Posted on

Longhorn Monthly Swiss

Leander Public Library
monthly on Saturday, but only the first instance of this set, starting from Saturday, January 3, 2026, forever

Event Overview

The Longhorn Chess Club invites you to the 2026 monthly Swiss – USCF rated tournaments, beginning in January 2026, and held on the first Saturday of every month. Our first tournament will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in association with the Leander Public Library.

Dates: 01/03, 02/07, 03/07… (recurring 1st Saturday of every month). EDIT: February and March tournaments will be the 2nd Saturday, rather than 1st Saturday.

4 Sections: 

*Please read the sections carefully.

  • Advanced (1500+)
  • Championship (1000-1499)
  • Reserve (600-999)
  • Beginner (U600)

Eligibility: Open to Everyone (no age restrictions)

Time Control: G/45;d5 (45 minutes with a 5 second delay)

Check-in & Registration: 9:00 to 9:20 AM

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUXRXpwZqdzQp-lXiAOL2Wi5YGt_yXWf7vqc_B5_5WLgrFHw/viewform

Round Times:

  • Round 1- 9:30 AM
  • Round 2- 11:15 AM
  • Round 3- 1:00 PM
  • Round 4- 2:45 PM 

Limited Capacity of 50 players!

Mandatory requirement:

This is a rated tournament. Current US Chess membership required! Please check that your membership is active before registering. Check your expiration date here  https://ratings.uschess.org. Join or renew here https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess. If you need help creating or renewing your US Chess membership, please email us (contact info is below.)

Please bring a chess clock and chess set if you have one.  The club has a limited supply. 

Directions:

Parking: Recommended around Library and near Veterans Park.

Address:

1011 S Bagdad Road
LeanderTX 78641
United States

 

Organizer Overview

Longhorn Chess
Email: longhornchess25@gmail.com
Phone: 3146664346
Posted on

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

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 AG/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section BG/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section CG/45, d5 (45 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section DG/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

2026 Region VI Scholastic Championships 2/28/26

The 2026 Region VI Scholastic Championship tournament will be held in San Antonio and presented by Complete Chess!

This tournament will be a qualifier for the Spring 2026 Texas Junior Invitationals! The Invitational winners earn the right to represent Texas in the national invitationals to be held just before the US Open in the summer. For more information, see the invitationals policy here: https://texaschess.org/2025-2026-invitationals-policy/

Overview

USCF rated Scholastic chess tournament on 2/28/2026. Trophies, medals, and regional championships awarded. Accompanying Adult section offered. Hosted by Complete Chess.

Visit the Complete Chess Website today to learn more! Registration page: HERE


USCF rated chess tournament on February 28th in 14 RATED scholastic sections open to all Region VI players:

High School (9-12) Championship
High School (9-12) U1000
Middle School (6-8) Championship
Middle School (6-8) U1000
Middle School (6-8) U600
Elementary (K-5) Championship
Elementary (K-5) U800
Elementary (K-5) U400
Primary (K-3) Championship
Primary (K-3) U800
Primary (K-3) U600
Primary (K-3) U400
Sprout (K-1) U600
Adult (no youth)

Elementary sections are restricted to Elementary students. Middle School sections are restricted to Middle School students. Homeschoolers should follow traditional age guidelines, with 6th grade age players in Middle School.

If turnout for any one section is small (under 17 players), we may (or may not) merge it with another section having the same time controls and neighboring ratings or grades.

Location

Dwight Middle School
2454 W. Southcross
San Antonio, TX 78211

Eligibility

This tournament is an official Texas Chess Association sanctioned event. TCA has specific guidelines on section placement. If you are unsure of which section you should choose, please read a description of the TCA guidelines.

“Under” sections are only for students meeting the rating criteria. All players who are new to tournaments are eligible for their age appropriate ‘under’ section. (Look up your player’s rating here. Please email or ask your chess coach for placement information,services.completechess@gmail.com

You must have a USCF ID and your membership cannot expire before February 28, 2026

Schedule and Round Times

Round time Championship Sections and Adult section:

  • In person registration at 8:00-8:45 am if not done online.
  • Rounds start promptly on Feb 28th at 9:00am, 10:15am, 11:30am 1:15pm and 3:00pm.
  • Rounds 1, 2, & 3: G/30;d5
  • Rounds 4, & 5: G/45;d5.

Round times for all ‘Under’ Sections (U1000,U800,U600,U400):

  • In person registration at 8:00-8:45 am if not done online.
  • Rounds start promptly on Feb 28th at 10:00am, 11:15am, 12:20pm, 1:00pm and 2:10pm.
  • All Rounds: G/30;d5

Speed games will determine the winner if multiple perfect scores occur.

Awards

Individual or team winners of each championship section are declared the Texas Region VI champion for their respective grade group.
Individual trophies are awarded in each advertised scholastic section, even if merged
Individual cash prizes (50% payout based on 20 entries) are awarded in the Adult section (see website for specifics).
Medals are awarded to all non-trophy players with positive scores in non-adult sections.
Team trophies are awarded separately in each section. School teams count the top four players (minimum two) in their respective sections. Exact number and division of trophies will depend on advance entries for individuals and teams.

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. Onsite entries accepted, but may require a round 1 bye.

Register online today!

  • Early Entry – $30 (through January 10, 2026)
  • Regular Entry – $40 (January 11 – February 7, 2026)
  • Late Entry – $50 (February 8 – February 20, 2026)
  • On-Site Entry – $60 (February 21, 2026, may receive 1st-round bye)

Withdrawals requested via email no later than Saturday 2/21/2026 are eligible for a refund (minus a $7 processing and transaction fee).

