Category: Upcoming Events

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2024 South Texas Grade Championships (Secondary Players)

USCF rated, 6 round chess tournament to determine the state champion for each grade level! 13 sections offered (see below).  View the Event flyer.

Players from Austin and SA are eligible for both the North/Central AND the South Grade Championships.  Players of any and all abilities are welcome to attend!

Location
Brownsville Campus of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Student Union
650 Ringgold Rd
Brownsville, TX 78520

Sections
Note:  Players must play in their current grade level. Playing up to a higher or down to a lower grade level is not permitted. Homeschoolers, please register for a section based on your age.

1 section for each grade level: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Basics
This is an official USCF-rated tournament open to all current USCF members that reside in Texas.
USCF rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to.
All players must have current USCF membership to play. (NO USCF’s processed onsite.)
Current USCF regular ratings will be used.
NO USCF memberships/renewals will be handled at this tournament.
6 Round Swiss, Time control is G/45;d/5 (6-12).
Chess sets, clocks, notations, and pens provided!

More information and Registration
For more information (awards,  entry fees, hotel suggestion, schedule) and to register, please visit the event website: https://www.utrgv.edu/chess/

Entry fees are staggered! Register asap!

Questions
If you still have questions after visiting the event website, please contact David Ortiz,  david.ortiz02@utrgv.edu, 832-908-5462 (text or call me with questions).

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2024 South Texas Grade Championships (Elementary Players)

USCF rated, 6 round chess tournament to determine the state champion for each grade level! 13 sections offered (see below).  View the Event flyer.

Players from Austin and SA are eligible for both the North/Central AND the South Grade Championships.  Players of any and all abilities are welcome to attend!

Location
Brownsville Campus of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Student Union
650 Ringgold Rd
Brownsville, TX 78520

Sections
Note:  Players must play in their current grade level. Playing up to a higher or down to a lower grade level is not permitted. Homeschoolers, please register for a section based on your age.

1 section for each grade level: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Basics
This is an official USCF-rated tournament open to all current USCF members that reside in Texas.
USCF rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to.
All players must have current USCF membership to play. (NO USCF’s processed onsite.)
Current USCF regular ratings will be used.
NO USCF memberships/renewals will be handled at this tournament.
6 Round Swiss
Chess sets, clocks, notations, and pens provided!

More information and Registration
For more information (awards,  entry fees, hotel suggestion, schedule) and to register, please visit the event website: https://www.utrgv.edu/chess/

Entry fees are staggered! Register asap!

Questions
If you still have questions after visiting the event website, please contact David Ortiz,  david.ortiz02@utrgv.edu, 832-908-5462 (text or call me with questions).

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Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep 2024 November Scholastic Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on November 23, 2024. USCF rated chess tournament for adults and more advanced scholastic players. Open plays 4SS and K-12 Elite plays 5SS. All rounds G/40 +5!

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

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 are high, we reserve the right to split the open section 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 1300 by the November 2024 USCF supplement.
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1399 on the November 2024 USCF Supplement

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’  section of the Paragon Prep November 2024 Scholastic Chess 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. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before November 30, 2024.  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!
9:15 a.m. Open and K-12 Elite sections begin. Open has 4 rounds; K-12 Elite has 5 rounds. All rounds are 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:
Both sections:
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:05am, rd 3 – 1:05pm, rd 4 – 2:50pm
K-12 Elite only:
rd 5 – 4:25pm

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.

Concession information coming soon.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

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 top teams.  

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment.

*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Wednesday, 10/30/2024
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 11/16/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 11/17/2024 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 10/21/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 11/23/24 will be permitted, $60 youth – $50 adult. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:40am.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 11/20/24 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. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 11/22/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

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

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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Advance Entry List for the 2025 Austin Winter Open

All registrations appear automatically. Please allow one to two days for USCF information to be verified, at which point the current supplement rating will be entered. (You may see ratings within sections that seem illogical. Ratings shown reflect October Supplement Ratings.   Rating changes made late December will not affect pairings or section placement.)

It is better to register early and change your section later, than to wait to register!

If your name has a , your registration is complete.
If your name has a , the registrar has a question about your registration. Please contact the registrar if you have not already been contacted.
If there is no symbol in front of your name, your USCF verification is in process.

