Category: Upcoming Events

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RATED Rapid Chess Tournament (for Kids and Teens)

Registration: https://mammen.librarycalendar.com/event/rated-rapid-chess-tournament-kids-and-teens-63122

Meeting Room C

Saturday, December 5, 2026

10:00am–3:30pm

tournament image

Program Type:

Games & Play

Age Group:

Early Elementary (ages 5-8), Upper Elementary (ages 8-12), Tweens (ages 10-14), Teens (ages 13-18)

  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will open on November 14, 2026 @ 10:00am.
  • This event is for registrants age 5 to 18.

Program Description

Event Details

Join us for a FREE Chess Tournament! This will be a US Chess Federation rated tournament, meaning all participants must be registered USCF members. Purchase youth memberships for $24/year at the USCF website. Limited scholarships may be available if needed, please contact ben@mfplibrary.com for more information.

Please register each participant and include their USCF membership number in the appropriate field. 

Tournament Details:

  • List of registered players can be found at this link.
  • Swiss tournament, 5 rounds, G/15 inc/5 (15 minute clock for each player with a 5 second increment).
  • Sign-in begins at 10:00 AM. Announcements and briefing will occur at 10:20.
    • Round 1 start time: 10:30 AM
    • Subsequent rounds will take place 10 minutes after the previous round ends.
    • Lunch break will be from 1:00 to 1:30 (may be shifted slightly depending on the previous round’s end time).
    • NOTE: If you need a half-point bye round because of scheduling conflicts, please contact ben@mfplibrary.com with the round you will need a bye (limit: 1 bye round). Must commit before round 1 begins.
  • Players will be divided into 2-3 sections by USCF rating or age, depending on the number of registered rated players. 
  • Official USCF rules apply. Common rules to be aware of include:
    • Touch moves (you must move the first piece you touch on your turn).
    • Only one hand is allowed to touch the pieces and clock.

Disclaimer(s)

Registration Required

Registration for this event is required.

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure a welcoming and accessible environment. We can provide accommodations for people with disabilities or food allergies at library events. Please contact programs@mfplibrary.org at least seven days before the event to request accommodations.

Photo Permission

Library workers often take pictures during library programs to use in promotional materials and online. If you do not want your photo used, contact programs@mfplibrary.org.

Posted on by

RATED Rapid Chess Tournament (for Kids and Teens)

Registration: https://mammen.librarycalendar.com/event/rated-rapid-chess-tournament-kids-and-teens-63120

Meeting Room C

Saturday, November 7, 2026

10:00am–3:30pm

tournament image

Age Group:

Early Elementary (ages 5-8), Upper Elementary (ages 8-12), Tweens (ages 10-14), Teens (ages 13-18)

  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will close on November 7, 2026 @ 10:00am.
  • This event is for registrants age 5 to 18.

Program Description

Event Details

Join us for a FREE Chess Tournament! This will be a US Chess Federation rated tournament, meaning all participants must be registered USCF members. Purchase youth memberships for $24/year at the USCF website. Limited scholarships may be available if needed, please contact ben@mfplibrary.com for more information.

Please register each participant and include their USCF membership number in the appropriate field. 

Tournament Details:

  • List of registered players can be found at this link.
  • Swiss tournament, 5 rounds, G/15 inc/5 (15 minute clock for each player with a 5 second increment).
  • Sign-in begins at 10:00 AM. Announcements and briefing will occur at 10:20.
    • Round 1 start time: 10:30 AM
    • Subsequent rounds will take place 10 minutes after the previous round ends.
    • Lunch break will be from 1:00 to 1:30 (may be shifted slightly depending on the previous round’s end time).
    • NOTE: If you need a half-point bye round because of scheduling conflicts, please contact ben@mfplibrary.com with the round you will need a bye (limit: 1 bye round). Must commit before round 1 begins.
  • Players will be divided into 2-3 sections by USCF rating or age, depending on the number of registered rated players. 
  • Official USCF rules apply. Common rules to be aware of include:
    • Touch moves (you must move the first piece you touch on your turn).
    • Only one hand is allowed to touch the pieces and clock.

Disclaimer(s)

Registration Required

Registration for this event is required.

