Author: Sarah Brauner

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ACC G/90 Standard Swiss 5/16-6/6

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on May 16th, 23rd, 30th, and June 6th. G/90 with 30 sec increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration and payment requested.

USCF membership must not expire before June 30, 2026.

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 16th. 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 23rd 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 G/90 Standard Swiss 4/11-5/2

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on April 11th, 18th, 25th, and May 2nd. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00. Online registration and payment requested.

USCF membership must not expire before May 31st 2026.

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.

Rounds 1 and 2 were on 4/11 and 4/18. Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club to start with round 3 which will take place on 4/25. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday 4/25 to secure a round 3 pairing.

Location:
School building next to St Paul Lutheran Church
3407 Red River St (enter on Luther Lane)
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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Wednesday Rapid Night 5/20/26

Register and view entry list at https://austin-chess.com/events/tournaments

Entry fee: $20 through 5/13; $30 after 5/13

Rules

  • SECTIONS: All players will be playing in the same section. (USCF Rated)
  • Only players rated above 1100 USCF, will be allowed into the tournament.
  • ENTRY FEE:
  • Standard Fee: $20 before 11:59PM May 13th
  • Late Fee: $30 on or after May 14th
  • TIME CONTROL: Game 10 min + 3 sec increment
  • 5-Round Swiss System Schedule
  • Rounds will be started as soon as the last game is finished.
  • There will be a 5 minute break after Round 3. Estimated end of the event is 8:30 PM
  • 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.
  • Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

Prizes

  • Prizes are determined by paid entry fees.
  • First Place: 30%
  • Second Place: 20%
  • Third Place: 10%
  • There will be no closing ceremony but prizes will be sent after the tournament is complete via PayPal

Policies

  • Cancellations made 7+ days before the event receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made within 7 days of the event receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds for cancellations made on the day of the event.
  • No-shows will not receive a refund.
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AGCA Open and Scholastic

Register at : https://austin-chess.com/events/

Early entry $40 through 4/12; Regular entry $50 4/13-4/19; Late entry $60 after 4/19

Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee.

Scholastic U500

0 – 499
G/30; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM

Scholastic U900

500 – 899
G/30; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM

Scholastic U1300

900 – 1299
G/45; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM

Scholastic U1700

1300 – 1699
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM

Scholastic U2000

1700 – 1999
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM

Open 2000+

2000+
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM

Scholastic U500

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round11:15 AM
3rd round12:30 PM
Lunch Break1:30 PM
4th round2:30 PM
5th round3:45 PM

Scholastic U900

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round11:15 AM
3rd round12:30 PM
Lunch Break1:30 PM
4th round2:30 PM
5th round3:45 PM

Scholastic U1300

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round11:45 AM
Lunch Break1:30-2:30 PM
3rd round2:30 PM
4th round4:15 PM

Scholastic U1700

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round12:15 PM
Lunch Break2:30-3:30 PM
3rd round3:30 PM
4th round5:45 PM

Scholastic U2000

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round12:15 PM
Lunch Break2:30-3:30 PM
3rd round3:30 PM
4th round5:45 PM

Open 2000+

1st round10:00 AM
2nd round12:15 PM
Lunch Break2:30-3:30 PM
3rd round3:30 PM
4th round5:45 PM

Prizes

  • Open Section:
  • 1st Place $300
  • 2nd Place $200
  • 3rd Place $100
  • 60% of Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
  • Scholastic Sections:
  • Trophies for 1st Place
  • Medals for 2nd and 3rd Place
  • Books for the top finishers as well
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2026 St Andrews Summer Chess Camp

Description: A full-day, week-long chess camp, hosted by St. Andrew’s Episcopal School at their Shoal Creek Campus from June 22-26, 2026.  The camp will be run by Gary Gaiffe and a team of local chess instructors. All scholastic players are invited to register!

The Summer Catalog is now online! Registration for camps is HERE

Camp dates: Week #4, June 22 – June 26, 2026.
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Price: $570
Location: 31st St. Campus
Teacher: St. Andrew’s Summer Camp Specialist, Gary Gaiffe
Target audience: kids grades 1-8

Chess Camp includes formal instruction and play, plus a camp-wide tournament at the end of the week! Beginners learn basic chess theory, game objectives, piece movement, game and tournament rules. Intermediates study chess analysis and decision-making, tactics, checkmate patterns and tournament strategies. Advanced students are taught more sophisticated chess techniques and decision-making, complex tactics, calculated and intuitive sacrifices, opening and endgame analysis.

Contact instructor Gary Gaiffe, ggaiffe@att.net, 512-426-7841 with questions as to camp content and appropriateness for your students.

For all other questions, including those regarding registration procedures, please contact the Summer Camp office, summercamp@sasaustin.org..

