“Chess is the gymnasium of the mind.”
~ Blaise Pascal
The SVCC mission to teach and promote chess for all ages and abilities in the Shenandoah Valley region. Here is the latest on opportunities to learn and play.
2023: Year In Review
In 2023, chess activity surged across the region. We saw new clubs in Frederick and Clarke County schools, and new programs launched in Capon Bridge and Strasburg.
In November, SVCC held its first scholastic tournament at Frederick County Middle School.
20 local students in grades K-12 participated in the challenge. Awarded top finishers were Lilia Price (K-2), Truett De Luise (3-5), Luke Nielsen (6-8), and Easton Lewis (9-12). All did great, including first timers. For the SVCC club, we welcomed Teacher Brad Pratt to our Board of Directors. Volunteer Rene Picota created a fresh new club website. Volunteers and parents helped in all aspects of organizing, teaching, and supporting.
Expect local chess stories to be added to site. In 2024, the newsletter will go out monthly.
We appreciate all who gave time and ideas to the effort. Cheers to 2024.
Shenandoah Valley Chess Club
Saturdays
10:00 am
Bowman Library
The Fall ChessKid Club session received positive feedback. We will work with the library on a winter session and possible scholastic tournament.
In the event of winter weather, we will not meet if the library is closed.
Please check the Bowman Library website or call (540) 869-9000 for library status.
Strasburg Chess Club
January 15
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Box Office Brewery
Strasburg, VA
A new club has launched in Strasburg, VA. Meetings are 1st and 3rd Mondays at Box Office Brewery, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. All levels are welcome. Find them on Facebook for full details.
Congratulations to the Strasburg chess community on the successful launch!
River House Chess Club
Thursday, January 25
4:30-7 PM
Capon Bridge, West Virginia
The popular River House Chess Club in Capon Bridge, WV continues in 2024 on the 4th Thursday of each month. The new time is 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Congratulations again to The River House Chess team for starting a great thing. Visit theriverhousewv.org for details.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities for “SVCC Support Team – Jan to Mar 2024” are now open.
Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn’t work) to go to the signup sheet: volunteersignup.org/MAF9E
To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.
Thank you for considering.
Virginia Chess Federation Events
- January 5-7, Dulles, VA: 56th Virginia Open.
- January 27-28, Virginia Beach, VA: 3rd Coastal Virginia Open.
- March 9-10, Roanoke, VA: Virginia Scholastic & College Championships.
Visit www.vachess.org for full details.