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure a welcoming and accessible environment. We can provide accommodations for people with disabilities or food allergies at library events. Please contact programs@mfplibrary.org at least seven days before the event to request accommodations.

Photo Permission

Library workers often take pictures during library programs to use in promotional materials and online. If you do not want your photo used, contact programs@mfplibrary.org.

Posted on by

Wednesday Rapid Night 11/4/26

Register and view entry list at https://austin-chess.com/events/tournaments

Entry fee: $20 standard; $30 late

Rules

  • SECTIONS: All players will be playing in the same section. (USCF Rated)
  • Only players rated above 1100 USCF, will be allowed into the tournament.
  • TIME CONTROL: Game 10 min + 3 sec increment
  • 5-Round Swiss System Schedule
  • Rounds will be started as soon as the last game is finished.
  • There will be a 5 minute break after Round 3. Estimated end of the event is 8:30 PM
  • 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.
  • Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

Prizes

  • Prizes are determined by paid entry fees.
  • First Place: 30%
  • Second Place: 20%
  • Third Place: 10%
  • There will be no closing ceremony but prizes will be sent after the tournament is complete via PayPal

Policies

  • Cancellations made 7+ days before the event receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made within 7 days of the event receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds for cancellations made on the day of the event.
  • No-shows will not receive a refund.

Contact: info@austin-chess.com

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Wednesday Rapid Night 10/28/26

Register and view entry list at https://austin-chess.com/events/tournaments

Entry fee: $20 standard; $30 late

Rules

  • SECTIONS: All players will be playing in the same section. (USCF Rated)
  • Only players rated above 1100 USCF, will be allowed into the tournament.
  • TIME CONTROL: Game 10 min + 3 sec increment
  • 5-Round Swiss System Schedule
  • Rounds will be started as soon as the last game is finished.
  • There will be a 5 minute break after Round 3. Estimated end of the event is 8:30 PM
  • 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.
  • Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

Prizes

  • Prizes are determined by paid entry fees.
  • First Place: 30%
  • Second Place: 20%
  • Third Place: 10%
  • There will be no closing ceremony but prizes will be sent after the tournament is complete via PayPal

Policies

  • Cancellations made 7+ days before the event receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made within 7 days of the event receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds for cancellations made on the day of the event.
  • No-shows will not receive a refund.

Contact: info@austin-chess.com

Posted on by

US Chess Grade (K-12) National Championships 2026

National Championship Event

Rosen Shingle Creek

Thursday, December 10, 2026 – Sunday, December 13, 2026

Event Overview

US Chess Grade (K-12) National Championships 2026

Rosen Shingle Creek. 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.

Click Here to book your room now! Reserve by 11/17/26 for the lowest rate.

  • Click here for the main event website for the US Chess Grade (K-12) National Championships 2026
  • Click here for all tournament rules, regulations, and information
  • Be sure to read the 2026-27 US Chess Scholastic Rules and Regulations for all terms and conditions of the event.
  • General Questions, including withdrawals and refunds: contact nationalevents@uschess.org
  • US Chess will issue badges to all participants. Badges will be required to enter the defined playing area.
    • Each participant registration in the tournament is allowed a single Accompanying Person
    • Please Click here to read about the badging process. 

Each player’s rating will be review by the Rating Review Group, per the US Chess Scholastic Rules and Regulations.

CLICK HERE (link will be made active the week before the event) for the reviewed ratings and rating recommendations of pre-registered players.

Main Event Entry Fees

  • $105 until Monday, 10/26/2026, 11:59pm EST – Early Entry Fee
  • $160 until Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm EST – Regular Entry Fee
  • $235 until Monday, 11/30/2026, 11:59pm EST – Late Entry Fee
  • $360 until Thursday, 12/10/2026, 8:00am EST – Late Online Entry Fee
  • $400 until Friday, 12/11/2026, 10:00am EST – Late Onsite-Only Entry Fee – ONLY at Chess Control

Service Charges

  • $40 Service Charge for all Withdrawal/Refund Requests after Monday, 10/26/2026, 11:59pm EST$40 Service Charge for all Section Change Requests after Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm EST$40 Service Charge for all Roster Change Requests after Monday, 11/09/2026, 11:59pm ESTNO Refunds after Thursday, 12/10/2026, 11:00am EST (11am Thursday of event weekend)

