Tag: USCF rated

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Austin Chess Club Quick-Rated Swiss 1/17/26

A one-day tournament offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00. USCF membership required. Online registration preferred.

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. Current USCF membership required to play in rated events.

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.

Sets and clocks provided. Snacks and drinks available for purchase.

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the parking lot of the school building via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the gated stairwell outside at the back of the building near the playscape (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow along the hallway all the way to the end. There is a code required for the gate and door, if it’s your first time there you’ll need to call us for the code at the phone number posted on the gate.
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

Location:

3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

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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
Leander, TX 78641
United States

 

Organizer Overview

Longhorn Chess
Email: longhornchess25@gmail.com
Phone: 3146664346
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4th Austin Chess Tour: Open Qualifier #1

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on January 31, 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:
● January 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 January 25th at 11:59 pm.
●  $60 on or after January 26th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-open-qualifier-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 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.

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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 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:

●  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. 
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4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #2

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on February 7, 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:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-2/ by 11:59pm, January 18, 2026
●  $50 from January 19 until 11:59p on February 1, 2026
●  $65 on or after February 2, 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. 
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4th Austin Chess Tour: Junior Qualifier #1

We are hosting an In-Person USCF Rated Scholastic Tournament on January 17, 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:
●  Online: $40 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-4-junior-qualifier-1/ by 11:59pm, January 11, 2026
●  $50  on or after January 12, 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. 
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Waco January 17 Swiss

Saturday, January 17, 2026
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 1624 Wooded Acres Dr., Waco, TX 76710 (Behind Target)

 (Enter through main door and turn right. Tournament room is at the end of Parish Hall.)
 
VIEW ENTRY LIST   (This is manually entered, so it may not reflect recent registrations.)

4 Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5 (45 minutes with a 5 second delay)

3 Sections: 
  • Championship- Ratings 1600+ (1400-1599 may play up for $10 fee)
  • Under 1601- Ratings 1000-1601 (800-999 may play up for $10 fee) 
  • Under 1000- Ratings up to 999
 
Notes on Sections:
  • Most unrated players should play in the Under 1000 section, but you may play in the U1601.
  • We go by monthly published ratings, but if your live current rating goes up before the tournament, you may request to move sections.  There may be a play-up fee, depending on your rating.
  • There is a $10 PLAY-UP FEE for those playing up to a higher section.  You must still meet the section minimum rating to play up.
                
Check-in & Pay: 9:30 to 9:50 AM
 (*Because we do not accept payment in advance,  players not checked in by 9:50 am will NOT be paired in Round 1 –unless you notify us that you are on the way.  If you are registered, but can no longer play, please let us know.)

Round Times: 
  • Round 1- 10:00 AM
  • Round 2- 11:45 AM 
  • Round 3- 2:00 PM 
  • Round 4- 3:45 PM
 
Entry Fee: $20 CASH (no credit, no debit) upon arrival.  Exact change is appreciated! Extra $10 play-up fee for those playing up.
Cash Prizes- Based on the number of entries. The prize list will be posted on-site, after the start of Round 1.

Limited Capacity of 70 players!
Register by filling out the form below.

—————————————————————
 
This is a rated tournament. Current US Chess membership required (https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess.)
Please check that your membership is not expired before registering (https://ratings.uschess.org.) If you need help creating or renewing your US Chess membership, please email us (contact info is below.)
 
Notation is required.  We provide notation sheets if you don’t have your own. You may also use your own notation book/ sheets or a USCF approved notation device.  Please bring a pen or pencil.
If you don’t know how to notate, learn here: 

Please bring a chess clock if you have one.  The club has a limited supply.  Chess sets are provided. 
 
For those new to tournaments: Swiss means all players will play all 4 rounds, unless there is a requested bye (1/2 point) because you need to miss a round or an assigned bye (full point) due to uneven sections.
 
——————————————————————
 
For questions or problems registering, please email:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu) or Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
 
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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 by

Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep January 2026 Tournament-NOW ON 1/31/26

Awards:

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

The wrap-up email sent out the evening of 1/31 can be found HERE

Player reminder email sent Thursday evening is linked HERE

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on January 31, 2026. The first major Rocks & Rooks event of 2026! This USCF rated chess tournament is for adults and more advanced scholastic players.

