Author: Lori Balkum

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Mathnasium Summer Chess Camp #3 – Brilliancies & Howlers!

Summer Chess Camps at Mathnasium feature five exciting days of an immersive, interactive chess environment.  Each camp includes a unique fun-filled theme and is taught by National Master Paul Chaplin. Chess Camps hosted by Mathnasium are engaging and fun! Sign up early for lowest fees! Limited attendance… first come first served! For more information visit https://www.summerchess.com

Description:
Camp 3:  Brilliancies and Howlers! – Chess to excite! This digital era dazzles and entertains us… as well as leaves us confounded and shaking our heads! Students experience the best and worst from today’s speed-demon favorites like Carlsen, Nakamura, Firouza, Nepo, Pragg — and the list goes on…!

Date and Time: 3rd camp session: July 7-11,  2025, 8am – 3pm
+Drop-off: 7:30 – 8am
+Camp begins: 8am.
+Lunchtime: approx 11:30am
+Pick-up: 3pm

Registration: To register, please fill out the registration form and submit online.

Location:
Cedar Park Mathnasium
13010 W. Parmer Lane, Ste #100
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Questions:
Answers to many questions (rules, refunds, policies) are available online.
Contact Cedar Park Mathnasium (greg.pratt@mathnasium.com, 512-869-6284) if you have questions about registering for this event. Contact Paul Chaplin (pschaplin@sbcglobal.net) if you have questions about chess content.

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Mathnasium Summer Chess Camp #2 – Check & Mate

Summer Chess Camps at Mathnasium feature five exciting days of an immersive, interactive chess environment.  Each camp includes a unique fun-filled theme and is taught by National Master Paul Chaplin. Chess Camps hosted by Mathnasium are engaging and fun! Sign up early for lowest fees! Limited attendance… first come first served! For more information visit https://www.summerchess.com

Description:
Camp 2:  Check and Mate! – The ultimate goal pursued with mesmerizing attacks conjured up and calculated by today’s greatest masters — and historical greats of the past. Students can expect to add crushing mating nets, king hunts and other game-ending attacks to their skills.

Date and Time:  2nd camp session: June 16-20  2025, 8am – 3pm
+Drop-off: 7:30 – 8am
+Camp begins: 8am.
+Lunchtime: approx 11:30am
+Pick-up: 3pm

Registration: To register, please fill out the registration form and submit online.

Location:
Cedar Park Mathnasium
13010 W. Parmer Lane, Ste #100
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Questions:
Answers to many questions (rules, refunds, policies) are available online.
Contact Cedar Park Mathnasium (greg.pratt@mathnasium.com, 512-869-6284) if you have questions about registering for this event. Contact Paul Chaplin (pschaplin@sbcglobal.net) if you have questions about chess content.

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Mathnasium Summer Chess Camp #1 – Wild Openings

Summer Chess Camps at Mathnasium feature five exciting days of an immersive, interactive chess environment.  Each camp includes a unique fun-filled theme and is taught by National Master Paul Chaplin. Chess Camps hosted by Mathnasium are engaging and fun! Sign up early for lowest fees! Limited attendance… first come first served! For more information visit https://www.summerchess.com

Description:
Camp 1: Wild Openings – Traps, Plots and Pitfalls! Expect the unexpected! Learn how to set up (and avoid falling for!) quick tactical zingers — especially prevalent in today’s faster time controls!  Learn to play knockout moves like the greats — from Morphy and Steinitz to Carlsen and Gukesh!

Date and Time: 1st camp session: June 2-6,  2025, 8am – 3pm
+Drop-off: 7:30 – 8am
+Camp begins: 8am.
+Lunchtime: approx 11:30am
+Pick-up: 3pm

Registration: To register, please fill out the registration form and submit online.

