Silver Knights at the 2026 Virginia State Championship

At the 2026 Virginia State Chess Tournament last weekend, more than 550 kids from all over the competed individually and as part of school teams.  Elementary and middle schools with Silver Knights before or after school programs won the majority of team trophies (19/36) across K-3, K-5, K-8, and the Blitz.

There were two big gyms filled with players.

Between rounds, players spent time in our teams rooms learning with coaches and playing chess:

Students played a lot of great games and tactics!  Here are three tactics of increasing difficulty.  First, can you find Shreya's checkmate in one?

Next, can you find Eesa's checkmate in four?

Shankar found a great winning plan in this game.  The first two moves are the key, after that, many different paths lead to an easy win:

Lots of kids were proud to earn trophies and medals:

A special shout out to Navy Elementary in particular who won the K-5 Championship, K-3 U-600, the blitz, and took 4th in K-5 U-1000!