Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes a compression chamber in which a piston compresses gas, the gas being discharged through a discharge hole that is normally closed by a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve plate on which one end of a discharge valve is anchored. The discharge valve includes an elastically flexible portion for covering the discharge hole. A stopper valve is positioned behind the discharge valve for limiting the extent of movement of the discharge valve. A keeper member is disposed behind the stopper valve to retain the stopper valve and discharge valve in place. One end of the keeper member is fixed to the valve plate by a pin, and the other end of the keeper member is fixed to the valve plate solely by a pressing force of a cylinder head.