Former SEC Examiner Has Sought New Home for Chess Center
The MVP Chess Center is looking to move from its current co-working space into a dedicated retail location in Alexandria.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tom Shupe, a former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission examiner, has been searching for a permanent retail space in the Alexandria Commons shopping center for his MVP Chess Center. The school currently operates out of The Link co-working office on N. Payne Street.
Why it matters
The center needs a dedicated facility because existing venues like hotels and church basements are often inaccessible for families. Furthermore, traditional office spaces frequently restrict access and limit HVAC operating hours, hindering the school's ability to host consistent community events.
Tom Shupe currently charges $75 per hour for private chess lessons. The MVP Chess Center is presently operating at The Link, located at 215 N. Payne Street.
The players
Tom Shupe
He is the founder of the MVP Chess Center and a former examiner for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
MVP Chess Center
This is a chess school that conducts private lessons, weekly events, and monthly tournaments for the community.
The details
The MVP Chess Center currently hosts weekly events and monthly tournaments to support local students. Shupe, who concluded a 12-year tenure at the SEC in 2023, aims to transition the school into a standalone retail environment to better serve its growing membership.
Timeline
Tom Shupe ended his 12-year tenure at the SEC in 2023.
The second annual MVP K-12 Chess Championship is scheduled for October 11, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows the documented trend of the rise of third-place community hubs in suburban retail corridors as small businesses seek storefront visibility. The shift reflects a wider effort to relocate community-focused education from isolated office suites to accessible retail centers.
Local families should expect to see the MVP Chess Center continue its current programming of weekly events and tournaments at The Link for the time being. Any transition to a new retail space in Alexandria Commons would eventually provide expanded access and more convenient hours for students.
The takeaway
Securing a dedicated physical location is a critical milestone for community-based educational programs striving to move beyond the limitations of shared office environments. Families interested in chess programs should monitor local announcements for updates on the center's expansion plans.
What happens next
The second annual MVP K-12 Chess Championship is scheduled to take place on October 11, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest business developments in the area at the Alexandria Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ALXnow | Alexandria, Va. breaking news, local events and community happenings.
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