An in person, 7 round USCF USCF rated chess tournament on the weekend of March 15-16, 2025 for scholastic players in grades K thru 12 who live in Texas. Visit the EVENT WESBITE!
Where
Stillman Middle School
3450 W. Alton Gloor Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78520
Playing Hall: Spacious and comfortable classrooms designated as playing areas for each section.
Skittles Area: A designated space for players to relax, review games, and socialize between rounds.
Concessions: Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.
Important note: Players, coaches, and parents should arrive early to allow time for parking and finding the designated areas.
Who is eligible to play:
This event is open ONLY to students attending Texas Schools, including home schoolers residing in Texas.
All players in this event must be in 12th grade (or lower).
Eligibility description
All players must have a current USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration). Your membership may not expire before March 31, 2025. You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play.
Sections
This event offers 9 rated sections: (March 2025 ratings used)
Choose your section based upon your grade level. There is no ‘playing up’. Review the TCA rules for section placement.
- “Championship” sections are open to all players, including Unrated, with the grades specified. JV sections are only open to those with established or provisional US Chess ratings below that threshold, including Unrated.
- Ratings for pairings and section purposes are according to US Chess Regular over the board ratings, using the US Chess March 2025 Rating Supplement. This event will be US Chess regular rated after it concludes.
- Students may play only in a Championship or JV section allowed by their grade and rating.
- If a player does not have an established US Chess rating in the March 2025 Rating Supplement (and is therefore “unrated”), then he/she may play in any section allowed for his/her grade.
- The tournament staff will have discretion over section placement.
Schedule – 7 rounds
The schedule page can be found online!
All Championship except for K-1 play G/45, d5, All JV sections AND K-1 Championship play G/30, d5
Awards
Awards to the top 15 individuals and the top 10 teams in each of the 9 sections.
The top finisher in each Championship section will be named 2025 State Champion for that section!
The top player(s) in all Championships vie for the opportunity to represent Texas in National tournaments!
Registration and information
Register, request or renew a USCF membership (optional if not expired!) and pay online. The entry fees are:
Early Bird: $53 until March 1st
Standard: $83 from March 2nd to March 8th
Last Call: $103 after March 8th, including onsite.
Register via email! (download the official batch registration form and email it in to stillmanchess@bisd.us
Visit the event website for full details. Contact the organizer ( Mr. Louis Leal, 956-698-1000, stillmanchess@bisd.us) for with general inquiries.
For general inquiries about the tournament, team rooms, registration, or any other details, please contact us at the information provided above.
We’re here to assist you and ensure you have a smooth and successful experience at this year’s championship. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
2025 TCA South Texas State Scholastic Championship Online TLA!