Category: Upcoming Events

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4th Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #2

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on February 28, 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:
● February 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 February 8th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 February 9th through 11:59p on February 22
●  $75 on or after February 23rd

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.


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/


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.

Posted on by

4th Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #1

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on January 31, 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:
● January 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 January 25th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after January 26th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-open-qualifier-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 the top 3 finishers in each section.

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/

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.

Posted on by

4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #3

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on March 14, 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:

●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-2/ by 11:59pm, February 22, 2026
●  $50 from February 23 until 11:59p on March 8, 2026
●  $65 on or after March 9, 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)
 
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. 
Posted on by

4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #2

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on February 7, 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:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-2/ by 11:59pm, January 18, 2026
●  $50 from January 19 until 11:59p on February 1, 2026
●  $65 on or after February 2, 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)
 
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. 
Posted on by

4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #1

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on January 17, 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:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-1/ by 11:59pm, January 11, 2026
●  $50  on or after January 12, 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)
 
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. 
Posted on by

Waco January 17 Swiss

Saturday, January 17, 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 1000-1601 (800-999 may play up for $10 fee) 
  • Under 1000- Ratings up to 999
 
Notes on Sections:
  • Most unrated players should play in the Under 1000 section, but you may play 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 may be a play-up fee, depending on your rating.
  • 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 if you don’t have your own. You may also use your own notation book/ sheets or a USCF approved notation device.  Please bring a pen or pencil.
If you don’t know how to notate, learn here: 

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)
 
Posted on by

Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep January 2026 Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on January 24, 2026. The first major Rocks & Rooks event of 2026! This USCF rated chess tournament is for adults and more advanced scholastic players.

Register HERE! When you click the link, scroll to the bottom for registration.

 

Basics

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF 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 on the January 2026 USCF supplement (exceptions made for live ratings).
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1299 on the January 2026 USCF supplement (exceptions made for live ratings).

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the Paragon Prep January 2026 Scholastic Tournament

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Adults new to tournament chess are welcome to play in the open section. Youth players MUST have a ratings-history. Your USCF membership cannot expire before January 31, 2026. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

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!
8:45 a.m. K-12 Elite begins
9:15 a.m. Open  sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+5; K-12 Elite has 5 rounds of G/40, +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 and K-12 Elite Sections*:
Open (4 rounds):
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:30pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm
K-12 Elite (5 rounds):
rd 1 – 8:45am, rd 2 – 10:35am, rd 3 – 12:25pm, rd 4 – 2:15pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

(Sections will play in separate rooms.)

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.

Concessions will be offered for purchase. You may bring your 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.). 
K-12 Elite:
Trophies to top finishers. Medals to positive scores not receiving a trophy. Trophies to top teams.

Registration Information

*$40 (youth) /$30 (adult) thru Saturday, 12/20/2025
*$50 (youth) /$40 (adult) thru Saturday, 1/10/2026
*$55 (youth) /$45 (adult) as of Sunday, 1/11/2026 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 1/22/26, at which time online entry closes.
*$65 (youth) / $50 (adult) Late entry (after regular online entry closes), IF space is available. Link will be available from the time regular online entry closes thru 9:30am Saturday 1/24/2026. All scholastic late entries receive a 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begin play in round 2. Open section first round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am Saturday.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 1/21/26 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.

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes.
*K-12 Elite: Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 1/23/2026. All 1/2-point byes must be requested or removed before the end of round 2. After 9am Friday, please make all changes and requests onsite at Chess Control.
*Open section: Will be paired onsite.  Round 1 changes must be made no later than 8:45am.

Email Sarah Brauner, registrar (AustinChessTournaments@gmail.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

View the ONLINE TLA!

Posted on by

Cedar Park January 2026 Scholastic Tournament

Cedar Park Public Library

Event Overview

Tournament Folder with the Entry List and where Pairings/Wall Charts will be Posted 
 
You won’t get a confirmation email upon registration or payment, so check the above entry list and your child should be listed within 24 hours. Parents will receive an email the week of the tournament.
 
Make sure to save the above link!


The tournament is held in the Event Space to the very left of the library upon entering. It’s where the Sunday Open Chess Play is held. 


Tournament capped at 100 students! My past tournaments have always filled up, so REGISTER ASAP! Will note here and/or potentially stop accepting registrations once it fills up, but will accept 10-20 kids onto the waitlist in case there are withdrawals. 
 

Sections (Subject to Change depending on registration)
K-12 Elite
K-12 U1000
K-5 U600
 
No playing down. For example, a player rated 700 at the time of the tournament cannot play in K-5U600.
*K-12 Elite is restricted to kids that are (or have been previously) 900+ USCF regular/quick rated.
 