Main Event Information

  • This US Chess Scholastic National Tournament adheres to the US Chess Official Rules of Chess and the 2026-2027 US Chess Scholastic National Tournament Regulations
  • Each Grade (Kindergarten through 12th Grade) has its own section
  • Players must play in their corresponding Grade section (Scholastic Regulations Section 4)
  • All sections will play 7 rounds of Swiss-paired G/90;d10
  • Players will be paired according to the December 2026 Rating Supplement
    • All player ratings will be reviewed by the Tournament Review Group (Scholastic Regulations 4.6.3)
  • Chess Sets and score sheets are provided. 
  • Players must bring clocks.
    • Players are expected to know how to set, pause, and operate their chess clock
    • Click here for a helpful video on how to set your clock
  • US Chess membership through December 2026 is required.
  • All on-site Bye requests, withdrawals, questions, and customer support can be handled at “Chess Control” (service, registration, and help desk)

Awards and Prizes

  • Click Here – for all information about Prizes for all sections in the Main Event
  • Awards will be presented on-stage once all games have been completed.
  • Check the Schedule for times and locations of the awards ceremony for your section.
  • Side Event awards will be presented prior to the start of rounds in the main playing hall.  Check the Schedule for times and locations of the awards ceremony for your side event.
  • Questions about awards, early pick-up, etc.?  See the Chess Control help-desk at the event.

Misc. Information

  • Check the Schedule for times and locations of all events.Questions about times, locations, floor maps, etc.?
    • Click here for the main event website for the US Chess Grade (K-12) National Championships 2026
    • Or, see the Chess Control help-desk at the event.
  • General Questions, including pre-event withdrawals and refunds: contact nationalevents@uschess.org

Registration for other events:

  • Click here for information about the US Chess Grade (K-12) National Championships 2026.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Click here for information about the K-12 Grades 2026 – Bughouse Tournament. Registration is on-site only at Chess Control.
  • Click here for information about the K-12 Grades 2026 – Puzzle-Solving Championship.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Click here for information about the K-12 Grades 2026 – Blitz Tournament.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Click here for information about the Special Guest GM Simul Exhibition.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Click here for information for the K-12 Grades 2026 – Friends & Family Tournament. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Click here for information for the K-12 Grades 2026  – Additional Accompanying Persons badges. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for an additional accompanying persons badge.

Further inquiries should be directed to Click here to show mail address

Address:

9939 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
United States

Sections: 13

Grand Prix Points:

Prize Fund:

FIDE Rated: No

Handicap Accessible: No

Residency Restriction: No

Online Event: No

Organizer Overview

US Chess

Email: pete.karagianis@uschess.org

Phone: 9312009477

Website: https://new.uschess.org/

Posted on by

Texas North Grade Championship 2026

Registration:

To register, please visit: https://www.coppellchessclub.com/tourRegister/texas-north-grade-championship-2026

Club: Coppell Chess Club

29th Texas North/Central Grade Championships 2026

The 2026 Texas North/Central Grade Championships will take place at Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel in 4440 West John Carpenter Frwy, Irving, TX 75063 on Nov 13, 2026 to Nov 15, 2026.

This official state championship crowns champions in 13 sections for each grade with 6 rounds:
12th Grade,11th Grade,10th Grade,9th Grade,8th Grade,7th Grade,6th Grade, 5th Grade,4th Grade,3rd Grade,2nd Grade,1st Grade,Kindergarden
*Sections may be merged based on entries.
*Playing up to a higher or down to a lower grade level is not permitted.

Eligibility: Open to Texas residents or students enrolled in Texas schools (including home schools). USCF and TCA memberships are required.
All participants must have active memberships with both the US Chess Federation and the Texas Chess Association (TCA) in order to compete.
TCA Membership: For most players, the “Junior Online” membership is the most appropriate option. It costs $3 and grants eligibility to participate in all Texas championship events for one year with no additional TCA fees.