Jump to: Championship, Reserve,  Intermediate,  Novice

 Accelerated pairings are possible in sections with more than 40 players.

Return to the 2025 Austin Winter Open homepage.

Championship (FIDE rated)

NameUSCF IDRatingTitleScheduleByes
Melillo, Lucius 155701952360FM3-day
Section count: 1

Reserve (FIDE rated)

NameUSCF IDRatingScheduleByes
Senapati, Avni 1678306716232-day
Section count: 1

Intermediate (U1700)

NameUSCF IDRatingScheduleByes
Section count: 0

Novice (U1400)

NameUSCF IDRatingScheduleByes
Section count: 0

Total registrants: 2

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San Antonio Turkey Shoot 2024

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament (event website) open to all chess players. There will be 5 rounds in total with 2 schedules offered. The two-day schedule will be on November 23rd, and 24th while the three-day schedule will be the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. 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 coming soon

Location: 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
San Antonio Riverwalk
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 November 23rd at 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on November 24th 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 November 22nd at 6:00pm.
• Rounds 2, & 3 starts promptly on November 23rd at 2:00pm, and 6:30pm.
• Rounds 4 & 5 starts promptly on November 24th 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 November 4th. The first 3 GM’s get a free hotel day!

$50 if received before October 16th, $60 before November 16th, $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 – link on event page. Entry fee deducted from winnings)

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

Three Sections section 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.

Questions: Contact Jesse Lozano: CompleteChess@gmail.com

View our online TLA!

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2025 Austin Winter Open

USCF rated swiss chess tournament on January 3-5, 2025, sponsored by the Austin Chess Club.   We offer FOUR sections and a guaranteed prize fund over $5000 and 30 Grand Prix Points. There will be 5 rounds in total over the weekend with two schedules. The Championship and Reserve sections are FIDE rated.

LIMIT 85 players in any single section.

View the Advance Entry List.
Register Online!

Location

Austin Southpark Hotel
4140 Governors Row
Austin, TX 78744

Discounted group room rate at the Austin Southpark Hotel is only $95/night here: Book your group rate for the 2025 Austin Winter Open

Please support the tournament by staying at the event hotel! The above room link is good thru Friday, 12/13/2024.

Round Times

3-DAY
Round 1: Friday, 7:15pm (G/90, +30)
2-DAY
Round 1: Saturday, 9:00am (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 schedule is available at any point for Intermediate and Novice sections for a $40 fee. Championship and Reserve players may re-enter round 1 for a $40 fee (changing schedules). For entry into round 1, contact us no later than 8:30am, the Saturday of the event.

*If a player is 15 minutes late for round 1 without notice, they will be withdrawn. In Intermediate and Novice sections (non-FIDE) opponents’ games may be reassigned. Forfeit time for rounds 2-5 is 1 hour, but please contact us (Lori Balkum and 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). This is showing common courtesy to your opponent!

Byes

Only ONE 1/2 point bye allowed.
*Deadline to request/remove half-point byes: Saturday 5pm, or before round 2 ends (whichever comes first for your section)
*Deadline to request zero-point byes/withdraw: before your section is paired for the affected round

Registration and Fees


Entry fees are staggered and we would like for you to register early! Register Online!

  • $79 if received by Saturday, 10/26/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $89 if received by Saturday, 11/30/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $109 thru the Saturday before the tournament (12/28/2024), 11:59pm CST
  • $119 the week of the tournament, thru Thursday, 01/02/2025, 11:59pm CST
  • $129 on Friday and onsite, IF space available. Any registrations made onsite after 8:30am, Saturday 1/4/2025 receive a 1st round bye.

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

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 7pm on Friday one week before the event (12/27/2024).  After that time, no refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee.

$25 up-charges (listed below) are NON-refundable.  Pay the upcharge later if unsure about eligibility.

Titled players (IM/GM) play for free if space allows. (No entry fee required and no entry fees deducted from winnings if registered before October 26th! Registrations as of October 27th 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 other conditions.

Sections and Prizes

$5435 in prizes 100% guaranteed
One prize per person

Four Sections!.
Players are only eligible for the prizes listed within their section. Limit 85 players in any one section (exceptions granted for ratings 2200+).

