The West Little Rock Chess Club is a passionate group of individuals dedicated to promoting the game of chess in the state of Arkansas with a concentration on the West Little Rock community. We provide education, a welcoming place to play, volunteer opportunities, and organized sanctioned USCF local tournaments to bring together chess enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, we welcome you to join us and become a part of our community.
The West Little Rock Chess Club is managed by The Harper Family, Travis, Kristie, Krista, and Gavin. We are all USCF qualified tournament directors and active members in the chess community.
Our club is affiliated with the US Chess Federation (USCF), the Arkansas Chess Association (ACA) and Chess Association for Arkansas School (CAAS), and SafeSport certified. We are constantly striving to improve our skills and knowledge of the game of chess.
Meet the Team
Travis Harper
Tournament Director (TD)
Travis Harper
Travis co-founded West little Rock Chess Club with his wife Kristie in 2024. He was asked to become a USCF tournament director to help grow and bring more chess to the state of Arkansas.
His journey started in chess as a way to connect with his son Gavin and grew into a love for the game and community. Travis is passionate about not only growing chess but also making this state a chess hub in the USA.
He has directed over the past 8 months over 20 tournaments. Five of which he has chief assisted were category C tournaments. Alongside his wife Kristie, he plans to continue moving ahead to make an impact not only in Arkansas but in all states.
Licenses:
-
USCF Local Tournament Director
-
Safe Sport Certified
Experience:
Directed 22+ Tournaments
Chief TD of 5 50+ Tournaments
Assistant Chief of 6 50+ Tournaments
Kristie Harper
Tournament Director (TD)
Kristie Harper
Kristie co-founded the West Little Rock Chess Club and is a local tournament director. In February 2024 after having been asked by the ACA President, her friend, to help become a bigger part of the chess community, she happily accepted. Her journey began in helping grow the game of chess in Arkansas.
Kristie is a child of God devoted to her Father in heaven, family, and community. Her mission in life is to follow Christ who has led her into the chess community.
Kristie has directed over 20 tournaments with 40 sections worked. Five of which she had cheif directed were category C tournaments all within the past 8 months. God willing, Kristie's goals continue to push her forward with endless possibilities.
Licenses:
-
USCF Local Tournament Director
-
Safe Sport Certified
Experience:
Directed 24+ Tournaments
Chief TD of 6 50+ Tournaments
Assistant Chief of 4 50+ Tournaments
KRISTA HARPER
Tournament Director (TD)
Krista Harper
Krista is a certified club director. She is involved with the West Little Rock Chess Club to support her family and community as a whole.
Krista is a junior at the University of Central Arkansas. Her ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. Her interest in chess started when her brother, Gavin, introduced her to the game.
Krista plans on investing more of her time into the chess club once she has finished her degree.
Licenses:
-
USCF Club Tournament Director
-
Safe Sport Certified
Experience:
Directed 14 Tournaments
Chief TD of 10 Tournaments
Assistant Chief of 4 Tournaments
GAVIN HARPER
Chess Player, Tournament Director (TD), Chess Coach
Bio Coming Soon...