Author: Sarah Brauner

92nd Southwest Open

September 4, 2026 to September 7, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
303 Blum St, San Antonio TX 78205

$10,000 Prize Fund

Based on 150 entries

https://www.kingregistration.com/event/92SWO

Event Overview

The 92nd Southwest Open is hosted by the Texas Chess Association (US Chess Affiliate T5011914). The tournament features two main sections and two side events (Blitz and Freestyle). All players in the Championship section must have a FIDE ID, and foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID prior to Round 1.

The Championship section will be FIDE-rated and played under FIDE rules. US Chess ratings and rules will be used for pairings and prize eligibility. Players rated 1800 to 1999 may enter the Championship section by paying an additional $40 play up fee. The September 2026 US Chess rating supplement will be used. Texas Chess Association membership is required for all players, including those from out of state.

Sections

Championship: FIDE & US Chess rated, 7SS, G/90+30

Reserve: US Chess rated, 7SS, G/90+30

Eligibility

Championship: Open to players rated 2000 or above (US Chess regular or FIDE), or those who have previously held a 2000+ rating. National invitational representatives are allowed to play in the Championship.

Reserve: Open to players rated under 2000 and unrated players.

Open to all US Chess and TCA members. Foreign titled players (GM, IM, WGM, WIM) do not need US Chess membership.

Entry Fees

Championship & Reserve

$125 through July 31 (Early Bird)

$155 through August 31

$185 through September 3 

$205 on September 4 and onsite (registration closes 1 hour before Round 1)

GMs and foreign IMs free entry in Championship section

Other Sections & Discounts

Seniors (65+): $20 discount (use code: STILLGOTIT)

Re-entry: $40 (Reserve section only, available before the start of Round 3)

*Unrated players may play in the Reserve section. In the Reserve section, unrated players are NOT eligible for Top Class B prize.

Prizes

Championship: 

1st $3000

2nd $1500

3rd $750

1st U2200 $500

2nd U2200 $300

Top Female $325

Reserve (U2000): 

1st $1000

2nd $750

3rd $500

Top Class B $500

Top U1600/Unrated $500

Top Female $325

Forfeit Rule

Players in the Championship and Reserve sections who fail to appear within 30 minutes of round start forfeit the game unless the Chief TD otherwise provides for good cause. In all other sections, a player forfeits the game only if their time expires on the clock before they arrive.

Schedule

Championship & Reserve (G/90+30)

4 Day Schedule

• Fri., Sept. 4: Round 1 (6:00 PM)
• Sat., Sept. 5: Round 2 (3:00 PM), Round 3 (7:30 PM)
• Sun., Sept. 6: Round 4 (10:00 AM), Round 5 (3:00 PM)
• Mon., Sept. 7: Round 6 (10:00 AM), Round 7 (3:00 PM)

3 Day Schedule

• Sat., Sept. 5: Round 1 (10:00 AM), Round 2 (3:00 PM), Round 3 (7:30 PM)
• Sun., Sept. 6: Round 4 (10:00 AM), Round 5 (3:00 PM)
• Mon., Sept. 7: Round 6 (10:00 AM), Round 7 (3:00 PM)

Reserve 2 Day Schedule (G/25+10) (Players merge with main schedule/G90+30 for Rounds 6 and 7)

• Sun., Sept. 6, G/25+10: Round 1 (10:00 AM), Round 2 (12:00 PM), Round 3 (2:00 PM), Round 4 (4:00 PM), Round 5 (6:00 PM)
• Mon., Sept. 7, G/90+30: Round 6 (10:00 AM), Round 7 (3:00 PM)

Byes

Up to two 1/2-point byes are available if requested before the end of round 2 and before receiving a full-point bye, but 1/2-point byes for both rounds 6 and 7 are not permitted.

Side Events

Texas Blitz Championship: Sunday, September 6, 7:30pm: 5 round Double Swiss G/5 time control. This is US Chess rated. The entry fee is $30 ($50 onsite). Registration closes 1 hour before round 1. Regular rating will be used if you don’t have a blitz rating. 2 sections Championship 1600+ and Reserve U1600.

Prizes (based on 20 entries): Championship: 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top U2000 $75; Reserve: 1st $125, 2nd $75.

Texas Freestyle Championship: Sunday, September 6, 9:30pm: 5 round Swiss G/7+3 Freestyle, also known as Chess 960 or Fischer Random, is a chess variant where the starting position is randomized. This is not rated. The entry fee is $30.

Prizes (based on 20 entries): Open: 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top U2000 $75

TCA Annual Membership Meeting

Friday, September 4th, 8:00pm.

This is a business meeting where members will hear reports from officers and vote on important business affecting the Association. All TCA members who are Texas residents and at least 16 years of age are voting members. Everyone is welcome to attend. An agenda will be posted on the TCA website at least two weeks in advance.

Change Request Form (for section changes, name corrections, etc.)

All requests must be submitted through the form. Requests will not be accepted by email, text, phone, or in person; https://forms.gle/7ki2kjgGSTf2AGju5

Other Rules and Information

Chess sets and clocks provided
Notation required. All players are required to use tournament provided electronic notation devices when directed by tournament staff. Failure or refusal to comply may result in forfeiture or other penalties at the discretion of the Chief Tournament Director.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the playing hall. Water is the only exception.
No electronic devices (except necessary medical equipment and clocks) in Championship and Reserve. Players in other sections may use electronic notation devices endorsed by US Chess.
Only players whose game is in progress, tournament directors and staff, TCA officers, and press are allowed in the hall during rounds.
Refunds available until September 1, 12:00pm, subject to a $25 fee.
Only Texas residents are eligible for state champion titles. Players requiring accommodations due to disability or religious reasons should contact the organizer as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks before the tournament.

Hotel

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
303 Blum, San Antonio TX 78205

Reserve Rooms: https://tinyurl.com/3ab5s5vf

Online Registration

https://www.kingregistration.com/event/92SWO

Contact

admin@texaschess.org / Text: David Ortiz 832-908-5462

Also Happening This Weekend

92nd Southwest Open – Novice and Scholastic

September 4, 2026 to September 7, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
303 Blum St, San Antonio TX 78205

https://www.kingregistration.com/event/92SWONS

2026 Texas Chess Association Awards Nominations

Help recognize outstanding players, coaches, organizers, volunteers, schools, and supporters from across Texas.

Submit nominations:
https://texaschess.org/2026-awards-nominations-opened/

Sponsors

Help support one of Texas’ premier chess events. Sponsorships help increase prize funds, improve the player experience, and support the Texas Chess Association’s mission of growing chess across the state.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor the event at a variety of levels. Sponsors receive recognition through event signage, the tournament website, social media, printed materials, and other promotional opportunities depending on sponsorship level.

Learn more or become a sponsor: https://texaschess.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/92nd-Southwest-Open-Sponsorship-Package.pdf