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About RVCC

Roanoke Valley Chess Club - Est. 1947

The Roanoke Valley Chess Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to grow the game of chess in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas through tournaments, education, and community outreach.

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Why Chess?

Chess is not just for smart people — it’s a tool that helps make people smarter. At RVCC, we want to dispel the myth that chess is only for prodigies or geniuses. The truth is, anyone can learn the game and benefit from it, no matter their age or background. Chess sharpens critical thinking, strengthens memory, improves concentration, and teaches patience and discipline. It also helps with emotional skills: learning how to handle pressure, manage time, recover from mistakes, and keep pushing forward even after setbacks.

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Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, chess builds community. From kids gaining confidence in their first tournament, to adults discovering new friendships, to seniors keeping their minds active and sharp, chess connects people in meaningful ways. It’s a game that grows with you and teaches lessons that extend far beyond the 64 squares. That’s why we believe chess is for everyone — not just the “already smart,” but for those who want to grow, learn, and enjoy a lifelong journey of improvement.

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Cognitive Growth
Chess strengthens working memory, focus, and problem-solving ability. Studies show it can improve math and reading skills, as well as overall academic performance in children.

Read more: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5322219/

Why RVCC?

At the Roanoke Valley Chess Club, we believe chess should be accessible, welcoming, and inspiring for everyone. We aren’t just a group of players who meet over the board — we are a growing community built on friendship, learning, and a shared love for the game.

Here’s what makes RVCC unique:

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  • Events for All Levels
    We host everything from casual club nights to scholastic tournaments and large open competitions. Our calendar is full of opportunities to learn, play, and test your skills in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Coaching & Instruction
    Our experienced coaches offer personalized lessons tailored to beginners, advancing juniors, and competitive adults. We focus on tactics, strategy, and the “off-the-board” skills that build confidence and consistency.

  • Training Camps & Workshops
    Designed for intensive learning, our training camps provide structured study plans, sparring games, and group analysis that accelerate improvement.

  • Lectures & Talks
    We regularly bring in titled players, masters, and local experts to share insights, demonstrate strategies, and inspire our members with their experiences.

  • Community Impact
    Beyond the board, we partner with schools, libraries, and local organizations to bring chess to new audiences and help grow the game across the Roanoke Valley.

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At RVCC, you’ll find more than just a chess club — you’ll find a community dedicated to building brighter minds in the Valley through the game we love.

My mom bought me a chess set when I was a kid, and we learned the rules together. We didn’t fully understand the game at first—for example, not knowing what castling was, we avoided moving our king by opening with rook pawns instead!

One day at Festival in the Park, I came across Bill Bochman running an RVCC booth. I played him on his set, and he crushed me. Afterwards, he told me that if I wanted to improve, I should come out to the Roanoke Valley Chess Club (back then it met at Virginia Highlands). So I did.

Through RVCC, I made lifelong friends and grew tremendously as a person, playing from elementary school through high school. I remember facing Rusty in a simul back in elementary school—I was the last board standing. Later, he coached our high school team.

Ricardo Fiorillo, GA

Meet some of our Coaches

Here are a couple of our active coaches who are available for booking private lessons now!

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