Author: Lori Balkum

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2025 AGCA Invitational – Summer Edition

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an in-person 2025 AGCA Invitational Norm Tournament on June 11-15, 2025.

Organized by GM Alex Mista (Chief) and GM Andrey Stukopin (Deputy).

Game Pairings/Results:
IM Norm tournament
GM Norm tournament

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

SCHEDULE (G/90,+30)
two 10 player round robin sections (1 for IM norm seekers, 1 for GM norm seekers, 1 for Austin Chess Tour Qualified players)
●  1st round: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
●  2nd round: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  3rd round: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  4th round: Friday, June 13, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  5th round: Friday, June 13, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  6th round: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  7th round: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  8th round: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 9:00 AM
●  9th round: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 3:00 PM
NOTE: All players are expected to play all 9 rounds.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

REGULATIONS
–Current FIDE Laws of Chess apply. This tournament is FIDE and US Chess rated.
-All games will use the equipment provided. –Players shall sign scoresheets after each game.
–Electronic Device Policy: players are strictly forbidden from having electronic devices with them during the game, even if they are turned off. Players found with any device during the game may lose the current game. Turn in cell phones at the arbiters’ desk before each round. No electronics are allowed in the playing hall unless they are checked in with the arbiter.
–Default/forfeit time: 60 minutes unless the arbiter decides otherwise. White’s clock will be started at the start of the round even if the players are not present.
-The organizers request that all players arrive on time for each round.

ENTRY FEES:
● $850 (norm seekers)
●  $650 (foreign federation norm seekers)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

REGISTRATION
To see a list of pre-registered players and to register, please visit : https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca_invitational_2025_summer_edition/

QUESTIONS
Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

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AGCA Summer Open #2

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on July 26, 2025 .  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, G/60, d5
SECTION A:  1800 +  USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799  USCF rated

4SS, G/45, d5
SECTION C:  1000-1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated

**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
**The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
**If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● July 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated or to play in a
higher section.
● Players must reveal foreign, FIDE, and other over-the-board
ratings. These ratings will be adjusted, if necessary, and may be
used if they are higher than USCF ratings.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-2/  by July 20th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after July 21st  (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $200, $100
●  Section B : $200, $100, $50
●  Section C : $100, $75, $50
●  Section D : Chess books
Medals will be awarded to top 3 finishers in all sections

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance.  We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

View our ONLINE TLA!

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AGCA Summer Open #1

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on June 21, 2025 .  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, G/60, d5
SECTION A:  1800 +  USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799  USCF rated

4SS, G/45, d5
SECTION C:  1000-1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated

**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
**The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
**If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● June 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated or to play in a
higher section.
● Players must reveal foreign, FIDE, and other over-the-board
ratings. These ratings will be adjusted, if necessary, and may be
used if they are higher than USCF ratings.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-1/ by June 15 at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after June 16th  (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-1/

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $400, $200, $100
●  Section B : $200, $100, $50
●  Section C : $100, $75, $50
●  Section D : Chess books
Medals will be awarded to top 3 finishers in all sections

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance.  We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

View our ONLINE TLA!

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AGCA Summer Scholastic #2

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on July 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players! 

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
SECTION A: 1600+ USCF rating
SECTION B: 1200 – 1599 USCF rating
SECTION C: 800 – 1199 USCF rating
SECTION D: 400 – 799 USCF rating
SECTION E: Under 400 USCF rating and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
*If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● July 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.

Time Controls:

Section A: G/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section B: G/45, d5 (45 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section C: G/45, d5 (45 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section D: G/30, d5 (30 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section E: G/30, d5 (30 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Please leave your phone at home, in your car, or turned off (vibrate/silent not acceptable) on top of your table. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-scholastic-2/  by 11:59pm, June 29, 2025
●  $50  on or after June 30, 2025
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Trophies for 1st place (in each section)
● Medals for 2nd and 3rd place (in each section)

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance for an 80% refund.. We reserve the right to charge a service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

View the Online TLA!

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AGCA Summer Scholastic # 1

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on June 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players! 

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
SECTION A: 1600+ USCF rating
SECTION B: 1200 – 1599 USCF rating
SECTION C: 800 – 1199 USCF rating
SECTION D: 400 – 799 USCF rating
SECTION E: Under 400 USCF rating and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
*If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● June 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.

Time Controls:

Section A: G/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section B: G/45, d5 (45 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section C: G/45, d5 (45 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section D: G/30, d5 (30 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section E: G/30, d5 (30 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Please leave your phone at home, in your car, or turned off (vibrate/silent not acceptable) on top of your table. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-scholastic-1/  by 11:59pm, June 1, 2025
●  $50  on or after June 2, 2025
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Trophies for 1st place (in each section)
● Medals for 2nd and 3rd place (in each section)

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance for an 80% refund.. We reserve the right to charge a service fee for cancellations.  NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

View the Online TLA!

