Category: Upcoming Events

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2025 AGCA Championship – Spring Edition

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting their Spring Championship Rated Tournament March 21- 23, 2025. USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 92 players!

Location

Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

Sections

SECTION A:  1800 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1400 – 1799 USCF rated
SECTION C:  1000 – 1399 USCF rated
SECTION D:  U1000 USCF rated
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

Rating Information

● March 2025 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 Controls and Round Times

5SS, time controls determined by schedule and round

3-day Schedule:
Rounds 1-5: G/90; +30 (90 minutes per player with 30-second increment)

2-day Schedule:
Round 1: G/60; +10 (60 minutes per player with 10-second increment)

All Schedules:
Rounds 2-5: G/90; +30 (90 minutes per player with 30-second increment)


3-day Schedule
●  1st round: Friday, March 21, 7pm

2-day Schedule
●  1st round: Saturday, March 22, 9am

All Schedules
●  2nd round: Saturday, March 22, 1pm
●  3rd round: Saturday, March 22, 6:30pm
●  4th round: Sunday, March 23, 10am
●  5th round: Sunday, March 23, 3:15pm

●  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 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.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $100  by March 9th at 11:59 pm.
●  $120 on or after March 10th (if space is available)
● Re-entry Fee: $40 (from 3-day to 2-day schedule) by 8am, March 22nd. Please, email us at info@austin-chess.com to complete re-entry.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/2025-agca-championship-spring-edition/

PRIZES:
●  Section A : $1000, $500, $250
●  Section B: $500, $250, $125
●  Section C: $300, $150, $100
●  Section D: $200, $150, $100
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 $20 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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Austin Chess Tour 2: Junior Qualifier #5

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a Junior (Scholastic) USCF Rated Tournament on May 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
Time controls and number of sections determined by section
All players will be divided into 5 sections:
SECTION A:  1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1200 – 1599 USCF rated
SECTION C:  800 – 1199  USCF rated
SECTION D:  400 – 700 USCF rated
SECTION D:  Under 400 USCF rated or unrated
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● January 2025 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.

Section A (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections B & C (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 – 2:30 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 – 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 PM
●  5th round: 3:45 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 POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $40  by April 27th at 11:59 pm.
●  $50 on or after April 28th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-2-junior-qualifier-5/

PRIZES:
●  1st place (in each section) : Trophy
●  2nd & 3rd place (in each section): medal

JUNIOR QUALIFIER POINTS:
1st Place: 25 JQ Points
2nd Place: 18 JQ Points
3rd Place: 15 JQ Points
4th Place: 12 JQ Points
5th Place: 10 JQ Points
6th Place: 8 JQ Points
7th Place: 6 JQ Points
8th Place: 4 JQ Points
9th Place: 2 JQ Points
10th Place: 1 JQ 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. 

Posted on by

Austin Chess Tour 2: Junior Qualifier #4

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a Junior (Scholastic) USCF Rated Tournament on April 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
Time controls and number of sections determined by section
All players will be divided into 5 sections:
SECTION A:  1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1200 – 1599 USCF rated
SECTION C:  800 – 1199  USCF rated
SECTION D:  400 – 700 USCF rated
SECTION D:  Under 400 USCF rated or unrated
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● April 2025 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.

Section A (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections B & C (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 – 2:30 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 – 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 PM
●  5th round: 3:45 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 POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $40  by  March 30th at 11:59 pm.
●  $50 on or after March 31st (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-2-junior-qualifier-4/

PRIZES:
●  1st place (in each section) : Trophy
●  2nd & 3rd place (in each section): medal

JUNIOR QUALIFIER POINTS:
1st Place: 25 JQ Points
2nd Place: 18 JQ Points
3rd Place: 15 JQ Points
4th Place: 12 JQ Points
5th Place: 10 JQ Points
6th Place: 8 JQ Points
7th Place: 6 JQ Points
8th Place: 4 JQ Points
9th Place: 2 JQ Points
10th Place: 1 JQ 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. 