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

See Preregistration List HERE

 

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 exceed 32 in any one section, we reserve the right to split 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 1200 on the January 2026 USCF supplement (exceptions made for live ratings).
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1299 on the January 2026 USCF supplement (exceptions made for live ratings).

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the Paragon Prep January 2026 Scholastic 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. Adults new to tournament chess are welcome to play in the open section. Youth players MUST have a ratings-history. Your USCF membership cannot expire before January 31, 2026. 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!
8:45 a.m. K-12 Elite begins
9:15 a.m. Open  sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+5; K-12 Elite has 5 rounds of 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*:
Open (4 rounds):
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:30pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm
K-12 Elite (5 rounds):
rd 1 – 8:45am, rd 2 – 10:35am, rd 3 – 12:25pm, rd 4 – 2:15pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

(Sections will play in separate rooms.)

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.

Concessions will be offered for purchase. You may bring your lunch and snacks.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

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 to top teams.

Registration Information

*$40 (youth) /$30 (adult) through Saturday, 12/20/2025
*$50 (youth) /$40 (adult) through Saturday, 1/10/2026
*$55 (youth) /$45 (adult) as of Sunday, 1/11/2026 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 1/29/26, at which time online entry closes.
*$65 (youth) / $50 (adult) Late entry (after regular online entry closes), IF space is available. Link will be available from the time regular online entry closes thru 9:30am Saturday 1/31/2026. All scholastic late entries receive a 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begin play in round 2. Open section first round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am Saturday.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 1/28/26 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 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.
*K-12 Elite: Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 1/30/2026. All 1/2-point byes must be requested or removed before the end of round 2. After 9am Friday, please make all changes and requests onsite at Chess Control.
*Open section: Will be paired onsite.  Round 1 changes must be made no later than 8:45am.

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

View the ONLINE TLA!

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2025 AGCA Winter Open 12/26/25-12/30/25

Description:

There is going to be one Open Section which will follow a Swiss format. Players above 1400 USCF are going to be allowed to play in the tournament. 

This tournament is FIDE and USCF rated.

Top 3 Finisher Prizes: 

$1200, $800, $400

For 3rd Austin Chess Tour 10 Finalists:

The top 1 finisher among the people qualified through the 3rd ACT Grand-Prix Tournaments will earn the right to participate in the next IM Norm tournament organized by Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy. 

Eligibility Information can be found here

Tournament Capacity: 40 players

Organizers:

Chief: GM Alex Mista

Deputy: GM Andrey Stukopin

Email: info@austin-chess.com

Chief Arbiter: FA Sarah Brauner

When: December 26-30, 2025

Playing Venue:

Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy

12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste.100

Austin, TX 78729

Hotels Nearby:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Austin Northwest/Research Blvd,

13087 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750 (1.1 miles away)

SpringHill Suites by Marriot Austin North

13309 North US Highway 183, Austin, TX 78750 (1.5 miles away, our recommended hotel)

Entry Fees:

GM, WGM, IM, WIM, FM, WFM Titled Players – Free

$100 Early Bird Registration – on or before November 30th, 2025

$150 – on or after December 1st

Note: All 3rd ACT Grand-Prix Winners (top 7 qualified players from the Open Qualifiers and top 3 qualified players from the Junior Qualifiers) will have their entry fee reimbursed to them given that they complete all their games. The list can be found here.

Time control:

G/90 minutes; increment 30 seconds – 90 minutes for the entire game plus 30 second increment from move 1. There is only one time control, no additional time at move 40.  Players must keep accurate scoresheets for the entire game.

Schedule:

Round

Day

Date

Time

1

Friday

Dec 26

6:00 pm

2

Saturday

Dec 27

10:00 am

3

Saturday

Dec 27

4:00 pm

4

Sunday

Dec 28

10:00 am

5

Sunday

Dec 28

4:00 pm

6

Monday

Dec 29

10:00 am

7

Monday

Dec 29

4:00 pm

8

Tuesday

Dec 30

9:00 am

9

Tuesday

Dec 30

3:00 pm

 

Regulations

  • All players are expected to play all 9 rounds. 1 bye request is allowed for any round.
  • Current FIDE Laws of Chess apply.
  • 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.