When:

3-Day

Friday Nov 13th, 2026 to Sunday Nov 15th, 2026.
Round 1: Friday Nov 13th at 7:00 pm,
Round 2: Saturday Nov 14th at 11:00 am,
Round 3: Saturday Nov 14th at 2:00 pm,
Round 4: Saturday Nov 14th at 5:00 pm,
Round 5: Sunday Nov 15th at 10:00 am,
Round 6: Sunday Nov 15th at 2:00 pm,

2-Day

Saturday Nov 14th, 2026 to Sunday Nov 15th, 2026.
Round 1: Saturday Nov 14th at 9:00 am (G/30;d5 this round only). It merges with 3-Day schedule from Round 2 which is at 11 am, Saturday Nov 14th.

Where:

Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel

4440 West John Carpenter Frwy, 

Irving, TX 75063

Time Controls:

G/60;d5 (60 mins with 5 seconds delay)

Sections and Prizes:

12th Grade

11th Grade

10th Grade

9th Grade

8th Grade

7th Grade

6th Grade

5th Grade

4th Grade

3rd Grade

2nd Grade

1st Grade

Kindergarden

Trophies for first 5 places

Team Trophies for first 2 places for each section

Section may be merged based on entries.

Entry Fee:

All Sections:
$59 Before Sep 01, 2026              $69 Regular Fee              $79 After Nov 01, 2026

School and Bulk Registrations: Please call us @ 214-534-6730 or email coppell.chessclub@gmail.com for Bulk School Registrations and discounts.

Byes:

  • Up to one ½ point bye allowed for any round except for the last round. Bye has to be requested before end of round 2.
  • Zero-point bye/withdraw has to be requested before the section pairing is done.

Withdrawals:

  • Withdrawals can be requested 1 week before the tournament start date (Nov 6, 2026). Refunds will incur a $15 processing and transaction fee.
  • NO REFUNDS/NO CREDITS after Nov 6, 2026 and NO EXCEPTION.

More Details:

  • US Chess ratings and rules will be used for pairings and awarding prizes.
  • No Spectators allowed in tournament area.
  • All non-essential communication devices must be powered off completely while inside the playing hall and must remain in the player’s bag or face up on the table.
  • Only US Chess approved electronic notation devices are allowed.
  • Notation required for grades from Grade 5 and above sections and must continue for the entire game until last 5 mins.
  • Please bring your own clock. Boards and sets will be provided.
  • Only snacks and drinks allowed at the chess board. All other food must remain outside the playing room.
  • Default late forfeiture time is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion.

Contact:

Email: coppell.chessclub@gmail.com

Phone: 214-534-6730

Posted on by

Wednesday Blitz Night 11/11/26

Register and view entry list at https://austin-chess.com/events/tournaments

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a weekly blitz tournament on Wednesday evenings for players aged 14+ or younger players with mature ratings (1400+). 6:00-8:30. USCF Membership required. Capacity: 60 players

Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail
Austin, TX 78729

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
9 Round Swiss, one section, Time control: G/3;+2

RATING INFORMATION:
● Published 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.

TIME CONTROL & SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

One section: G/3;+2
Schedule: rounds asap

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
● $20 regular entry, $30 late entry, online at https://austin-chess.com/events. Members save 15%!

Sections
Blitz

Prizes
Prizes are determined by paid entry fees.
First Place: 30%
Second Place: 20%
Third Place: 10%
There will be no closing ceremony but prizes will be sent after the tournament is complete via PayPal

Rules
SECTIONS: All players will be playing in the same section. (USCF Rated)
Players aged 14 or older, as well as those rated above 1400 USCF, will be allowed into the tournament.

TIME CONTROL: Game 3 min + 2 sec increment
9-Round Swiss System Schedule
Rounds will be started as soon as the last game is finished.
There will be a 10 minute break after Round 5.
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.
Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

See event website for policies such as byes, withdrawals, electronics, etc.

Contact: info@austin-chess.com

Posted on by

2026 Chris Riley Memorial Tournament at Wooldridge Square

Chess outdoors at Wooldridge Square Park! Unrated 4 round G/20 tournament for all ages in 2 sections: one K-12 and one open section. Limited to the first 40 paid players. No elimination – play all rounds whether you win or lose! Please dress appropriately as this is an outdoor event with only some tree shading.

