Hoosier Chess Circuit - November

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

Earn at least 300 HCA points!

Register in advance to save money by going to onlineregistration.cc.

Bookmark our own website, hcachess.org.

• What is the Circuit? The Circuit is a series of monthly, informal chess competitions open to students in grades PK-12.
• When: Third Sunday of every month, 1:15-5pm. This event lasts the entire afternoon!
• 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. If you arrive later than that, call 812-318-2875 right away.
• Byes: We understand families may have schedule conflicts. If your child misses a round, we can award up to two (2) half-point byes—these count as 0.5 points each, so missing two rounds still earns 1 full point (like one win). Example: if a player arrives at 3pm and misses the first two matches, they can still join for the remaining rounds and stay fully involved. Any additional missed rounds beyond the first two are 0-point byes. More details are available in our Tournament Policies & Procedures. Let us know immediately if your child needs a bye(s).
• Advance registration and payment ($5): onlineregistration.cc, scroll down to “Hoosier Chess Academy,” click on the month’s “Hoosier Chess Circuit” listing or register for the entire Circuit (by semester) in advance. Advance registration and payment closes at 12:30pm EST the day of the event. Even if you’ve been to a Circuit before, we still request you register in advance to help us gauge who’s coming. It only takes a minute or two. The circuit is free for children on free and reduced lunch and families on public assistance (e.g. SSI, SNAP). (Select the free discount option when registering in advance online.)
• On-site registration and payment ($10): 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). (Select the free discount option when registering in advance online.)
• Time control: G20+5. This means there are 20 minutes per player with a 5-second delay for each move. The clock does not tick down during the delay period. 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 USCF-rated and unrated. While we hope each section can have a significant number of players, we may still combine sections if necessary. If playing in a rated section, you must have an active USCF membership. Get one now at new.uschess.org/join-us-chess.
• 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 Points System: In addition to US Chess ratings, all players also participate in the Hoosier Chess Academy’s in-house points 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. For each Circuit day you play, you get 300 points!
  • Perks: Advancing in the HCA points 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. Please clean up after yourself.
• Parent supervision policy: Parents are usually allowed to leave and return at 5pm if they wish. Please confirm with Ben when you arrive.

• 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.