Please visit the camp website before making inquiries. The website covers the topics of early arrival and aftercare, drop-off and pick-up, lunch and supervision, student conduct, class sizes, and cancellation policy.

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2026 Paragon Summer Camp: Chess for Enjoyment and Improvement

Description: Save the date!!! A full-day, week-long chess camp, hosted by Paragon Prep on June 8-12, 2026.  Featuring Gary Gaiffe and local area instructors. All scholastic players are invited to register!

Grades K – 8th.  Chess Camp includes formal instruction and play, plus a camp-wide tournament at the end of the week! Beginners learn basic chess theory, game objectives, piece movement, game and tournament rules. Intermediates study chess analysis and decision-making, tactics, checkmate patterns and tournament strategies. Advanced students are taught more sophisticated chess techniques and decision-making, complex tactics, calculated and intuitive sacrifices, opening and endgame analysis.

Date and Time: 3rd camp session: June 8-12, 2026, 9am –4pm

Registration: To register, please register on Paragon Prep’s Summer Camp website (more details and registration coming soon). 

Location:
Paragon Prep Elementary
7938 Great Northern Blvd
Austin, TX 78757

Questions:
Contact Paragon Prep Summer Programs (summer@paragonprep.com, 512-459-5040) if you have questions about registering for this event. Contact Gary gaiffe (ggaiffe@att.net) if you have questions about chess content.8

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4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #5

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on April 4, 2026. USCF Membership required. Capacity: 100 players!

Top 10 places in Section A will earn Junior Qualifier Points – see https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/ for information about the points system.

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.
*Players are not allowed to play up or down*

Time Controls:

Section A: G/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section B: G/60, d5 (60 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 or 5 Round Swiss System Schedule, depending on section
Number of rounds and round times vary by section. Please read the below carefully!

Sections A & B (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 9:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:45 PM

Section C (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:15 PM

Sections D & E (all rounds G/30, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:15 AM
●  3rd round: 12:30 PM
●  Lunch Break: 1:30 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 PM
●  5th round: 3:45 PM

Closing ceremony: After the last game of the section finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

Players may not posses cell phones during the tournament. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:

●  Early Bird: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-5/ by 11:59pm, April 19, 2026
●  Standard: $50 from April 20 until 11:59p on Mary 4, 2026
●  Late: $65 on or after May 5, 2026
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)
 

PLAYUP POLICY:

  • Playup fee is $0.50 per rating point below the section up to 100 points. We use the higher of the two ratings: Live rating or Current Monthly Ratings to calculate the fee. Playup fee is a guarantee you will play up. There are no refunds for playup fee including Withdrawals Your rating becomes above the rating needed to play the section Your rating becomes lower than the 100 points less threshold AGAIN IT IS A GUARANTEE YOU WILL PLAY IN THE SECTION YOU ARE PAYING FOR All sales for playup fee are final!

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. 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.
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4th Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #4

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on April 18, 2026 starting at 10:00 AM.  USCF Membership required.  Capacity: 100 players!

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

 

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, time controls determined by section
SECTION A:  1800 +  USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799  USCF rated
SECTION C:  1000-1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated

*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**

 

RATING INFORMATION:
● April 2026 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.

 

Sections A & B (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections C & D (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 PM
●  3rd round: 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 4:15 PM

●  Closing ceremony for any section takes place after the last game finishes for that section.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

Players may not posses cell phones during the tournament. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50  by March 28th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 March 29th through 11:59p on April 13th
●  $75 on or after April 13th

For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-open-qualifier-2/

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 the top 3 finishers in each section.

Playup fees will be added to prizes so some section prizes may be higher.

NOTE: Players who win prizes must provide us with their Paypal information or wait until the section is completed to receive cash prizes.

 

OPEN QUALIFIER POINTS:
The top 10 places in Section A will earn points according to the following table
1st Place: 25 OQ Points
2nd Place: 18 OQ Points
3rd Place: 15 OQ Points
4th Place: 12 OQ Points
5th Place: 10 OQ Points
6th Place: 8 OQ Points
7th Place: 6 OQ Points
8th Place: 4 OQ Points
9th Place: 2 OQ Points
10th Place: 1 OQ Points

For more information about the point system, visit https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/

 

PLAY UP FEE: Play up fee is $0.50 per rating point below the section, up to 100 points. We use the higher of Live rating or Current Monthly Ratings to calculate the fee. Playup fee is a guarantee you will play up. There are no refunds for playup fee including Withdrawals Your rating becomes above the rating needed to play the section Your rating becomes lower than the 100 points less threshold AGAIN IT IS A GUARANTEE YOU WILL PLAY IN THE SECTION YOU ARE PAYING FOR All sales for playup fee are final!