Posted on by

Austin Chess Tour 2: Junior Qualifier #3

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a Junior (Scholastic) USCF Rated Tournament on March 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
Time controls and number of sections determined by section
All players will be divided into 5 sections:
SECTION A:  1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1200 – 1599 USCF rated
SECTION C:  800 – 1199  USCF rated
SECTION D:  400 – 700 USCF rated
SECTION D:  Under 400 USCF rated or unrated
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● March 2025 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.

Section A (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections B & C (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 – 2:30 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 – 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 PM
●  5th round: 3:45 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 POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $40  by February 23rd at 11:59 pm.
●  $50 on or after February 24th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-2-junior-qualifier-3/

PRIZES:
●  1st place (in each section) : Trophy
●  2nd & 3rd place (in each section): medal

JUNIOR QUALIFIER POINTS:
1st Place: 25 JQ Points
2nd Place: 18 JQ Points
3rd Place: 15 JQ Points
4th Place: 12 JQ Points
5th Place: 10 JQ Points
6th Place: 8 JQ Points
7th Place: 6 JQ Points
8th Place: 4 JQ Points
9th Place: 2 JQ Points
10th Place: 1 JQ 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. 

Posted on by

Austin Chess Tour 2: Junior Qualifier #2

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a Junior (Scholastic) USCF Rated Tournament on February 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 80 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
Time controls and number of sections determined by section
All players will be divided into 5 sections:
SECTION A:  1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B:  1200 – 1599 USCF rated
SECTION C:  800 – 1199  USCF rated
SECTION D:  400 – 700 USCF rated
SECTION D:  Under 400 USCF rated or unrated
**Players are not allowed to play up or down**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● February 2025 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.

Section A (all rounds G/60, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 12:15 AM
●  Lunch break: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
●  3rd round: 3:30 PM
●  4th round: 5:45 PM

Sections B & C (all rounds G/45, d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:45 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:30 – 2:30 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 – 2:30 PM
●  4th round: 2:30 PM
●  5th round: 3:45 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 POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Any violators may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Early Bird: $40  by January 26th at 11:59 pm.
●  $50 on or after January 27th (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration:  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/act-2-junior-qualifier-2/

PRIZES:
●  1st place (in each section) : Trophy
●  2nd & 3rd place (in each section): medal

JUNIOR QUALIFIER POINTS:
1st Place: 25 JQ Points
2nd Place: 18 JQ Points
3rd Place: 15 JQ Points
4th Place: 12 JQ Points
5th Place: 10 JQ Points
6th Place: 8 JQ Points
7th Place: 6 JQ Points
8th Place: 4 JQ Points
9th Place: 2 JQ Points
10th Place: 1 JQ 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. 

Posted on by

16th Annual Southwest Class Championships

Description: This is a USCF rated swiss chess tournament (event website) open to all chess players. There will be 7 to 9 rounds depending on section. Multiple schedules offered.

$35,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed!  

Advance Entry List

Location

Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport
4545 W John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75063

Free parking
Free airport shuttle

Sections and Prizes

In 7 sections (see peakrating.us for rules regarding playing up): 

Master (USCF 2100/up or FIDE 2000/up): $4000-2000-1500-1200-1000-800-600, clear or tiebreak winner $200, top FIDE U2300/Unr $1800-900.

 Expert (1900-2199): $2000-1000-500-300-200. FIDE.

 Class A (1700-1999/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. FIDE. 

Class B (1500-1799/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. 

Class C (1300-1599/Unr): $1600-800-500-300-200.

 Class D (Under 1400/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100.

 Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. 

Time Control

5-day schedule, Feb 13-17 (Master Section only), FIDE rated, GM & IM norms possible, 40/80, SD/30; d30. 4-day schedule, Feb 14-17: Expert through Class E, 40/80, SD/30; d30. 

3-day schedule: Expert through Class E, Feb 15-17, rounds 1-2 G/60, d10, then merges with 4-day.  

Rating Used

These unusual class rating boundaries already include players rated in the top half of the traditional USCF Class one section below. Unrated may enter A through E, with maximum prize E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $500.