Championship (2000+) 
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*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

Reserve (1700 -1999)
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1600-1699 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$540 2nd-$320 3rd-$210 4th-$140

Intermediate (U1700)
*Players rated up to 1699 may play in this section
• 1st -$480 2nd-$260 3rd-$160 4th-$100

Novice (U1400)
*Players rated up to 1399 may play in this section.
• 1st -$430 2nd-$230 3rd-$140
• U1000: 1st -$120 2nd – $80

**January 2025 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. You do NOT need to pay the up-charge during registration, if unsure about rating or section. You will be contacted in late December with directions for payment if necessary.
**Unrated players will be placed at TD’s discretion and are only eligible for place prizes
**Unrated players must disclose foreign and online ratings before their section placement is considered complete. Failure to disclose playing history may result in forfeiture and withdrawal from the event.

Device Policy

Internet 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 tablets. 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 2024 updated formal device policy.

No notation devices will be approved for the FIDE section. 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

Bring your own board and increment capable clock if possible!
The hotel has a restaurant and small store that sells coffees, sandwiches, and other snacks. Check your round times and bring food and drink as necessary. Only water (drinks) allowed at the chess board.  All food must remain outside the playing room. 
We will provide an area for waiting parents and for players to review their chess games.  However, we will not babysit your kids.  No child should be left unattended.

Questions?

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

See our USCF Online TLA!

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ACC USCF Rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on October 12th, 19th, 26th and November 2nd. 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 November 30, 2024.

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 October 12th. 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, October 19th 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 Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 16th 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 suggested.

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 November 30, 2024. 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.

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ACC USCF Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 9th 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 suggested.

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 November 30, 2024. 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.

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2024 Chris Riley Memorial Wooldridge Square -Park Chess Tournament

Chess outdoors in Wooldridge park! Unrated 4 round G/20 tournament for all ages in 2 sections: one K-12 and one open section. Limited to the first 40 paid players. No elimination – play all rounds whether you win or lose!

Online Registration is now open!

View the Advance Entries.

The late Chris Riley was a very dedicated and passionate supporter of introducing chess
to the community. He volunteered on most Saturdays from 2003 – 2023 at Wooldridge Square Park,
near his home in downtown Austin, to organize chess matches for all ages and abilities with a Giant Chess
set kept at the park.  This project that he co-founded helped attract people to a beautiful park that is underutilized for many enjoyable moments for the players as well as interested spectators.

Date
November 3, 2024

Alternative Location
Wooldridge Park
9th and Guadalupe
near Downtown
Austin, TX

The park is on the corner of 9th and Guadalupe.  Plenty of street parking is available.

Sections

  • Open
  • K-12

*Sections may be split if registrations are high.
*All sections are unrated.  NO USCF membership required.
*Restricted to the first 40 players.

Rounds and Times

Four Rounds at a time control of G/20.

  • We play approximately noon – 5pm.
  • Registration & Check-in required: 11:20am – 11:45am.
  • All pre-registered players must check in when they arrive, or they may be ineligible to play in the first round.

Entry fee and Prizes:

  • Online entries: $12 – by Saturday, 10/26 at 11:59pm (online payment only).
  • Online entries: $20 – from Sunday, 10/27 to Friday, 11/1 (5pm) (online payment only). Registering by this deadline assures you a first-round game!
  • No refunds for withdrawals requested after online registration closes (5pm 11/1). Email to withdraw.
  • NO EMAIL entries or requests from Friday 5pm 11/1 onward.  Registrar is traveling!
  • Onsite entries: $20 – Cash or Venmo only. May receive a round 1 bye and begin play in round 2. 
  • Prizes: Top finishers in K-12 section will receive a medal. Open section offers cash prizes.

Details

Space is available!  Register onsite between 11:20 and 11:45 to receive a 1st round pairing!

  • Boards and Sets supplied!
  • NO US Chess Membership necessary. 
  • NO Notation required. Feel free if you wish to bring pen and paper, but these are quick games!
  • Bring a folding chair, if you have one (for your players AND any spectators)!!

Rain Location

If there is inclement weather predicted, the tournament will be held at the Dobie Mall food court – Guadalupe and 21st on the 2nd level.

Questions

For registration questions, please email
Lori Balkum, (registrar@austinchesstournaments.com)
For all other event questions, please email
Gary Gaiffe, (ggaiffe@att.net)

Organized by Rocks & Rooks