Category: Upcoming Events

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July USCF Rated Chess Tournament

Registration link HERE

Overview

Join us in July Major Rated Chess Tournament! Sharpen your skills and compete with top players. Don’t miss out!

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on July 18th.1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Sections and Prizes:

*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.

*One prize per person*

$1000 in Prizes

Three sections prizes.

(Championship) 1500+

• $300-$150

(Reserve) U1500

• $200-$100

(Novice) U1000

• $200-$100

Round times and Time Controls:

• All rounds G/40;d5

• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.

• Rounds 1: 10:00am

• Rounds 2: 11:30am

• Lunch Break: 1:00pm

• Rounds 3: 2:00pm

• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**All winnings will be sent via check. Please ensure your shipping address and the name for the check are accurately provided during the registration process.

**No refunds after July 11th . All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee.

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May USCF Rated Chess Tournament

Registration link HERE

Overview

Join us in May Major Rated Chess Tournament! Sharpen your skills and compete with top players. Don’t miss out!

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on May 9th.1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Sections and Prizes:

*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.

*One prize per person*

$1000 in Prizes

Three sections prizes.

(Championship) 1500+

• $300-$150

(Reserve) U1500

• $200-$100

(Novice) U1000

• $200-$100

Round times and Time Controls:

• All rounds G/40;d5

• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.

• Rounds 1: 10:00am

• Rounds 2: 11:30am

• Lunch Break: 1:00pm

• Rounds 3: 2:00pm

• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**All winnings will be sent via check. Please ensure your shipping address and the name for the check are accurately provided during the registration process.

**No refunds after May 2nd. All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee.

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ACC Quick-rated G/24 Swiss 5/9/26

A one-day tournament on May 9, 2026 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 30, 2026.

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

Entry fee 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.

Equipment provided. We look forward to seeing you!

Location: entrance is at the back of the parking lot, up the stairway with the Austin Chess Club sign
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, including contact information, click here.

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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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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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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.