Teens Set to Compete in First-Ever “Checkmate in the Valley” Chess Tournament

The Shenandoah Valley is about to host a showdown of strategic minds as the first-ever Checkmate in the Valley Chess Tournament gears up for an exciting day of competition. On Saturday, March 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., young players will gather at the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center, located at 200 E. 8th Street in Front Royal, to put their chess skills to the test.

Open to players ages 13 to 18, this tournament welcomes participants of all skill levels—from beginners just learning the ropes to experienced players looking for a new challenge. Organized in partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Chess Club, the event aims to offer a fun, friendly, and competitive environment for young chess enthusiasts across the region.

“This is a great opportunity for teens to connect through chess,” said Tournament Director Rene Picota. “It’s about more than just winning—it’s about learning, meeting new people, and enjoying the game.”

The tournament will follow a “Quads” format, where players compete in groups of four. A total of 28 participants will be divided into seven groups for the initial rounds starting at 10:30 a.m., following a brief registration and welcome. After a lunch break at noon, the winners of each group—along with the top-scoring second-place player—will advance to the final round of play in the afternoon.

Top performers will be recognized with trophies for first, second, and third place during a concluding awards ceremony at 3:00 p.m. In the case of tied scores, additional rounds or tiebreakers may be added to determine final rankings.

All chess sets and boards will be provided, though players are encouraged to bring their own clocks if they have them. In addition to players, event organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with logistics, including setup and takedown. Anyone interested in lending a hand can contact Rene Picota at winchesterchess@gmail.com or by phone at 540-931-2069.

Spots are limited to just 28 players, and pre-registration is highly encouraged. The final deadline to register is March 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Whether you’re aiming for a trophy or simply looking to enjoy a day of strategy and camaraderie, Checkmate in the Valley promises a memorable experience for all involved.