Basics
This is a Swiss-system US Chess-rated tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow US Chess rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks (bring your own if at all possible), and mandatory notation. If registrations exceed 32 in any one section, we reserve the right to split into two sections.
Location
Paragon Prep
7944 Great Northern Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757
Eligibility
Open Section:
All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1200 monthly published rating as of April 2026 (exceptions made for live ratings).
Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the 2026 Spring Paragon Scholastic Tournament.
This is a rated tournament. You must have a US Chess ID and your membership can be purchased/ renewed online with US Chess in advance of registration. You can verify your US Chess membership ID and expiration by visiting https://ratings.uschess.org. Anyone can become a US Chess member. Adults new to tournament chess are welcome to play in the open section. Youth players MUST have a ratings history. Your US Chess membership cannot expire before April 30, 2026.
Schedule
No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
9:15am Open sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+5.
No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits be made onsite with your chief TD and go into effect as of round 2.
Approximate Round Times
Open:
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:30pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm
Notes
There will be some down time between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities.
Food will be available for purchase. You may bring your own lunch and snacks. Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.
Awards
Open section:
Cash prizes based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams (Uncles, Aunts, Siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.).
Registration Information
*$40 (youth) /$30 (adult) through Thursday, 3/19/2026
*$50 (youth) /$40 (adult) through Saturday, 4/4/2026
*$55 (youth) /$45 (adult) as of Sunday, 4/5/2026 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 4/9/26, at which time online entry closes.
*$65 (youth) / $50 (adult) Onsite entry (entry after regular online entry closes). Link will be available from the time regular online entry closes through 9:30am Saturday 4/11/2026. Open section first round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am Saturday.
Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 4/8/26 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.
If you need byes (rounds when you won’t be available to play), please request when you register by adding a note. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email us to make changes to your requested byes.
*Open section: Will be paired onsite. Round 1 changes must be made no later than 8:45am.
Email Sarah Brauner (AustinChessTournaments@gmail.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.
Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer.
View the ONLINE TLA!