergquist Memorial WV State Championship: the state's marquee event, held every September — the 2026 edition is the 87th annual, September 19–20

Membership: Junior (U21) $10/yr, Regular $20/yr, Family $40/yrOfficial source: wvchess.org | Full event calendar

The WVCA also runs annual events including the Mountaineer Open (Morgantown, January), WV Junior Championship (Bridgeport, November), and WV Senior Championship (open to players 50+). Check the WVCA calendar for exact 2026–27 dates as they're announced.

Kanawha Valley Scholastic League

A chess league for students in grades K-12 in the Kanawha Valley area, running team and individual tournaments each school year:

• KVSL Team Tournament — usually February; teams of 4, divided into elementary, middle, and high school divisions

• KVSL Individual Tournament — usually March; individual sections from K-3 through 10-12

Winners of both qualify for the state scholastic championships. Learn more via WVCA.

Find a Chess Club Near You

Rather than guess which local clubs are still active, we pulled this directly from the WVCA's own official club directory — the most reliable source for current meeting times.

📍 West Virginia Chess Clubs (verified via WVCA)

City	Location	When
Barboursville	Barboursville Public Library, 749 Central Avenue	Wed 3:30–5:30pm
Beckley	New River CTC, 280 University Drive Room R-201, Beaver	Thu 4–7:45pm
Bridgeport	Bridgeport Public Library, 1200 Johnson Ave	Tue 3–4pm
Buckhannon	Upshur County Public Library, 1150 WV-20 Rd	Every other Wed, 4–5:30pm
Charleston	WV State University, Institute	Thu 6pm (exact building unconfirmed by WVCA)
Elkins	Fox Hops Brewery, 25 Bow String Lane	Thu 7–9pm
Fairmont	Marion County Public Library, 321 Monroe St	1st Wed 5–7pm
Grafton	Taylor County Public Library, 200 Beech St	1st & 3rd Mon, 5:30–7:30pm
Huntington	917 9th Street	Sat 1:30pm
Hurricane	St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 3434 Teays Valley Road	Tue 6:30–8:30pm
Hurricane	Valley Cakes and Cafe, 3 Valley Park Drive	2nd & 4th Thu, 5pm
Morgantown (WVU Chess Club)	Mountainlair, 1550 University Ave, Side Pocket Room	Mon 7–9pm
Moundsville	Mugshots Coffee Shop, 524 7th Street	2nd & 4th Mon, 1–3pm
Shepherdstown	Daily Grind, 778 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg	Tue 6–8pm
Wheeling	Upper Market House, 2200 Market Street	1st & 3rd Mon, 2–4pm

Official source: wvchess.org/club-directory

New to competitive chess? Most of these clubs welcome walk-ins — book a trial lesson first if you'd like a head start before your first club visit.

Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or a master, West Virginia has a chess club or tournament to match your level. Chess is a great way to exercise your brain, meet new people, and have fun — so don't hesitate to check out one of these clubs or register for the next state event.

We'd love to hear your ideas on how to make this guide better — share them with us and we'll keep it updated. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for our free monthly online tournaments.

FAQ

When is the West Virginia State Chess Championship?

The Thomas Bergquist Memorial WV State Championship — its 87th annual edition — runs September 19–20, 2026.

Is the West Virginia Chess Association still active?

Yes — the WVCA runs the state championship, a statewide Grand Prix series, and maintains an official directory of active clubs across West Virginia.

Where can I find a chess club near me in West Virginia?

The WVCA's official club directory lists 15 active locations statewide, from Wheeling to Huntington — see the full list above or visit wvchess.org/club-directory.

Are West Virginia chess clubs open to beginners and kids?

Most clubs welcome all ages and skill levels, though a few (like the WVU Chess Club) are primarily campus-based — check with each club directly before your first visit.

How much does it cost to join the WVCA?

Junior (under 21) membership is $10/year, Regular is $20/year, and Family membership is $40/year.