About This Tournament
Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS)
Chess Tournament 2026
Participation is limited to students attending HCPS Public Schools and
Students who are home-schooled in Hanover County, Virginia.
Players from other schools outside of Hanover County Virginia are not eligible to participate in this event.
What is this Tournament? This chess tournament is a part of the HCPS annual Arts & Sciences Festival. It is being hosted by HCPS in collaboration with the Virginia Chess Federation, the US Chess Federation's state chapter.
Where is the Tournament: The chess tournament is being held at Bell Creek Middle School, 8021 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia. Bell Creek MS is immediately adjacent to Mechanicsville High School. You must go to the Middle School to play. All games are being played in the middle school gymnasium. Click here for a GoogleMaps view of the school's location.
Event Date: Saturday April 18, 2026
Time: 12-noon to 4 PM.
Players will compete in three (3) Sections:
High School (grades 9-12)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Elementary School (Graded K-5)
Round 1 begins at 12-noon. There will be a total of four (4) rounds, with Rounds 2-4 beginning as soon as possible after the previous round is completed.
This tournament is NOT rated by the US Chess Federation, but US Chess Federation rules will be used to ensure fair and competitive play in all sections.
How to Register: There are two ways to register.
Online at www.vachess.org (home page for the Virginia Chess Federation).
Onsite at the tournament until 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 18th. Players who register after 11:30 AM may not get to play until Round 2 of the tournament ... so BE ON TIME.
Pre-Event Information: The VA Chess Federation will host a pre-tournament information meeting on Zoom on Wednesday or Thursday evening before the tournament (either April 15th or 16th). Check the VA Chess Federation website for the date and time. The meeting will be recorded so that persons unable to attend can listen to the presentation.
Want more information? See the tournament rules and other information online at www.vachess.org (VA Chess home page). Just select the gold-colored "Event Info & Rules" button below the banner for the tournament.