Shenandoah Valley Chess Club

♟️🍕 Pawns & Pizza🍕♟️

Forty-two players brought energy, laughs, focus, and checkmate-worthy moves for one unforgettable night of chess and growth.

A huge thank you to our special guests, David Hubbard and David Holcomb from SVCC, who teamed up with our youth coaches to make sure every member got the coaching and attention they wanted. Your support made the night extra special!

We wrapped up the evening with a delicious MOD Pizza fundraiser, and even bumped into some friends from the Pawn Project! 🍕💛 Thank you to everyone who supported us by grabbing a bite—we can’t wait to see how our contributions help the club grow.

Don’t Miss Our March Lineup for Members!
4/13 Members-Only Meeting
4/13 Puzzle Challenge Begins
4/20 Online Club Tournament
→ Check your ChessKid message next week for details on how to join!

The Pawn Project hosts open chess meetings on the first Monday of every month for youth of all skill levels — 100% FREE
Drop-In Hours: 4–6 PM | Purcellville Library

Learn more on our youth made website: https://sites.google.com/view/ThePawnProject

The Pawn Project - FREE youth chess for all skill levels.
SAVE THE DATE: April's open meeting is this Monday!

New? Attend Monday to also participate in Members Only events too!

Check out our youth made website for more details:
https://sites.google.com/view/Thepawnproject

♟️ Mindset Over Moves! 🧠

You don’t have to be perfect to play—every game is a chance to learn, grow, and have fun!

💥 Our Online Youth Chess Tournament starts today at 4:55 PM.
Take the first step—you’re ready!

♟️SVCC 2026 Annual Scholastic Tournament ♟️

An unforgettable day of youth thinking boldly, sharpening their focus, and bravely making their moves. For many, it was their very first tournament, and they rose to the challenge!

Beyond the boards, the camaraderie and sportsmanship were just as powerful as the strategy. Players were hanging out between rounds, encouraging one another, celebrating great moves, and building something special — a true youth chess community that was incredible to witness.

🏆 Congratulations to our top finishers:
🥇1st Place K-2 Daksh
🥇 1st Place 6th-8th-– Truett
🥈 2nd Place 6th-8th- Daniel
🥉 3rd Place 6th-8th (four-way tie) – Isabel, Noah, Eloise, and Tucker

While we celebrate these outstanding performances, what we honor most is growth — the courage to compete, the resilience to learn, and the confidence gained with every round. Every player left stronger than they arrived.

Huge thanks to our dedicated TDs, volunteers, and the wonderful team at Bowman Library for creating a welcoming event for our local youth — free of charge. Your time, leadership, and generosity made this opportunity possible, and we celebrate you for investing in the next generation of young players!
A special thank you to Starbucks - Stephens City and the Lemonde (food truck) for supporting the event with refreshments.

The momentum continues…

🎉 The Pawn Project's first official youth tournament is anticipated for early June 2026 in Purcellville, VA. Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it! ♟️✨

"Books only have two smells. The smell of a new book, which is good, and the smell of an old book, which is even better."

Ray Bradbury

The Pawn Project - FREE youth chess for all skill levels.
SAVE THE DATE: March meeting is this Monday!

New? Attend Monday to also participate in Members Only meetings starting later in March.

Check out our youth made website for more details:
https://sites.google.com/view/Thepawnproject

Saturday, March 21 - Shepherdstown Chess Club is hosting a 4 round USCF chess tournament at the Shepherd University Student Center. See details below.

Mar 21, Shepherdstown WV, Chess Tournament Shepherdstown Open II. Shepherd University students play free. $275 cash prize. unrated section.

Time for the annual K-12 scholastic tournament at Bowman Library. Non rated tournament games, open play, and coaching for beginners and experienced students. Check the Bowman Library website for full registration details.