Category: Past Events

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SMTX Chess Summer Classical Championship

DESCRIPTION: This will be the SMTX Chess Club’s 2nd ever 2-day USCF rated classical tournament.

In addition to the cash prizes there will trophies and other prizes in all sections.

YOU READ THAT RIGHT!! A USCF rated tournament with NO ENTRY FEE, free snacks, free frozen custard from Shake Shack and sets and clocks WILL BE provided!

YOU READ THAT RIGHT!! This will be a large rated classical tournament with multiple sections, boards and sets provided, cash prizes for each section, trophies, free snacks and NO ENTRY FEE!

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is 100% volunteer run so we rely solely on donations to bring chess to the Central Texas Corridor.

Location
Owen Goodnight Middle School
1301 TX-123
San Marcos, TX 78666

SCHEDULE: 2-day tournament starting on July 12th and finishing on July 13th.

The first 3 rounds will be on Saturday, July 12th. Round 1 and 2 will be G/60;+10 and round 3, 4, and 5 will be G/90;+30.

Round 1: July 12th at 9:00 am
Round 2: July 12th at 11:45 pm
Round 3: July 12th at 2:30 pm
Round 4: July 13th at 9 am
Round 5: July 13th at 1:30 pm

SECTIONS: There will 5 sections (but subject to change based on registrations):

Championship Section (1800+)
Under 1800
Under 1400
Under 1000
Under 600

(we reserve the right to alter the section rating cutoffs and/or add or remove sections based on registrations)

MORE DETAILS:

  • USCF membership is required (must not expire before July 31, 2025)
  • Visit the event website for rules on playing up.
  • All chess sets and clocks WILL be provided
  • There is NO ENTRY FEE but donations are always welcome as we are 100% volunteer and nonprofit
  • This tournament is limited to 120 players
  • To see the current list of entries use this link: ENTRY LIST
  • Check-in will be from 8:30am to 8:50am.
  • The first round will start promptly at 9:00am and players are highly encouraged to arrive by 8:30am.
  • One half-point bye is allowed but must be arranged before round 1 begins

REGISTRATION:

Online registration via the form is mandatory. NO ONSITE registrations allowed.

Visit our event website: https://www.smtxchess.org/events/2025-smtx-chess-summer-classical/

PRIZES

  • Championship Section:  1st place – $80; 2nd – $60; 3rd – non-cash prize
  • U1800: 1st place – $60; 2nd – $50; 3rd – non-cash prize
  • U1400: 1st place – $50; 2nd – $40; 3rd – non-cash prize
  • U1000: 1st place – $30; 2nd – $20; 3rd – non-cash prize
  • U600: 1st place – $30; 2nd – $20; 3rd – non-cash prize

In addition to the cash prizes there will trophies and other prizes in all sections.

Questions? Please contact the SMTX Chess Club!
You may also call or email for more info: 512-393-8212, admin@smtxchess.org

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ACC USCF Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on August 30, 2025 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 (coming soon).
Limited to the first 32 paid entries!

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 August 30, 2025. 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 (coming soon).

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 G/5 Rated Event

A one-day tournament on July 5th offering G/5, d3. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $5.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment available here.

Limited to the first 32 paid entries!

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 July 5, 2025. 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 $5/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 are looking 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/.

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Waco August 9 Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on August 9, 2025. Limited to 60 players!

VIEW ENTRY LIST (This is manually entered, so it does not always reflect the most recent registrations.)

Location
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1624 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
(free parking on site!)

The church is behind the Target shopping center. Enter through main doors and turn right. The tournament room is at the end the of hallway.

Sections

  • Championship (Open to players rated 1400 and up)
  • U1600 (Open to players rated 800-1599)
  • U1000 (Open to players rated 1000 or less)
Notes on Sections:
-Players rated 1400-1599 may play in Under 1600 or play up to Championship.
-Players rated 800-999 may play in Under 1000 or play up to Under 1600.
-Most unrated players should play in the Under 1000 section. Please email us if you are unrated and want to play in a higher section.
*We go by monthly published ratings, but if your live current rating goes up before the tournament, you may email us and request to change sections.

Rounds and Times
Four Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5

  • Registration & Check-in: 9:00 to 9:20 AM
  • Round One: 9:30 AM
  • Round Two: 11:15 AM
  • Round Three: 1:30 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 3:15 PM
  • $20 – Cash only (exact change appreciated). Paid when you arrive to tournament. 
  • Cash Prizes– Based on the number of entries

Registration Link and tournament info

  • Onsite Registration is 9:00 – 9:20 AM.  If you show up onsite without preregistering, there’s a chance the tournament will already be full.
  • Pre-registered not checked in by 9:20am will not be paired in round 1, unless you notify us (via email or text) that you are on the way.
  • (For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)

Details

  • Please bring a clock if you have one! We will provide chess sets.
  • 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.  Notation sheets will be available if needed, but please bring a pencil or pen.

