2025 Chris Riley Memorial Tournament at Wooldridge Square

Chess outdoors at Wooldridge Square Park! Unrated 4 round G/20 tournament for all ages in 2 sections: one K-12 and one open section. Limited to the first 40 paid players. No elimination – play all rounds whether you win or lose! Please dress appropriately as this is an outdoor event with only some tree shading.

Please register online and view entries at: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7526

The late Chris Riley was a very dedicated and passionate supporter of introducing chess to the community. He volunteered on most Saturdays from 2003-2023 at Wooldridge Square Park, near his home in downtown Austin, to organize chess matches for all ages and abilities with a Giant Chess set kept at the park. This project that he co-founded helped attract people to a beautiful park that is underutilized for many enjoyable moments for the players as well as interested spectators.

Date
November 9, 2025 (Sunday)

Location
Wooldridge Square Park
900 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX

The park is at the corner of 9th and Guadalupe. Plenty of street parking is typically available.

Sections

Open
K-12

*Sections may be split if registrations are high.
*All sections are unrated. NO USCF membership required.
*Restricted to the first 40 players.

Rounds and Times

Four Rounds at a time control of G/20+5.

We play approximately noon – 5pm.
Registration & Check-in required: 11:20am – 11:45am.
All pre-registered players must check in when they arrive, or they may be ineligible to play in the first round.

Entry fee and Prizes:

Online entries: $12 – by Friday, 11/7 (5pm) (online payment only).
Onsite entries: $20 – Sunday, 11/9 between 11:20 and 1:45am to receive a round 1 pairing.
No refunds for withdrawals requested after online registration closes (5pm 11/7). Email to withdraw.
Onsite entries: $20 – Cash or Venmo only. May receive a round 1 bye and begin play in round 2.
Prizes: Top finishers in K-12 section will receive a medal. Open section offers cash prizes.

Details

Space is available! Register onsite between 11:20 and 11:45 to receive a 1st round pairing!

Boards and Sets supplied!
NO US Chess Membership necessary.
NO Notation required. Feel free if you wish to bring pen and paper, but these are quick games.
Bring a water bottle and a folding chair, if you have one (for your players AND any spectators)!

Rain Location

If there is inclement weather predicted, the tournament will be held at the Dobie Mall food court – Guadalupe and 21st on the 2nd level.

Questions

For registration questions, please email
Sarah Brauner austinchesstournaments@gmail.com
For all other event questions, please email
Gary Gaiffe ggaiffe@att.net

Organized by Rocks & Rooks