Register online HERE and view entry list HERE

The late Chris Riley was a very dedicated and passionate supporter of introducing chess to the community. He volunteered on most Saturdays from 2003-2023 at Wooldridge Square Park, near his home in downtown Austin, to organize chess matches for all ages and abilities with a Giant Chess set kept at the park.  This project that he co-founded helped attract people to a beautiful park that is underutilized for many enjoyable moments for the players as well as interested spectators.

Date
November 1, 2026 (Sunday)

Location
Wooldridge Square Park
900 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX

The park is at the corner of 9th and Guadalupe.  Plenty of street parking is typically available.

Sections

  • Open
  • K-12

*Sections may be split if registrations are high.
*All sections are unrated.  NO US Chess membership required.
*Restricted to the first 40 players.

Rounds and Times

Four Rounds at a time control of G/20+5.

  • We play approximately noon – 5pm.
  • Registration & Check-in required: 11:20am – 11:45am.
  • All pre-registered players must check in when they arrive, or they may be ineligible to play in the first round.

Entry fee and Prizes:

  • Regular entries: $12 – by 5 pm on Friday, 10/30 (online payment only).
  • Last Chance entries: $20 – starting 5 pm Friday 10/30
  • Onsite entries: $20 – Sunday, 11/1 between 11:20-11:45a to receive a round 1 pairing. After 11:45, may receive a round 1 bye and begin play in round 2. 
  • No refunds for withdrawals requested after 5 pm on Friday 10/30. Email to withdraw.
  • Prizes: Top finishers in K-12 section will receive a medal. Open section offers cash prizes.

Details:

  • Boards and Sets supplied!
  • NO US Chess Membership necessary. 
  • NO Notation required. Feel free if you wish to bring pen and paper, but these are quick games.
  • Bring a water bottle and a folding chair, if you have one (for your players AND any spectators)!

Rain Location:

If there is inclement weather predicted, the tournament will be held at the Dobie Mall food court – Guadalupe and 21st on the 2nd level.

Questions:

For registration questions, please email Sarah Brauner at austinchesstournaments@gmail.com

Organized by Rocks & Rooks

Posted on by

Open Section at NYOS 11/14/26

Full pairings and standings can be found at the registration link below (click on the “View live tournament dashboard” link to get to them).

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

See Preregistration List HERE! Click link, then scroll down past tournament info.

 
 

Basics

This is a Swiss-system US Chess-rated tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow US Chess 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 – Updated 9/13/26!

NYOS
12333 N Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78753

Eligibility

Open Section:
All adults – if you have a child in a scholastic section, include a note with their full name when registering.
Any youth who have reached at least 1200 monthly published rating as of November 2026 (exceptions made for live ratings).

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the Paragon 11/14/26 Scholastic Tournament.

This is a rated tournament. You must have a US Chess ID and your membership can be purchased/ renewed online with US Chess in advance of registration. You can verify your US Chess membership ID and expiration by visiting https://ratings.uschess.org. Anyone can become a US Chess member. Adults new to tournament chess are welcome to play in the open section. Youth players MUST have a ratings history. Your US Chess membership cannot expire before November 30, 2026.

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!
9:15am Open  sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+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:
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:30pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm

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.

Food will be available for purchase. You may bring your own 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.). 

Registration Information

 

*$40 (youth) /$30 (adult) through Thursday, 9/26/2026
*$50 (youth) /$40 (adult) through Saturday, 11/7/2026
*$55 (youth) /$45 (adult) as of Sunday, 11/8/2026 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 11/12/26
*$65 (youth) / $50 (adult) Last chance and onsite entry, if space available, after 5 pm Thursday through the tournament date. Open section first round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am Saturday.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 11/11/26 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for US Chess memberships after purchased from US Chess.

If you need byes (rounds when you won’t be available to play), please request when you register by adding a note. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email us to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add/remove 1/2-point byes is before the start of round 2.

*Open section: Will be paired onsite. Round 1 changes must be made no later than 8:45am.

Email Sarah Brauner at AustinChessTournaments@gmail.com with other questions.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks (Gary Gaiffe)

View the ONLINE TLA

Posted on by

NYOS Scholastic 11/14/26

Full pairings and standings can be found at the registration link below (click on the “View live tournament dashboard” link to get to them).

