08/17/26 update: We are undergoing a transition to a new membership platform that will allow for a better member experience, including updates and auto-renewals. Until this is ready, membership purchases are on hold and membership is not required for HRCC this August.
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About HRCA Membership
HRCA is a member-based organization, which means membership is about more than discounts or program benefits—it gives our community a voice in the organization. Members age 18 and older help shape HRCA’s future by voting at Annual Meetings and electing our Board of Directors.
Membership dues also help support the infrastructure that makes HRCA’s programs possible, including facility costs, insurance, training, background checks and youth-safety requirements, staffing, Scholastic Cup awards, Scholarship administration, technology, and other organizational expenses.
We recognize that not everyone needs membership, but we encourage joining to support HRCA and obtain the many layers of benefits HRCA has to offer! By becoming an HRCA member, you’re choosing to be part of the organization that helps sustain and grow chess opportunities throughout our community.
Benefits of HRCA Membership
- First alert notifications of upcoming events and class registrations and early bird discounts
- Weekly casual play and prize eligibility at Hampton Roads Chess Club for adults and advanced youth (rated tournament entries extra)
- Participation in HRCA Scholastic Cup
- Schlich Scholarship Fund financial aid awards
- Special members-only events and activities
- Access to HRCA’s Chess Library
- Members-Only Newsletter
- Member spotlights/achievements
- Youth Leader Development Program
- Free game analysis at HRCA tournaments when available
- Check out Noise cancelling headphones at tournaments (limited to supply on hand)
- Check out clocks at VA Scholastic State Championship (limited to supply on hand)
Changes to HRCA Membership
We’ve made a few changes to HRCA Membership this year to make membership simpler, more intentional, and more valuable for the families who choose to participate.
Like nearly every organization, HRCA has experienced rising costs for staffing, technology, insurance, supplies, facility use, background checks and youth-safety requirements, and other essential operations. Membership dues help offset a portion of these expenses while also supporting Scholastic Cup awards and the infrastructure that makes HRCA’s programs and events possible.
- Membership is Opt-In
Beginning this year, HRCA Membership is opt-in rather than automatically included with program registration. This allows HRCA to focus our resources on providing meaningful benefits and opportunities to those who join, while reducing significant administrative costs tracking those who do not utilize membership.
Importantly, we are excited to continue welcoming the broader chess community to most HRCA weekend tournaments, classes, and camps without requiring membership. - Membership Year Sep 1 – Aug 31
Memberships will run from September 1 through August 31. Enrollments after May 1 will be prorated at $15. - Scholastic Cup Is Now a Membership Benefit
Rather than adding a separate Scholastic Cup participation fee, students who wish to compete for Scholastic Cup recognition will simply need to maintain a current HRCA Membership. Previously, administering the Scholastic Cup required us to track hundreds of students throughout the year—including many who ultimately did not participate in the Cup. - Youth & Adult Same Price – $25
The HRCA Board of Directors has established one annual membership tier of $25, simplifying our previous membership structure and better reflecting the cost of administering membership and providing member benefits.
HRCA Member Database
Member list is now online! Please click here to see if you already have a membership before purchasing or renewing.
For the privacy of our members, only name and expiration date are listed. Use of this list for any purpose other than official HRCA business is strictly prohibited.
HRCA Membership Terms & Conditions
By becoming a member of HRCA, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. Your membership is contingent upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms.
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HRCA Membership is subject to HRCA’s Code of Conduct and Youth Safety Policy, the HRCA General Liability Waiver and Release, the US Chess Safe Play Policy, US Chess Code of Ethics, and US Chess Rules (collectively “HRCA Rules”). These policies and guidelines are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all members, promote good sportsmanship and positive relationships with our community, and ensure that we are good stewards of the facilities and equipment we own, lease, and operate.
Payment for HRCA membership must be done through online registration. Membership is not complete until both completed Membership Form and payment are received. HRCA memberships are not pro-rated and they are not refundable. Membership is not automatically renewed. Members will be notified when it is time for renewal via email. Renewals require completion of the HRCA Membership Application and payment of membership fee.
HRCA reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice. Continued participation in our programs or use of our facilities after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. It is your responsibility to regularly review the Terms and Conditions to stay informed of any changes.
Full HRCA Membership Terms and Conditions are available HERE.
Get Started – Membership Form
Coming soon!
*NEW* Students who are registering for classes in JackRabbit may conveniently choose to add HRCA Membership there without registering separately.
To sign up via JackRabbit, please add HRCA MEMBERSHIP/Scholastic Cup for 2026-2027 to your cart. You will be charged on September 1st or upon registration, if after 9/1.