One 1/2-point available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. Further byes receive 0-points. No last round byes. Email services.completechess@gmail.com with changes to your ticket OR edit your ticket by logging into your account on eventbrite at any time.

Questions

Contact services.completechess@gmail.com with any questions.

Organized by Complete Chess.

Posted on

Longhorn Chess Wednesdays

We recently founded a non-profit corporation called Longhorn Chess, with the goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for local chess enthusiasts.

We’re hosting weekly chess meetups and tournaments every Wednesday at Taco Bell, 1545 N US Hwy 183, Leander, TX 78641 (near Lowe’s).

Event Name: Longhorn Chess Weekly Games
Dates: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Taco Bell, 1545 N US Hwy 183, Leander, TX 78641
Format: G/25; d5 – 3 games per night

Organizer: Longhorn Chess (Non-Profit Organization)
Contact: longhornchess25@gmail.com

Posted on

Wednesday Rapid Quads 2/11/26

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting USCF Rated 3 round Quads. Capacity: 60 players!

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

*US Chess Membership Required*

SECTIONS: Players rated above 1100 USCF will be allowed into the tournament.

QUAD FORMAT: A Quad Tournament is a four-player round-robin event where each player faces the other three opponents. Players are grouped by rating (1–4, 5–8, etc.), and each section plays three rounds. If the total number of players isn’t divisible by four, the remaining players (e.g., last 5–6) are placed into a small Swiss section instead.

TIME CONTROL: G/24, d5 (rapid-rated)

3-Round Round-Robin System Schedule
1st round: 6:00 PM
2nd round: ASAP after 1st round finishes
3rd round: ASAP after 2nd round finishes
No closing ceremony, prize will be sent by PayPal after the end of the tournament.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $25 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/ before 11:59 on 2/4; $35 2/5 and after.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  $50 for 1st place in each quad

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 $10 service fee for cancellations. 

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

2026 Greater Austin Scholastic Championships 2/21/26

Would you like to be an Austin area scholastic chess champion? Here’s your chance!

Scholastic chess tournament in multiple sections to be held on February 21, 2026. G/25, +5 inc. Trophies and medals awarded.

Full pairings and standings can be found at the registration link below (click on the blue “Live” text to get to them).

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

See Preregistration List HERE

Basics

USCF rated chess tournament in multiple RATED scholastic sections: K-3 U400, K-3 U700, K-5 U600,  K-5 U1000,  6-12 U600, 6-12 U1000, and K-12 Elite (for players rated 950-1399). Please note: all scholastic players rated 1400 and over must play in the Open section. View the Advance Entry List online. Please note, at the event pairings will be posted only online.  

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 US Chess rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks if available, and notation. K-3 and younger sections are excused from taking notation. Please review the Parent/Coach Responsibilities before registering.

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Eligibility

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership can be purchased/renewed online with US Chess in advance of registration. You can verify your US Chess membership ID and expiration by visiting the US Chess Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your US Chess membership cannot expire before February 28, 2026. (New players in 3rd grade and below may request a non-member ID as a part of USCF’s Junior Tournament Player program during registration. JTPs ok in K-3 sections only.)

“Under” sections are only for students meeting the rating criteria. All players who are new to tournaments are eligible for their age appropriate ‘under’ section. (Look up your player’s rating here. Please email the registrar or ask your chess coach for placement information.
If your 6th grader attends an Elementary School, please contact the registrar for options. With enough registrations, any section may be divided into two sections so we can offer more prizes. Sections with fewer than 20 entries may be merged into a similar section to provide optimal pairings and competition.

Please note: February 2026 ‘Regular’ OTB ratings will be used for pairing 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. FYI: Any event that is rated after January 21st will not affect your February supplement rating, as those events takes place after February ratings are calculated.

All players in this event must be in 12th grade or lower.

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!
8:00 a.m. Chess Control opens for onsite registration.  Onsite registrations before 9:30am accepted, but must start play in round 2.
8:30 a.m Announcements
 begin in all scholastic playing rooms.
Players and coaches should be present.
9:00 a.m. Rd 1 begins. 
Scholastic sections have 5 rds, G/25, +5.
9:00 a.m. Open section 
(different event allowing adults) begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, +5.
9:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Chess control open for event issues. No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, and player or school information edits go in effect immediately if made via email before the close of online registration. Changes requested onsite go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Scholastic Sections:
round 1 – 9:00am, rd 2 – 11:00am, rd 3 – 12:45 pm, rd 4 – 2:30 pm, rd 5 – 4:00 pm
Awards in the cafeteria as each section finishes.

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. Parents and/or coaches, please provide age-appropriate activities during the time between rounds. The organizers cannot baby-sit. No child should be left unattended!

Concessions details coming soon.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Awards

Trophies & Medals to Top Contenders! Ribbons to all participants!

Trophies to the top individuals in each scholastic section. Trophies to the top teams in all sections. Number of individual and team trophies will depend on number of entries. Chess medals will go to all players (excluding Open section) that finish the tournament with a positive score (3.0 & 3.5 points). Trophies to players scoring 4.0 and above. No teams in Open section, but special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams (Uncles, Aunts, Adult siblings, Parents, Grandparents, or coach paired with at least one scholastic aged player.)

Registration Information

*$35 thru Saturday, 1/31/2026.
*$45 thru Saturday, 2/14/2026.
*Late entry $50 begins Sunday, 2/15/2026 and ENDS at midnight on Wednesday, 2/18/2026, at which time online entry closes.
*$60 Onsite entry receives 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begins play in round 2.

Withdrawals requested via email before online registration closes (midnight on Wednesday 2/18/26) 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 by adding a note when you register. 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 2/20/2026. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

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

Organized by Rocks & Rooks