Location:
Cedar Park Mathnasium
13010 W. Parmer Lane, Ste #100
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Questions:
Answers to many questions (rules, refunds, policies) are available online.
Contact Cedar Park Mathnasium (greg.pratt@mathnasium.com, 512-869-6284) if you have questions about registering for this event. Contact Paul Chaplin (pschaplin@sbcglobal.net) if you have questions about chess content.

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Paragon Prep January 2025 Scholastic – Pairings and Wall Charts and Standings

This event was held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Paragon Prep Elementary in North Austin.

It has been rated by the USCF.

Jump to:  K-3 U400, K-3 U700, K-5 U600, K-5 U1000, 6-12 U600, 6-12 U1000, K-12 Elite, Open Section, Family Child

Return to the January 2025 Paragon Prep Scholastic homepage or the January 2025 Paragon Prep Open/K-12 Elite homepage.

K-3 U400

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings  (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings – revised (by board)  Pairings – revised (alpha)  Wall Chart – revised   Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings-revised (by board)  Pairings-revised (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results-updated
Advance Entries

K-5 U600

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Advance Entries

K-5 U1000

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings – revised (by board)  Pairings – revised (alpha)  Wall Chart – revised  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Advance Entries

6-12 U600

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Advance Entries

6-12 U1000

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Advance Entries

K-12 Elite

Final Results
Round 5:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 4:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 3:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 2:  Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Round 1: Pairings (by board)  Pairings (alpha)  Wall Chart  Team Standings  Results
Advance Entries

Open

Final Results – updated
After 3 rounds:  results
After 2 rounds: results
Advance Entries

Family-Child

Final Results
Advance Entries (as of Friday)

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2025 TCA North Texas Scholastic Championship

An in person, 7 round USCF USCF rated chess tournament on the weekend of February 28 – March 2, 2025 for scholastic players in grades K thru 12 who live in Texas.

View the Advance Entry List!

FINAL RESULTS!  Thank you for playing!

Where
The Vista
(formerly Vista Ridge or Music City Mall)
2401 S. Stemmons Freeway
Lewisville, TX 75067

Seating for Parents, Coaches, and Players between rounds:  The Vista is a large mall however tables and chairs are very limited.  You can bring you own chairs such as lawn chairs ect.  There is ample room in mall but seating directly outside the playing hall is prohibited.

Hotel Information:  TownPlace Suites – 731 E. Vista Ridge Mall Drive, Lewisville, TX  75067
Book your group rate for Tarrant County Chess Club

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).

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 11 rated sections: (February 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 and Novice 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 February 2025 Rating Supplement. This event will be US Chess regular rated after it concludes.
  • Students may play only in a Championship or Under section allowed by their grade and rating.  That means that a K or 1st grade student, for example, may play in K-1, K-3 or K-5 sections.  Students in 5th grade or below cannot play in sections higher than a K-5. Students in 6th through 8th grade can only play in 6-8 Section and, likewise, students in 9th through 12 grade can only play in 9-12 sections.
  • If a player does not have an established US Chess rating in the February 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
Round 1 – 7pm, Friday, February 28th
Rounds 2, 3,4 & 5 – 9am, 12 pm, 3pm, 6pm, Saturday, March 1st
Rounds  6, & 7 – 9am, 12 pm, Sunday, March 2nd
High School and Middle School Championship G/75;d5, All other sections G/60;d5

Awards
Awards to the top 8 individuals and the top 4 teams in each of the 11 sections.

The top finisher in each Championship section will be named 2025 State Champion for that section!

Scholarship money for the top  winner in the High School Championship 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 fee is $45 before February 8th. $52 before February 22nd. $65 before February 27th or $75 onsite.

Visit the event website for the online registration link  and more info. Contact the organizer ( tcrane5000@gmail.com, 817-296-4287) for instructions on how to submit group/bulk school entries.