Awards (Subject to Change depending on registration)
Trophy for top 5 places in each Section, medals for positive score, ribbon for everyone else.
Additional Trophy for Top U300 Student and Top Unrated Student in K-5 U600.
Additional Trophy for Top U800 Student and Top U600 Student in K-12 U1000.
Additional Trophy for Top U1200 Student and Top U1100 Student in K-12 Elite.
Awards will be handed out after the last round!
*Top 5 places determined by points and tiebreakers calculated by WinTD.
*One trophy max per student. 

No check in required. Be seated at 9:15AM for announcements.
The five rounds aim to be at 9:30AM, 10:45AM, 12PM, 1:15PM, and 2:30PM. 

 
Time Control: G25/d5; will be USCF regular/quick rated 

Registration Information
Early Entry $30 before noon December 10, 2025
Regular Entry $40 before noon December 24, 2025, if there are any spots available
Late Entry $50 before noon January 9, 2026 if there are any spots available
*$5 off registration for kids with Current USCF Regular Rating over 1,200
*$10 off registration for kids with Current USCF Regular Rating over 1,300
*$15 off registration for kids with Current USCF Regular Rating over 1,400
*$20 off registration for kids with Current USCF Regular Rating over 1,500
*$25 off registration for kids with Current USCF Regular Rating over 1,600

Payment methods: Prefer venmo (Daniel-Hung-3) or zelle (danielhung@utexas.edu or 956-639-5311) (legal name for both Daniel Flood). Payment must be made before the above deadlines to lock in your price and registration. 
Cash and check can be dropped off at my teaching locations: Leander Library Monday/Friday 5-7pm and Cedar Park Library Sunday 12-6pm. Contact me to coordinate drop off or to mail it to me. Cash/check will no longer be accepted on site!

What to Bring and Know
Please bring a clock if you have one. We will provide all the chess sets this time. 
US Chess Membership is required. Please be responsible for your membership prior to the event to help the organizers and prevent delays.
Notation is required for everyone 4th grade and up. Notation sheets will be available if needed, but please bring a pencil or pen. Strongly encouraged to bring your own notation book/sheets.
 
Additional Rules
Parents/guardians will not be allowed in the playing hall or hallway leading up to the playing hall while play is in process as this was too distracting at the last tournament. Additionally, to make room for up to 100 kids to compete, there will not be enough chairs for the parents in the playing hall. Each player must also leave the playing hall after each round as it was also too distracting for the remaining players when other players crowd their chess game. Parents and players that are done with their game should stay at the main library building. Only drinks allowed in the playing hall. Food must be consumed outside. See the library website for more information about where food may be consumed https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/198/Guidelines-Policies 
Address:

425 S Parkwest Dr
Cedar Park, TX 78613
United States

Sections:
Grand Prix Points:
Prize Fund:
FIDE Rated: No
Handicap Accessible: No
Residency Restriction: No
Online Event: No

Organizer Overview

Leander Chess Club
Email: danielhung@utexas.edu
Phone: 9566395311
Posted on by

2026 Austin Winter Open – 1/9/26-1/11/26

Advance registration is now open!  View the Advance Entry List.

USCF rated swiss chess tournament on January 9-11, 2026.   We offer 6 sections and a guaranteed prize fund of $7000. There will be 5 rounds in total with two schedules. The top 3 sections are FIDE rated.

Player reminder email will be sent on Thursday 1/8/26.

Onsite notes:
No outside food in the restaurant, please. Food from home can be eaten in the skittles room, but please give seating priority to players reviewing games. The hotel plans to provide sandwich/snack options during the event.

LIMIT 80 players in any single section.

NEW Location

Courtyard by Marriott Austin Pflugerville and Pflugerville Conference Center
16100 Impact Way
Pflugerville, TX 78660

View the Advance Entry List.
Online registration is requested.

Discounted group room rate here: Hotel Booking Link – extended! Rooms can still be booked until 1/2/26!

Please support the tournament by staying at the event hotel!

Round Times

3-DAY
Round 1: Friday, 7:15pm (G/90, +30)
2-DAY
Round 1: Saturday, 9:30am (G/60, +10) (*Games in this round will not be FIDE rated*)

ALL PLAYERS (G/90, +30):
Round 2: Saturday, 1pm
Round 3: Saturday, 6:30pm
Round 4: Sunday, 10:00am
Round 5: Sunday 3:15pm

*Reentry: from 3-day to 2-day round 1 is available for a $40 fee. For reentry into round 1, contact us no later than 8:30am, the Saturday of the event.

