Join the Hoosier Chess Circuit! Win medals and track your progress!
Earn at least 300 HCA points for every Circuit match day you attend!
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 EST. Arrive between 12:45-1:15pm.
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 control: G25;d5 (5-second delay). 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.
Sections: Matches are now divided into smaller grade-level sections: PK-2, 3-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Each of these sections feature both rated and unrated options. If playing in a rated section, you must have an active USCF membership.
4 matches every month, USCF-rated and unrated
The first one begins 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.
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).
Entry fee: $5 in advance, $10 if registering on-site, full scholarships for those on free or reduced lunch
Get rewarded for your hard work
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.
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.