Empowering Chess Players Young and Old

 To all individuals visiting this website, the USVI Chess Association is an independent nonprofit organization committed to the growth and expansion of the historic and complex game of chess throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our goal has always been to replace a small circle of privilege with a large circle of opportunity. We have never wanted to be anything more than a catalyst for positive change. We have been called “The VI Chess Freedom Fighters” by chess tournament directors across the United States who have held tournaments in support of us. We are pioneers, clearing a path for a legitimate democratic equitable journey forward.

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On May 17, 2025, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) acknowledged the serious issues impeding the VI chess community and assigned what they call a "reverse delegate" to take immediate control of VI chess and steer our path forward. Our reverse delegate is Dr. Ramirez Barajas from Mexico. Among other impressive accolades, Dr. Ramirez Barajas is a vice president of FIDE and secretary of the FIDE Council. He visited both St. Croix and St. Thomas in June and had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with many authentic VI chess players. A report by Dr. Ramirez Barajas submitted to the FIDE Council at the closure of his visit exposed a great deal of "truth." 

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Dr. Ramirez Barajas, on behalf of FIDE, has organized a FIDE rated tournament for December 6 & 7, 2025, at the Good Hope Country Day School Pavilion. This tournament is open to all chess players, local, stateside. or global who are either unrated or rated under 2400. Please click on the link to register and see details for the tournament on the flyer. 

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“Be the change you want to see”

                                                                                                       Mahatma Gandi