Early entry $50 through 11/1; Regular entry $60 11/2-11/8; Late entry $75 from 11/9. Members save 15%!
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
U800
0 – 799
G/30; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1200
800 – 1199
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1600
1200 – 1599
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U2000
1600 – 1999
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
2000+
2000+
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see tournament website for specific times
Prizes
2000+: $400, $200, $100
U2000: $200, $100, $50
U1600: $100, $75, $50
U1200: Chess books
U800: Chess books
Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $50 through 10/11; Regular entry $60 10/12-10/18; Late entry $75 from 10/19. Members save 15%!
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
U800
0 – 799
G/30; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1200
800 – 1199
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1600
1200 – 1599
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U2000
1600 – 1999
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
2000+
2000+
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see tournament website for specific times
Prizes
2000+: $400, $200, $100
U2000: $200, $100, $50
U1600: $100, $75, $50
U1200: Chess books
U800: Chess books
Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $40 through 9/20; Regular entry $50 9/21-9/27; Late entry $65 from 9/28
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
Scholastic U600
0 – 599
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1000
600 – 999
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1400
1000 – 1399
G/35; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1800
1400 – 1799
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
Open 1800+
1800+
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see website for specific times
Prizes
Open Section:
1st Place $300
2nd Place $200
3rd Place $100
60% of Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
September 4, 2026 to September 7, 2026 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk 303 Blum St, San Antonio TX 78205
$10,000 Prize Fund
Based on 150 entries
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/92SWO
Event Overview
The 92nd Southwest Open is hosted by the Texas Chess Association (US Chess Affiliate T5011914). The tournament features two main sections and two side events (Blitz and Freestyle). All players in the Championship section must have a FIDE ID, and foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID prior to Round 1.
The Championship section will be FIDE-rated and played under FIDE rules. US Chess ratings and rules will be used for pairings and prize eligibility. Players rated 1800 to 1999 may enter the Championship section by paying an additional $40 play up fee. The September 2026 US Chess rating supplement will be used. Texas Chess Association membership is required for all players, including those from out of state.
Sections
Championship: FIDE & US Chess rated, 7SS, G/90+30
Reserve: US Chess rated, 7SS, G/90+30
Eligibility
Championship: Open to players rated 2000 or above (US Chess regular or FIDE), or those who have previously held a 2000+ rating. National invitational representatives are allowed to play in the Championship.
Reserve: Open to players rated under 2000 and unrated players.
Open to all US Chess and TCA members. Foreign titled players (GM, IM, WGM, WIM) do not need US Chess membership.
Entry Fees
Championship & Reserve
$125 through July 31 (Early Bird)
$155 through August 31
$185 through September 3
$205 on September 4 and onsite (registration closes 1 hour before Round 1)
GMs and foreign IMs free entry in Championship section
Re-entry: $40 (Reserve section only, available before the start of Round 3)
*Unrated players may play in the Reserve section. In the Reserve section, unrated players are NOT eligible for Top Class B prize.
Prizes
Championship:
1st $3000
2nd $1500
3rd $750
1st U2200 $500
2nd U2200 $300
Top Female $325
Reserve (U2000):
1st $1000
2nd $750
3rd $500
Top Class B $500
Top U1600/Unrated $500
Top Female $325
Forfeit Rule
Players in the Championship and Reserve sections who fail to appear within 30 minutes of round start forfeit the game unless the Chief TD otherwise provides for good cause. In all other sections, a player forfeits the game only if their time expires on the clock before they arrive.
Up to two 1/2-point byes are available if requested before the end of round 2 and before receiving a full-point bye, but 1/2-point byes for both rounds 6 and 7 are not permitted.
Side Events
Texas Blitz Championship: Sunday, September 6, 7:30pm: 5 round Double Swiss G/5 time control. This is US Chess rated. The entry fee is $30 ($50 onsite). Registration closes 1 hour before round 1. Regular rating will be used if you don’t have a blitz rating. 2 sections Championship 1600+ and Reserve U1600.
Prizes (based on 20 entries): Championship: 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top U2000 $75; Reserve: 1st $125, 2nd $75.
Texas Freestyle Championship: Sunday, September 6, 9:30pm: 5 round Swiss G/7+3 Freestyle, also known as Chess 960 or Fischer Random, is a chess variant where the starting position is randomized. This is not rated. The entry fee is $30.
Prizes (based on 20 entries): Open: 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top U2000 $75
TCA Annual Membership Meeting
Friday, September 4th, 8:00pm.
This is a business meeting where members will hear reports from officers and vote on important business affecting the Association. All TCA members who are Texas residents and at least 16 years of age are voting members. Everyone is welcome to attend. An agenda will be posted on the TCA website at least two weeks in advance.
Change Request Form (for section changes, name corrections, etc.)
All requests must be submitted through the form. Requests will not be accepted by email, text, phone, or in person; https://forms.gle/7ki2kjgGSTf2AGju5
Other Rules and Information
Chess sets and clocks provided Notation required. All players are required to use tournament provided electronic notation devices when directed by tournament staff. Failure or refusal to comply may result in forfeiture or other penalties at the discretion of the Chief Tournament Director. Food and drinks are not allowed in the playing hall. Water is the only exception. No electronic devices (except necessary medical equipment and clocks) in Championship and Reserve. Players in other sections may use electronic notation devices endorsed by US Chess. Only players whose game is in progress, tournament directors and staff, TCA officers, and press are allowed in the hall during rounds. Refunds available until September 1, 12:00pm, subject to a $25 fee. Only Texas residents are eligible for state champion titles. Players requiring accommodations due to disability or religious reasons should contact the organizer as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks before the tournament.
Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk 303 Blum, San Antonio TX 78205
Help support one of Texas’ premier chess events. Sponsorships help increase prize funds, improve the player experience, and support the Texas Chess Association’s mission of growing chess across the state.
Businesses and individuals can sponsor the event at a variety of levels. Sponsors receive recognition through event signage, the tournament website, social media, printed materials, and other promotional opportunities depending on sponsorship level.
Early entry $40 through 9/13; Regular entry $50 9/14-9/20; Late entry $60 from 9/21
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
Scholastic U700
0 – 699
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1100
700 – 1099
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1500
1100 – 1499
G/35; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1900
1500 – 1899
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
Open 1900+
1900+
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see website for specific times
Prizes
Open Section:
1st Place $300
2nd Place $200
3rd Place $100
60% of Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $50 through 9/6; Regular entry $60 9/7-9/13; Late entry $75 from 9/14. Members save 15%!
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
U800
0 – 799
G/30; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1200
800 – 1199
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1600
1200 – 1599
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U2000
1600 – 1999
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
2000+
2000+
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see tournament website for specific times
Prizes
2000+: $400, $200, $100
U2000: $200, $100, $50
U1600: $100, $75, $50
U1200: Chess books
U800: Chess books
Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $40 through 8/30; Regular entry $50 8/31-9/6; Late entry $65 from 9/7
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
Scholastic U600
0 – 599
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1000
600 – 999
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1400
1000 – 1399
G/35; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1800
1400 – 1799
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
Open 1800+
1800+
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see website for specific times
Prizes
Open Section:
1st Place $300
2nd Place $200
3rd Place $100
60% of Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $40 through 8/16; Regular entry $50 8/17-8/23; Late entry $60 from 8/24
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
Scholastic U700
0 – 699
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1100
700 – 1099
G/25; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1500
1100 – 1499
G/35; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
Scholastic U1900
1500 – 1899
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
Open 1900+
1900+
G/55; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see website for specific times
Prizes
Open Section:
1st Place $300
2nd Place $200
3rd Place $100
60% of Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
Early entry $50 through 8/9; Regular entry $60 8/10-8/16; Late entry $75 from 8/17. Members save 15%!
Players are allowed to play up within 100 rating points for a $0.50/point fee. See registration website for other policies, including byes and cancellation.
U800
0 – 799
G/30; d5
6 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1200
800 – 1199
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U1600
1200 – 1599
G/40; d5
5 Rounds
10:00 AM
U2000
1600 – 1999
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
2000+
2000+
G/60; d5
4 Rounds
10:00 AM
SCHEDULES:
Schedules vary by section, see tournament website for specific times
Prizes
2000+: $400, $200, $100
U2000: $200, $100, $50
U1600: $100, $75, $50
U1200: Chess books
U800: Chess books
Play-up fees will directly be added to the prizes so they may be higher.
TEXAS TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO BROWNSVILLE, TX JULY 25-26TH, THIS TIME, AT THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS!!
That’s right! The beloved State Championship Team event will return to the 2014 Chess City of the Year, brought to you by United Warriors Chess Foundation in exciting fashion and a professional, comfortable setting!
This year, the amount of players per team will be increased to 4 players per team, increasing the fun and the number of outcomes. A Championship Belt will be awarded, 3 different divisions will be offered, $1600 guaranteed will be in the prize fund.
Tournament Format:This unique State Championship event will offer a “Fixed-Roster Team” format. There will be 3 sections: Championship (team average Under 2000), Intermediate (team average Under 1600) & Novice (team average Under 1000). 5 rounds of Game 60 with a 30 second increment will be played throughout both days for the Championship and Intermediate divisions while the Novice division will have 5 rounds of Game 25 with a 5 second delay and will be conducted on July 25th. Round 1 will begin at 10am on the Saturday for all divisions, but Novice will follow their own schedule, please advise on the tournament website. Each team will consist of any 4 players as long as the team average is below the average of the threshold for their desired division. This will give players the opportunity to fulfill any imaginations and desires to team up with their parents, coach, players from previous generations, or rivals from opposing teams.Pairings & Scoring: Since this is a true-team tournament, the players will be competing as one unit, not individually. This means that the teams will be paired up against each other instead of the players. The players will be placed in Board Order by rating and will not be allowed to swap at any point during the tournament. Within the team’s pairing, the top boards will play against each other, the second boards will play against each other, the third boards will play against each other and fourth boards will play each other. The team with the higher score of “game points” will win the point for the team. If the teams tie or “draw” with a score of 2-2, then each team will earn half a point. For more information on full Pairings & Scoring procedures, please visit the Tournament Website.
Entry Fee & Awards:
Championship & Intermediate entry fee is $40 per player if registered by Saturday, July 18th, 2026 and will increase to $50 after. Novice entry fee is $35 per player if registered by Saturday, July 18th, 2026 and will increase to $45 after. There will be a fully guaranteed prize fund of $1600.
Awards:
Championship: 1st Place Team: $800 + Championship Belt 2nd Place Team: $400 + medals for each team member
Intermediate: 1st Place Team: $400 + medals for each team member
Novice: 1st Place Team: trophies for each team member 2nd Place Team: medals for each team member
MISCELLANEOUS:This is an official State tournament sanctioned by TCA.
This requires all players to have a current USCF membership as well as a current TCA membership. USCF Regular Official July 2026 Supplement Ratings will be used for this event for team averages and ranking. This tournament also helps players meet the necessary requirements to earn a Texas Master Title. To read the entire criteria, click the following link:
https://texaschess.org/texas-titles-system/No team? No worries, there is an option on the Registration Form to select where you can register and we can assist you in finding other players who need teammates to make a team.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding this event, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To register, visit the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer. Also, please visit the other links you may find useful.
