MVP Chess Scholastic Championship

Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Venue: Mount Vernon Recreation Center – Multi-Purpose Room 1. The center has just been renovated and includes some amazing facilities: a state-of-the-art gym, two NHL hockey rinks, an Olympic-sized pool, and even a rock climbing wall.

Organizer: Hosted by MVP Chess, a not-for-profit based in Alexandria, VA.

Note: This tournament is capped at 20 players so everyone has a great experience. Spots will go fast — register early to make sure you’re in!

Entry Fee: $40 per player 

Enter Now: MVP Chess Scholastic Championship Registration

Is My Kid Ready for a Tournament?

• If this is your child’s first event, we recommend taking a quick look at our blog post.
• It covers what to expect and how to prepare, so their first tournament is a positive and fun experience.

Format

• We’ll play 4 rounds using the Swiss system (not elimination). That means everyone gets to play all 4 games, and each round you’ll face an opponent with a similar score.
• Time control: G/25; d5 (25 minutes per player, with a 5-second delay per move).
• Rated by the U.S. Chess Federation (USCF).

Eligibility

• Open to all students in grades K–8.
• A current USCF membership is required ($24/year for youth, which includes Chess Life Kids magazine).
• New players or those needing to renew can join here.

Awards

🏆 Trophies for the top 3 finishers overall.
🏆 Trophies for the top girl and top unrated player.
🎖️ Medals for all other participants.

Schedule

• Please arrive by 12:45 PM for check-in.
• Round 1 starts right at 1:00 PM.
• Each round begins as soon as the previous one finishes, so things move along quickly.
• We’ll hold the awards ceremony right after the last game.
• Expect to wrap up around 5:00 PM.

Registration

• Register here: MVP Chess Scholastic Championship Registration
• $40 advance registration is required (deadline: October 11).
• We can’t accept onsite entries — thanks for understanding!

Rules & Expectations

• USCF rules apply.
• Notation is optional.
• Clocks are optional — we’ll provide boards and pieces, but players are welcome to bring their own delay-capable clock.
• Parents/guardians should stay to supervise outside the tournament hall.
• Good sportsmanship is a must: respect your opponents, our staff, and the venue.

Refund Policy

• We understand that plans can change! Refunds are available if you request a withdrawal before pairings are posted on the day of the tournament (pairings are typically posted 15–30 minutes before Round 1), minus a small processing fee.
• Once pairings have been posted, entry fees are non-refundable.
• If MVP Chess ever needs to cancel the event, all entry fees will be refunded in full.

Media Policy

• We may take photos or video for educational and promotional purposes.
• Don’t worry — names won’t be published without consent.
• If you’d prefer not to be photographed, just let the organizer or photographer know.