U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation

03/06/2026

The US Virgin Islands Chess Federation (USVICF) is proud to announce its official delegation to the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, to be held September 15–27, 2026, in the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Olympiad—one of the world’s largest and most prestigious international team sporting events—will bring together more than 200 national teams for two weeks of elite competition, cultural exchange, and global celebration of chess.

Samarkand, described in the official invitation as “a historic city along the ancient Silk Road… one of the major corridors through which early chess spread westwards”, will host players in the state of the art Silk Road Complex and EXPO Center, with full accommodations provided by the organizers for all official team members.

USVI Delegation
The US Virgin Islands will field both an Open Team and a Women’s Team, each consisting of five players and a team captain, as confirmed in the federation’s official notice to players.
Open Team
• FM William Van Rensselaer
• Naitik Jhanwar
• Patrick Miller
• Darryl Allen
• Marco Emile
• Captain: Sinclair Wilkinson

Women’s Team
• Dejw Wrensford
• Anne Kershaw
• Lois Williams
• Kalima Williams
• Dru Ubben
• Captain: John Dempsey

Gail Widmer will serve as Head of Delegation, coordinating all logistics with the Olympiad Organizing Committee.

A Historic Opportunity
The 2026 Olympiad promises to be one of the most significant chess events ever held in Central Asia. As noted in the official invitation, “chess unites people regardless of nationality, language, or cultural boundaries” and the event will “serve to further strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between nations.”

USVICF President Sinclair Wilkinson expressed pride in the teams: “Our players have worked hard to earn their place on the world stage. Representing the Virgin Islands at the Olympiad is both an honor and a responsibility, and we look forward to showcasing our talent in Samarkand.”

The USVI Chess Federation is the official governing body for chess in the territory, dedicated to promoting chess education, competition, and international representation. The federation is a member of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

30/05/2026

Just another weekly reminder that, if you play chess or want to learn how to play chess, there are several chess clubs on both St. Croix and St. Thomas that meet regularly and would love to have you join. In St Croix, Terry’s Tacticians meet every Saturday Morning from 10:00 to noon at the Sunny Isle Food Court in front of Terry’s Cuisine. On Saturday afternoon, the Wandering Dragons meet at Southgate Baptist Church from 2:00 to 4:00. In St. Thomas, the Youth Scholastic Chess Club meets every Sunday afternoon at Lockhart K-8 School from 3:00 to 5:00. All ages, all skill levels welcome. If anyone would like to start a chess club in your community, or at your restaurant or pub or business or school, the USVI Chess Federation can help you out with equipment and educational materials. Please email chessvi.info .com for information and to share your plans.

12/05/2026

Check this out, VI parents, a fun-filled week of adventure and learning for kids ages 8-13 at Discovery Grove. Email [email protected] for additional information or questions.

19/04/2026

This play at Good Hope Country Day School is awesome! Don't miss it!

18/04/2026

18/04/2026

Chess goes on as usual across the territory. Please go to our website for locations and times of club gatherings. On our website, you can also see photos and details of our fabulous St. Thomas tournament last weekend! Chess, the "game of life," is growing throughout the VI thanks to your invaluable participation and support. 💗 Stay tuned for more fun things planned over the summer!

The USVI Chess Federation gathers chess players young and old, experienced and inexperienced, for over the board play, online play, tournaments, instruction, fun, and Olympic team preparation.

28/03/2026

Today would be a great day to start or further your chess education. We would love to have you join us at our usual gathering locations:
Today (Saturday) in STX
Sunny Isle Food Court 10AM to noon
Southgate Baptisst Church 2-4
Tomorrow (Sunday)
Ziggy's Island Market 12-2
Sausage Shack 2-4
The St. Thomians are all in Chicago this weekend at the K-12 National Chess Championship. News and photos to follow!

21/03/2026

Good morning VI Community, attached are three photos. The first is St. Thomas chess students who are about to travel to the US Chess Federation annual K-12 Chess Championship in Chicago. The second and third are photos of past Championship groups. The St. Thomas chess community is active and thriving, thanks mainly to the over 20-year dedication of coach Sinclair Wilkinson. This kind of involvement should be happening in St. Croix as well. Dedicated coaches in STX are offering "free" instruction and coaching at numerous chess club gatherings, all of which are highlighted here on Facebook every week as well as on our website https://www.usvichessfederation.org. Opportunities abound for chess players young and old! Olympic team placement, tournaments throughout the Caribbean, possible college scholarship opportunities. If you recognize the value of chess for academic success and brain stimulation for all ages, please join us... bring the kids, bring your parents. It takes a village! Or contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in starting your own club or would be willing to help us in any way. We can provide equipment for new clubs.

14/03/2026