Questions

For questions or problems registering, please email or text:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu)
Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
Or visit our site (wacochess.org)

Read our ONLINE TLA!

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AGCA Summer Camp 4 – 2025

Description: A full day, week long chess camp, hosted by the Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy from August 4-8, 2025.  All scholastic players are invited to register. Day passes available!

Location:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729

Coaches: GM Kamil Dragun, CM Jeffrey Serna, Shahin Masoumi

Groups:
Each camp features five  days of instruction. Students will be separated into 5 groups:
Beginner Group: Under 400 USCF (including unrated)
Novice Group: 400-800 USCF
Intermediate Group: 800-1200 USCF
Advanced Group: 1200 – 1600 USCF
Expert Group: 1500+ USCF
**NOTE: It is, however, required for the kids to know all the rules of chess and how each pieces move!
For more information, link to the the camp website.

Date and Time: 1st camp session: August 4-8, 2025, 9am – 4pm

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

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 info@austin-chess.com with any food allergies and/or restrictions your child may have! 

Registration:
Please register and pay online. 
Full week attendance is preferred; however, Day Passes are available – just send us an email (info@austin-chess.com).
Weekly Fee is $500.
Day Pass Fee is $115

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.

Questions:
Contact  the Austin Grandmaster staff (info@austin-chess.com) if you have questions about registering for this event. 

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2025 AGCA Invitational – Summer Edition

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an in-person 2025 AGCA Invitational Norm Tournament on June 11-15, 2025.

Organized by GM Alex Mista (Chief) and GM Andrey Stukopin (Deputy).

Game Pairings/Results:
IM Norm tournament
GM Norm tournament

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

SCHEDULE (G/90,+30)
two 10 player round robin sections (1 for IM norm seekers, 1 for GM norm seekers, 1 for Austin Chess Tour Qualified players)
●  1st round: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
●  2nd round: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  3rd round: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  4th round: Friday, June 13, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  5th round: Friday, June 13, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  6th round: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10:00 AM
●  7th round: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 4:00 PM
●  8th round: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 9:00 AM
●  9th round: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 3:00 PM
NOTE: All players are expected to play all 9 rounds.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

REGULATIONS
–Current FIDE Laws of Chess apply. This tournament is FIDE and US Chess rated.
-All games will use the equipment provided. –Players shall sign scoresheets after each game.
–Electronic Device Policy: players are strictly forbidden from having electronic devices with them during the game, even if they are turned off. Players found with any device during the game may lose the current game. Turn in cell phones at the arbiters’ desk before each round. No electronics are allowed in the playing hall unless they are checked in with the arbiter.
–Default/forfeit time: 60 minutes unless the arbiter decides otherwise. White’s clock will be started at the start of the round even if the players are not present.
-The organizers request that all players arrive on time for each round.

ENTRY FEES:
● $850 (norm seekers)
●  $650 (foreign federation norm seekers)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

REGISTRATION
To see a list of pre-registered players and to register, please visit : https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca_invitational_2025_summer_edition/

QUESTIONS
Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

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AGCA Summer Open #2

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on July 26, 2025 .  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, G/60, d5
SECTION A:  1800 +  USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799  USCF rated

4SS, G/45, d5
SECTION C:  1000-1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated

**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
**The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
**If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● July 2025 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.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-2/  by July 20th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after July 21st  (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

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 top 3 finishers in all sections

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. 

View our ONLINE TLA!

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AGCA Summer Open #1

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on June 21, 2025 .  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, G/60, d5
SECTION A:  1800 +  USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799  USCF rated

4SS, G/45, d5
SECTION C:  1000-1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated

**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
**The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
**If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● June 2025 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.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-1/ by June 15 at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after June 16th  (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-open-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 top 3 finishers in all sections

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. 

View our ONLINE TLA!

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AGCA Summer Scholastic #2

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on July 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players! 

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.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
*If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● July 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.

Time Controls:

Section A: G/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section B: G/45, d5 (45 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-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-scholastic-2/  by 11:59pm, June 29, 2025
●  $50  on or after June 30, 2025
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 and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
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. 

View the Online TLA!

Posted on by

AGCA Summer Scholastic # 1

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on June 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players! 

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.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*The higher of the official or most recent rating will determine section selection.**
*If two adjacent sections each have an odd number of players, and the highest-rated player in the lower section is within 50 rating points of the higher section, they may be moved up to balance the sections**
These rules are to avoid byes and better pairings for all.
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● June 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.

Time Controls:

Section A: G/60, d5 (60 minutes per player with a 5-second delay)
Section B: G/45, d5 (45 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-Round Swiss System Schedule 
Time Controls vary by section (because of the time control being used).  Please see the event website or online TLA for a full list of round times.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/agca-summer-scholastic-1/  by 11:59pm, June 1, 2025
●  $50  on or after June 2, 2025
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 and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
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. 

View the Online TLA!