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

See Preregistration List HERE! Click link, then scroll down past tournament info.

 

Basics

US Chess rated chess tournament on November 14th in multiple RATED scholastic sections: K-3 U400, K-3 U700, K-5 U600, K-5 U1000, 6-12 U1000, and K-12 Elite (for players rated 950-1399. Please note: all scholastic players rated 1400 and over must play in the Open Section. At the event pairings will be posted online only.

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 US Chess rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks if available, and notation. K-3 sections are excused from taking notation. Please review the Parent/Coach Responsibilities before registering

Location – Updated 9/13/26!

NYOS
12333 N Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78753

Eligibility

This is a rated tournament. You must have a US Chess ID and your membership can be purchased/ renewed online with US Chess in advance of registration, or contact Dallas Chess Club at info@dallaschess.com at least a few days before the tournament for half-price junior memberships. You can check your US Chess membership ID and expiration by visiting https://ratings.uschess.org. Anyone can become a US Chess member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your US Chess membership cannot expire before November 30, 2026. New players in 3rd grade and below may email us to request a non-member ID as a part of the Junior Tournament Player program. JTPs ok in K-3 U400 only.

“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 the registrar or ask your chess coach for placement information.
If your 6th grader attends an Elementary School, please email us. With enough registrations, any section may be divided into two sections so we can offer more prizes. Sections with fewer than 20 entries may be merged into a similar section to provide optimal pairings and competition.

November 2026 ‘Regular’ OTB ratings will be used for section placement and pairing. If no regular rating is available, then other US Chess ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement.  Requests to play down will not be honored. FYI: Any event that is rated after October 21st 2026 will not affect your November published rating, as those events take place after November ratings are calculated.

All players in this event must be in 12th grade or lower.

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!
8:00am Chess Control opens for onsite registration.  Onsite registrations before 9:30am accepted, but must start play in round 2.
8:30am Announcements begin in all scholastic playing rooms.
Players and coaches should be present.
9:00am Rd 1 begins. Scholastic sections have 5 rds, G/25,+5, except K-12 Elite which is 5 rounds G/35,+5.
9:00am Open section (different event allowing adults) begins. Open has 4 rounds, G/45,+5.
9:15am-5:00pm Chess control open for event issues. No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, and player or school information edits go in effect immediately if made via email before the close of online registration. Changes requested onsite go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

All Scholastic Under Sections:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd 2 – 11:00am, rd 3 – 12:45pm, rd 4 – 2:30pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

K-12 Elite Section:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd 2 – 10:40am, rd 3 – 12:40pm, rd 4 – 2:20pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

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. Parents and/or coaches, please provide age-appropriate activities during the time between rounds. The organizers cannot baby-sit. No child should be left unattended!

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

Awards

Trophies & Medals to Top Contenders! Ribbons to all participants!

Trophies to the top individuals in each scholastic section. Trophies to the top teams in all sections. NOTE: A team refers to players in the same section from a particular school, not a club; in the School/Team field please provide the player’s school rather than their chess program. Number of individual and team trophies will depend on number of entries. Chess medals will go to all players (excluding Open section) that finish the tournament with a positive score (3.0 & 3.5 points). Trophies to players scoring 4.0 and above. No teams in Open section, but special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams (Uncles, Aunts, Siblings, Parents, Grandparents, or coach paired with at least one scholastic aged player.)

Registration Information

*$40 through Thursday, 9/26/2026
*$50 through Saturday, 11/7/2026
*$55 as of Sunday, 11/8/2026 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 11/12/26
*$65 Last chance and onsite entry, if space is available. If after 7:30am on 11/14, receives 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begins play in round 2.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday, 11/11/2026 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No refunds for US Chess memberships after purchased from US Chess.

If you need byes (rounds when your player won’t be available to play), please request when you register by adding a note. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email us to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 7:30am Saturday 11/14/2026. All other 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2. After 9am Friday, please make all changes and requests onsite at Chess Control.

Email Sarah Brauner at austinchesstournaments@gmail.com with other questions.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer.

View the ONLINE TLA