Chess in Virginia has a long history, with the first chess clubs being established in the late 19th century. One of the earliest known chess clubs in Virginia was the Richmond Chess Club, which was founded in 1884.
In the early 20th century, chess in Virginia began to gain popularity, with several other chess clubs being established in cities such as Norfolk, Roanoke, and Alexandria. The Norfolk Chess Club, for example, was founded in 1901, and the Roanoke Chess Club was established in 1920.
In the post-war period, Virginia continued to produce strong chess players, with notable champions such as Grandmaster Walter Browne, who was born in Sydney, Australia but later immigrated to the United States and lived in Virginia. He was six time U.S. Champion and also represented the US in multiple Chess Olympiads.
In recent years, chess clubs and tournaments have continued to thrive in Virginia, with many local and state-wide tournaments and events being held regularly. The Virginia Chess Association is the governing body for chess in Virginia and promotes the game throughout the state.
Virginia Chess Federation in Richmond, VA
- Site: http://www.vachess.org
- USCF ID T5005230
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 7578464805
Arlington Chess Club in Arlington, VA
- Site: http://www.arlingtonchessclub.com/
- USCF ID A5005159
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 7039654716
Aisteam Academy in Ashburn, VA
- Site: https://ichesswhiz.com
- USCF ID A6055728
- Phone: 7032018668
Magnus Chess Academy in Fairfax, VA
- Site: http://www.chessacademy.com
- USCF ID H6026021
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 703-574-2070
Planet Chess Club in Houston, VA
- Site: http://planetchess.club
- USCF ID A6043883
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 636.36.CHESS
Roanoke Valley Chess Club in Roanoke, VA
- Site: http://www.roanokechess.com/
- USCF ID A5005400
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 540-345-7365
DMV Chess Club in Vienna, VA
- Site: https://www.dmvchess.com/
- USCF ID A6045387
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 7034156600
Hampton Roads Chess Association in Virginia Beach, VA
- Site: http://www.hrchessclub.org
- USCF ID H6041960
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 757-535-3880