*Forfeit time for all rounds and sections is 60 minutes. Please contact us (Sarah Brauner austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) if you are running late for any round or wish to withdraw. Phone number will be posted onsite and provided via email to players prior to round 1.

Byes

One 1/2 point bye allowed.
*Deadline to request/remove half-point byes: Saturday 6pm, or before round 2 ends (whichever comes first for your section)
*Deadline to request/remove zero-point byes/withdraw: before your section is paired for the affected round

Registration and Fees

All registration and payment happens online.
Entry fees:

  • $79 early bird pricing if received by Saturday, 12/6/2025, 11:59pm CST
  • $99 through the Saturday before the tournament (01/3/2026), 11:59pm CST
  • $119 through Thursday 01/8/2026), 11:59pm CST
  • $130 on Friday 1/9/2026 and onsite, IF space available. Any registrations for the 3-day schedule made after 5:45pm Friday 1/9/26 receive a 1st round bye. Any registrations for the 2-day schedule made after 8:30am, Saturday 1/10/2026 receive a 1st round bye.
  • ALL Novice (U1000 section) rates will be $20 lower at checkout. If you register for the Novice (U1000 section) and have to be moved, you will owe the $20 balance before playing round 1. All withdrawal deadlines and service fees apply if you do not make the additional payment.

Online registrations and online payment are requested. Please contact the registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) to request help or accommodations.

Titled players (IM/GM/WIM/WGM) play for free if space allows. (No entry fee required and no entry fees deducted from winnings if registered by December 6th! Registrations on or after December 7th must pay entry fee – returned after completion of 5 rounds of play.)  All players should register online.  Contact registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) for coupon code and to inquire about additional conditions.

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 9pm on the Wednesday before the event (1/7/2026).  After that time, no refunds. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee.

Sections and Prizes

$7000 in prizes 100% guaranteed
Plus Mixed Doubles prizes, enter onsite before round 2

Six Sections
Players are only eligible for the prizes listed within their section. Limit 80 players in any one section (exceptions granted for ratings 2200+).

All sections are closed, meaning that there is no playing up unless you are rated within 100 points of the minimum of your chosen section by the event start date.

Mixed Doubles teams can be registered onsite prior to the start of round 2 with no extra fees.  NO changes to mixed doubles team after round 2 begins. A mixed doubles team is a male-female team. The team’s average rating cannot be above 2000.

Championship, Class A, and Class B sections will be FIDE rated and use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.

Championship (2000+) 
*Players rated 1900-1999 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$925 2nd-$525 3rd-$375
• Expert (2000-2199): 1st -$250 2nd-$150

Class A (1800-1999)
*Players rated 1700-1799 may pay an extra $40 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$540 2nd-$320 3rd-$210 4th-$140

Class B (1600-1799)
*Players rated 1500-1599 may pay an extra $40 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$540 2nd-$320 3rd-$210 4th-$140

Class C (1400-1599)
*Players rated 1300-1399 may pay an extra $40 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$480 2nd-$260 3rd-$160 4th-$100

Class D/E (1000-1399)
*Players rated 900-999 may pay an extra $40 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$430 2nd-$230 3rd-$140 4th-$85

Novice (U1000)
• 1st -$300 2nd-$150 3rd-$100

**January 2026 Supplement (‘Regular’ OTB) ratings will be used for pairing and placement purposes.  If no regular rating is available, then other USCF ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement.
**Requests to play down will not be honored.
**Requests to play up will only be honored if the conditions mentioned above are met and the appropriate fee has been paid.
**Unrated players will be placed at TD’s discretion and are only eligible for place prizes
**Unrated players must disclose foreign and online ratings.

Device Policy

Internet or Bluetooth enabled devices must be turned off completely during play (not just on silent) and must remain in the player’s bag or face up on the playing table. Devices may not be removed from the playing hall during your game. Devices include phones, smartwatches, tablets, etc. These may NOT be on the player’s person or leave the board during the games.  Penalties up to or including loss of game and removal from the tournament for violations of this policy. Link to device policy. If you need a medical exception, contact us prior to your first game.

No notation devices will be approved for the FIDE sections. Any notation devices in other sections must be reviewed and logged at chess control no later than 30 minutes prior to player’s first round to receive an approval card. Please review the US Chess Notation Device policy. 

Spectators, if allowed, must have devices turned completely off.

More Details

Boards and sets provided. Bring an increment capable clock if possible. A limited number of clocks will be available for purchase onsite.
Only water (drinks) allowed at the chess board.  All food must remain outside the playing room.

See our USCF Online TLA!

Questions?

Contact Sarah Brauner (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) if you have questions about this event.