Hoosier Chess Circuit Matches - September

Join the Hoosier Chess Circuit! Win medals and track your progress!

• When: Third Sunday of every month, 1:15-5pm
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 2200 S High St, Bloomington, IN 47401 (park in the upper parking lot and enter the doors adjacent to the playground)
• Who: Any child in grades PK-12, including beginning players and competition veterans! We want you to join our circuit.
• Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Rounds: Four matches, first one beginning at 1:30pm. Subsequent matches will start as soon as possible. The event will end at 5pm. Arrive at the playing site no later than 1:15pm. Advanced registrants who arrive after 1:15pm may be withdrawn from the day’s circuit matches at the tournament director’s discretion. Stay in communication with us to prevent this from happening.
• Advance registration and payment: onlineregistration.cc, scroll to “Hoosier Chess Academy,” click on the desired month of play or register for the entire circuit in advance. Advance registration and payment closes at 12:30pm EST the day of the event.
• On-site registration and payment: The window for on-site registration is from 12:45pm to 1:15pm. All players still waiting in a line by 1:15pm will be entered into the day’s circuit matches. You can pay on-site via PayPal, Venmo, cash, or check. These payment methods are only available for on-site registration, not advance registration. The circuit is free for children on free and reduced lunch and families on public assistance (e.g. SSI, SNAP).
• Time control: G25, 5-s delay. Clocks may not be placed at all boards right away. We will place a clock at a board that does not have one when a match is going long.
• Notation policy: With a few exceptions, all players in rated matches are required to notate until five minutes or fewer remain on their clock. Players in unrated matches are not required to notate, but it is still highly encouraged. Accommodations can and will be made for any player with a documented disability affecting the ability to notate or for players who do not know letters and numbers.
• Sections: Matches are now divided into smaller grade-level sections: PK-2, 3-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Each of these sections are both rated and unrated.
• Prizes and perks:
  • Medals to top three finishers in each section every month. These awards give children something tangible to work toward, and provide recognition for focus, effort, and sportsmanship as well as performance. 
  • HCA Rating System: In addition to US Chess ratings, all players also participate in the Hoosier Chess Academy’s in-house rating system. Every match you play—whether rated or unrated—earns you points in our circuit standings. As you collect points, you climb levels unique to HCA. 
  • Perks: Advancing in the HCA rating system comes with year-round recognition and rewards. Players may earn special certificates, invitations to exclusive HCA activities, new and exciting merch, and free entry to annual tournaments. The system is designed to motivate steady participation and give every child a sense of progress, no matter their starting point.
• Entry fee: $5 in advance, $10 if registering on-site, full scholarships for those on free or reduced lunch
• Food and drink policy: Drinks must have covered lids at all times, and large foods (e.g. pizza) must be eaten outside the church. Small snacks are okay.
• Contact: Ben Foley, Click here to show mail address, 812-318-2875

• Why Play the Circuit? 

The Hoosier Chess Circuit is more than just monthly matches. It is the best way for children to build confidence, track their growth, and experience the excitement of competition in a safe and welcoming environment. By returning each month, players learn how to apply lessons from PIT Meets, handle wins and losses with maturity, and develop resilience and focus through regular practice. 

Participation in the Circuit also prepares students for larger scholastic events, including state and national championships. Whether a child is playing their first unrated games or chasing a new US Chess rating milestone, the Circuit offers a place for every student to grow. Most importantly, it provides a community of peers and mentors who encourage each other’s progress, making chess a joyful and rewarding part of their lives.