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Junior San Antonio City Championship 2025

Description: The Junior San Antonio City Championship is a thrilling side event for the City Championship, offering young players of all skill levels the chance to compete in a challenging and inclusive tournament. Participants will play four rounds against opponents of similar skill range, with trophies awarded to the top 3 of each section as well 1 team trophy per section. The tournament provides a supportive and friendly atmosphere, encouraging players to hone their skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share their passion for the game of chess. This is a USCF rated tournament.

Note: If you are playing in the main event 2-Day schedule, please make sure to request a first round bye for the main event.

LIMIT 100 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 
San Antonio River Walk
303 Blum St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Round times:
• 4 Rounds• Rounds 1 starts Saturday morning at 9 AM

Time controls:
• All Rounds G/30;d5

Entry fee:
$30 before the 21st, $40 normal registration. Registration closes at 5pm the 26th. Day before the tournament
**Any cancellations that require a refund will be charged a $7 processing fee.

Sections and Prizes:

K-1st grade
2nd-3rd grade
4th-5th grade
6th-8th grade
9th-12th grade

  • Trophies for the top 3 in each section
  • Team trophy for the top 1 each section (max 4 students per team that is counted) As many students can play on a team, but only top 4 count toward the team total

Note: We reserve the right to combine sections if necessary.

Visit the Event Website!

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

View the ONLINE TLA!

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San Antonio City Championship 2025

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 5 rounds, 3 sections, with 2 schedules offered. The two-day schedule will be on June 28th and 29th, while the three-day schedule will be June 27th, 28th and 29th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 150 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT. Advance Entry List is available.

Location:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 
San Antonio River Walk
303 Blum St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Round times (Two day schedule):
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1, 2, & 3 starts promptly on June 28th at 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on June 29th at 10:00am and 2:30pm.

Time controls (Two day schedule):
• Rounds 1 & 2: G/60;d5
• Rounds 3, 4, & 5: G/90+30 sec.

Round times (Three day schedule): ($30 re-entry Available)
• Registration at 5:00-5:45 pm if not done online.
• Rounds 1 starts promptly on June 7th at 6:00pm.
• Rounds 2, & 3 starts promptly on June 8th at 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on June 9th at 10:00am and 2:30pm.

Time controls (Three day schedule):
• All Rounds: G/90+30 sec

Entry fee:
Masters play for free if signed up before June 2nd. The first 3 GM’s get a free hotel day!

$50 if received before May 31st, $60 June 21st, $70 until the day of the event, and $80 on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. (King & Adult members play for free. Knights get $10 off. Must register online. Entry fee deducted from winnings)

Sections and Prizes:
$4600 in prizes 50% guaranteed
One prize per person

Three Sections with class prizes.
(Championship 1800+) *U1800 players must pay an extra $60 to compete in this section*
• 1st -$800 2nd-$400 3rd-$200
• Expert(2000-2199): 1st -$250 2nd-$150
• Class A(1800-1999): 1st -$250 2nd-$150

(Reserve U1800) *U1200 players must pay an extra $60 to compete in this section*
• 1st -$600 2nd-$300 3rd-$200
• Class C(1400-1599): 1st -$200 2nd-$100
• Top Class D/Unrated(U1400): 1st -$200 2nd-$100

(Novice U1200)
• 1st -$400 2nd-$200 3rd-$100

Cancellation Policy: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at CompleteChess@gmail.com no later than 24 hours in advance. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. NO refunds will be issued if we are notified of cancellation within 24 hours of the start of the event.

Visit the Event Website!

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

View the ONLINE TLA!

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ACC USCF G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on May 31st, June 7th, June 14th, and June 21st. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration and payment availble soon.

USCF membership must not expire before May 31, 2025.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on May 31st. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Email pre-registration is accepted; however, online payment is preferred! If you email to register, you must show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time! Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday, June 7th to secure a round 2 pairing.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/.

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ACC USCF Dual-Rated G/45 Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 2 weeks, with 2 games on May 10th and 2 games on May 17th. G/45 with 5 second delay.  4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration/payment  requested.

USCF membership must not expire before May 31, 2025. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player.  Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. Each round could go down to the wire!

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on May 10th. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Email pre-registration is accepted; however, online payment  is preferred)! If you email to register, you must show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time! Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday, May 17th to secure a round 3 pairing.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. (Please read the website before emailing with questions.)

Posted on by

ACC USCF Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on May 3, 2025 offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment requested.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. We suggest that scholastic players have reached a rating of 400 before participating.  USCF membership must not expire before May 31, 2025. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

We would like to start on-time. Please arrive early. Entries must be received and paid in full by 3:45pm.  Online entry preferred.

Cost is $15/player. We would like the first round to begin at 4:00pm sharp. Doors open at 3:00pm, so please arrive early. Follow the signs to our meeting areas.

Please bring a set and a board. We look forward to seeing you!

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.