A side – ‘unrated’ event will be offered on Saturday, March 1st. Only students who have NEVER had a USCF membership are eligible to participate in the unrated event.  Unrated Event Website

2025 TCA North Texas State Scholastic Championship Online TLA!

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Basis Winter Scholastic

Rated 5SS in four sections (K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12) playing G/30, d5, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association on  March 1, 2025. This event is limited to scholastic players. Read the description and register online: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5741

Location
BASIS Cedar Park
165 N Lakeline Blvd
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Sections

  • K-12
  • K-8
  • K-5
  • K-3

Schedule
FIVE Rounds at a time control of G/30, d5

  • Onsite registration : BEFORE 8:30 AM
    No check-in necessary if you have pre-registered.
  • Round One: 9:00 AM
  • Round Two: 10:30 AM
  • Round Three: 12:30 PM 
  • Round Three: 1:45 PM 
  • Round Four: 3:00 PM

12-12:30 Lunch: Lunch available for purchase at the school.

An awards ceremony will be held immediately after all games in a section finish. Trophies and medals to top finishing individuals in each scholastic section; ribbons to all participants.

Limit two half-point byes. Byes must be committed 1 hr before Round 2.

Entry Fee
$65 by 1/31/25
$70 by 2/25/2025
$75 on or after 2/26/2025 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

Withdrawals are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). Full credit can be applied to any future tournament. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from USCF.

Registration link:  https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5741

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 3/31/2025.

Boards and pieces will be provided, but please bring your chess clock.

Questions
Please contact director@atlanticchessassociation.com if you have any questions.

Online TLA!

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Spring Slammer 2025

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on March 8th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
Complete Chess
6391 De Zavala Rd, Ste 113
San Antonio, TX

Sections and Prizes:
*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.
One prize per person

Three sections prizes.
(Championship) 1400+
• $300-$150-$100

(Reserve) U1400
• $150-$100-$50

(Novice) U1000
• $150-$100-$50

**Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down**

Round times and Time Controls:
• All rounds G/40;d5
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1: 10:00am
• Rounds 2: 11:30am
• Lunch Break: 1:00pm
• Rounds 3: 2:00pm
• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**All winnings will be sent via check. Please ensure your shipping address and the name for the check are accurately provided during the registration process.

**No refunds after March 1st. All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee.

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

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Southwest Classic 2025

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament open to all chess players. There will be 4 rounds with 3 sections all held on March 8th. 1/2 point bye available for any round if notified before Round 2 is paired. No last round byes.

LIMIT 40 PEOPLE FOR THIS EVENT.

Location:
Complete Chess
6391 De Zavala Rd, Ste 113
San Antonio, TX

Sections and Prizes:
*50% guaranteed in prizes based on 30 entries. 50% guaranteed payout.
One prize per person

Three sections prizes.
(Championship) 1500+
• $300-$150-$100

(Reserve) U1500
• $150-$100-$50

(Novice) U1000
• $150-$100-$50

**Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down**

Round times and Time Controls:
• All rounds G/40;d5
• Registration at 9:00-9:45 am if not done online.
• Rounds 1: 10:00am
• Rounds 2: 11:30am
• Lunch Break: 1:00pm
• Rounds 3: 2:00pm
• Rounds 4: 3:30pm

Entry fee: $50 if received before online before the tournament, $60 for on-site registration and may have to take 1st round bye. Masters play for free as well as first 3 experts (2000 USCF). Contact services.completechess@gmail.com

**All winnings will be sent via check. Please ensure your shipping address and the name for the check are accurately provided during the registration process.

**No refunds after Febuary 1st. All refunds will be charged a $7 processing and transaction fee.

Questions:
Contact Complete Chess (completechess@gmail.com) if you have questions about this event.

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Waco February 8 Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on February 8, 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

  • Register Online  to ensure you get a spot.  No payment will be taken online.
  • 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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ACC USCF G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration and payment requested (coming soon).

USCF membership must not expire before April 30, 2025.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on April 5th. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Email pre-registration is accepted; however, online payment is preferred! If you email to register, you must show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time! Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday, April 12th to secure a round 2 pairing.

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/.