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 $20 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. 

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AGCA Summer Camp 6/15-6/19

Our chess masters will provide the highest level of training for children and teens in Austin, Texas.

Dates

Summer Camp 2: June 15 – 19, 2026

Coaches

GM Kamil Dragun, CM Jeffrey Serna, NM Colin Albert, Shahin Masoumi

Daily Schedule
Drop-off: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Camp start: 9:00 am
Lunch break: 12:00 -1:00 pm
Camp resumes: 1:00 pm
Pick up: 4:00 – 4:30 pm
Location: 12466 Los Indios Trail, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78729

Weekly Fee: $500.00

Day Pass Fee: $115.00 (send us an email at info@austin-chess.com if you choose to use this option)

Groups
Kids will be separated into 4 different groups:

Novice Group: Below 700 USCF
Intermediate Group: 700-1200 USCF
Advanced Group: 1200 – 1600 USCF
Expert Group: 1600+ USCF
**NOTE: It is, however, required for the kids to know all the rules of chess and how each pieces move!

Schedule for Advanced and Expert

Lecture: 9:00 – 10:30am

Break: 10:30 – 10:40am

Training Game: 10:40am – 12:00pm

Lunch Break: 12:00 – 1:00pm

Lecture: 1:00 – 2:30pm

Break: 2:30 – 2:40pm

Puzzle Solving: 2:40 – 4:00pm

Schedule for Intermediate and Novice

Lecture: 9:00 – 10:00am

Puzzle Solving: 10:00 – 10:30am

Break: 10:30 – 10:40am

Puzzle Solving: 10:40 – 11:10am

Training Game: 11:10am – 12:00pm

Lunch Break: 12:00 – 1:00pm

Lecture/Game Analysis: 1:00 – 2:30pm

Break: 2:30 – 2:40pm

Camp Activity: 2:40 – 4:00pm

Food

Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy staff will provide light snacks and beverages during scheduled snack times. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

**NOTE: Please email us at with any food allergies and/or restrictions your child may have!

Cancellation Policy

A full refund, minus a $50 service fee, will be provided for all cancellation requests received 7 days prior to camp start date. No refunds are provided if the cancellation is not received a week prior to camp start date.

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Waco Swiss 5/9/26

Click HERE to enter!

Saturday, May 9, 2026
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 1624 Wooded Acres Dr., Waco, TX 76710 (Behind Target)

 (Enter through main door and turn right. Tournament room is at the end of Parish Hall.)

VIEW ENTRY LIST  (This is manually entered, so it may not reflect recent registrations.)

4 Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5 (45 minutes with a 5 second delay)

3 Sections: 
  • Championship- Ratings 1600+ (1400-1599 may play up for $10 fee)
  • Under 1601- Ratings 1000-1600 (800-999 may play up for $10 fee) 
  • Under 1000- Ratings 0-999
 
Notes on Sections:
  • Most unrated players should play in the Under 1000 section, but you may play up in the U1601.
  • We go by monthly published ratings, but if your live current rating goes up before the tournament, you may request to move sections. 
  • There is a $10 PLAY-UP FEE for those playing up to a higher section.  You must still meet the section minimum rating to play up.
                
Check in & Pay: 9:30 to 9:50 AM
 (*Because we do not accept payment in advance,  players not checked in by 9:50 am will NOT be paired in Round 1 –unless you notify us that you are on the way.  If you are registered, but can no longer play, please let us know.)

Round Times: 
  • Round 1- 10:00 AM
  • Round 2- 11:45 AM 
  • Round 3- 2:00 PM 
  • Round 4- 3:45 PM
 
Entry Fee: $20 CASH (no credit, no debit) upon arrival.  Exact change is appreciated! Extra $10 play-up fee for those playing up.
Cash Prizes- Based on the number of entries. The prize list will be posted on-site, after the start of Round 1.

Limited Capacity of 70 players!
Register by filling out the form below.
——————————————————————
 
 
This is a rated tournament. Current US Chess membership required (https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess.)
Please check that your membership is not expired before registering (https://ratings.uschess.org.) If you need help creating or renewing your US Chess membership, please email us (contact info is below.)
 
Notation is required.  We provide notation sheets. You may also use your own notation book/ sheets or a USCF approved notation device.  Please bring a pen or pencil.

Please bring a chess clock if you have one.  The club has a limited supply.  Chess sets are provided. 
 
For those new to tournaments: Swiss means all players will play all 4 rounds, unless there is a requested bye (1/2 point) because you need to miss a round or an assigned bye (full point) due to uneven sections.
 
——————————————————————
 
For questions or problems registering, please email:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu) or Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
 
(For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)
 
Personal Information will not be shared.  Only the player’s name, USCF ID, rating, and expiration date will be posted on the entry list.