RVA Pieces gets together throughout the week to play chess, socialize, and have fun. Join us for casual games, classes, or rated play.
Check the calendar for event dates and cancellations. We also discuss upcoming events on Discord. Have a question about an event? Check out our FAQ.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Casual games at GWARbar
Come by GWARbar for casual chess every Monday from 6 pm–late (11ish). GWARbar is 21+ after 9 pm, but kids/teens are welcome before then. Don’t forget to tip your bartender!
Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #mondays channel.
Casual games at Home Sweet Home
Swing by Home Sweet Home for casual games every Thursday from 7 pm–late (11ish). We’ll be upstairs. Feel free to drop in for any part of the night. Don’t forget to tip your bartender!
Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #thursdays channel.
Casual games at Monroe Park
❄️OUT OF SEASON❄️
Catch some casual games at Monroe Park every Saturday from 1–4 pm (weather permitting). Feel free to drop in for any part of the afternoon.
We meet at Monroe Park from April through October. We skip weeks when there is inclement weather. Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #saturdays channel. We’re currently out of season, but we’ll be back in April.
Beginner classes at the Public Library
🍂PAUSED UNTIL FALL🍂
Join us for free beginner classes every Saturday from 1–3:30 pm at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch. Students can expect an hour of classroom-style chess instruction from one of our several experienced coaches, where they’ll be shown famous games, openings, endgames, tactics, and everything in-between! Following the lecture will be casual play.
Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #saturdays channel. Beginner classes are on pause, but we’ll be back in November. In the meantime, you can find us in Monroe Park most Saturdays. If you’d like to connect with other beginners, check out one of our Beginners Only meetups.
BIWEEKLY EVENTS
USCF rated ladder at Publix
Enjoy a single, slower game every other week at Publix in Carytown, usually on Wednesday. This is an official rated game, and USCF rules apply. However, all are welcome, including those new to tournament chess. These games are great practice for larger tournaments. You’ll be paired with someone with a similar rating. Games are 60 minutes per player, with a 10-second delay per move.
We meet in the community room on the bottom floor of Publix. Games start promptly at 6:30 pm. An entry fee of $5 supports RVA Pieces. You can register online for the next event on Chess Nut. You can also register in person at the event from 6:00–6:20. Membership to USCF is required, but we can sign you up at the door if you arrive at 6:00.
Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #uscf-rated-ladder channel.
Beginners Only meetup
We have a Beginners Only meetup twice a month on Wednesdays, starting at 6 pm. We alternate between Final Gravity Brewing in Lakeside and Benchtop Brewing in Manchester. Perfect opportunity for newcomers who are just getting into chess to play a few games with fellow newbies. All ages welcome.
Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #beginners-only channel.
Final Gravity Brewing:
6118 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
Benchtop Brewing:
434 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224
MONTHLY EVENTS
Backyard Blitz
❄️OUT OF SEASON❄️
Come play for bragging rights or just for fun at our monthly casual tournament, held in our President’s backyard in Randolph. We usually meet on a Sunday. Aim to arrive between 12:30–12:45 pm for games to start at 1. We try to wrap up by 4:30. An optional entry fee of $5 is suggested to support RVA Pieces. To RSVP, DM @Spenser (the only Spenser) on Discord or message us on Instagram.
All are welcome, including those who have never played in a tournament before. Every player gets to play every round (no elimination). Games are 5 minutes per player, with an additional 2 seconds per move.
Backyard Blitz tournaments are held from April through October. Tournaments are rescheduled when there is inclement weather. Check the calendar for dates, or chat about the next meetup on Discord in the #tourneys channel. We’re currently out of season, but we’ll be back in April.
For the address, DM @Spenser (the only Spenser) on Discord.