Mixed Doubles: best male+female 2-player team combined score in Rounds 1-7 among all sections: $1000-600-400. Team must average under 2200; may play different sections and schedules; register (no extra fee) before both begin round 2; limit one Mixed Doubled team per player, prize limits do not apply to Mixed Doubles prizes.

Master Section: FIDE ratings used. 

Expert Section and below: USCF Official February ratings used; unofficial uschess.org ratings and USCF Online Regular ratings are usually used in Expert and below if otherwise unrated and cannot play in those sections with rating below USCF Online Regular rating minus 100 points.

 Foreign player ratings (Expert & below): See foreignratings.com. 

Entry Fee

Enter online: chessaction.com.  No mail entries. 

Master Section EF: $278 at chessaction.com by 2/12, $300 later online or at site by 6 pm 2/13. GMs & foreign IMs/WGMs free (must confirm participation by 1 pm 2/13), US IMs/WGMs & foreign players rated 1800+ FIDE $100 less (players with federation ”FID” might not be counted by FIDE as foreign players).

Minimum prizes in Master Section: foreign GMs $800, foreign IMs/WGMs $400 if entering online by 2/1 and playing all 9 games with no byes.

Expert, A, B, C sections EF: $168 online at chessaction.com by 2/12, $190 later or at site until 1 hour before round 1.

Class D or E Section EF: All $70 less than Expert to Class C EF. 

Re-entry (no Master to Master) $80. 

 Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid online with entry: Adult $43, Young Adult $26, Youth $19. 

Schedule

5-day schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rounds Thu 7, Fri 1 & 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 4, Mon 10 & 3:30. 

4-day schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rounds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 4, Mon 10 & 3:30. 

3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rounds Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 4, Mon 10 & 3:30. 

Byes: OK all, limit 2; must commit before round 3. 

Misc

Bring set, board, clock if possible, none supplied.

Electronic devices rules: See devicerules.com.

Leave phone in hotel room, car, home, or a bag near your table. 

HR: $127-127, use link at chessevents.us (or call 972-929-4500, mention Chess rate); reserve by 1/28 or rate may increase.

Prizes not claimed at site usually paid by PayPal (may take over a week). 

Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. 

Refunds, $15 service charge.

Questions

Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, director@chess.us. 

View our online TLA!

Blitz tournament Sun. 9:30 pm, enter at site Sun. by 9:10 pm.

Posted on by

Open Section at the 2025 Region VI Chess Championships

USCF rated chess tournament for all adults and scholastic players rated 1200 and up who do not reside in TCA’s Region VI.  (Players who reside and attend school in Region VI should register for the scholastic championships.)

View the advance entry list online.

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 40, we will split into two sections.

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Open section chess play will take place in a classroom.
Review a map of campus.

Eligibility

All adults
Youth (high school or younger) who do NOT reside in TCA’s Region VI and have reached 1200 at some point in their ratings history.
Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate scholastic section of the 2025 Region VI Scholastic Chess Championships. 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. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before February 28, 2025.  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!
9:00 a.m. Open section begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, +5.
No changes for round 1 (bye or section) allowed after online registration closes. Requests for byes, withdrawals, player info edits and school information may be made onsite and go into effect as of round 2. Onsite registrations possible, but only only at the discretion of the open section TD, if space permits. Register online!

Approximate Round Times

Open Section:
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd2 – 11:15am, lunch break, rd3 – 1:45pm, rd4 – 3:45pm

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 available for purchase.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Awards

Cash prizes (to winners in both sections, in the case of multiple sections), based on number of entries. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Adult siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. Register online today!

*Early entry $35 thru  Saturday, 11/30/2024
* Regular entry $40 thru Friday, 01/31/2025
* Late entry $45 thru Thursday, 02/20/2025.  Online entry closes at NOON.
**If space permits, onsite registration will be permitted, $50. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration before 8:40am.

Withdrawals requested via email before noon on Thursday 02/20/2025 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Ineligible entries will be withdrawn and refunded (minus a service fee).  PLEASE READ THE FULL TOURNAMENT DESCRIPTION.  Email the registrar if you have questions about eligibility. **If you live in the Austin or San Antonio areas and are a youth  – you DO NOT qualify to play in the this open event!**

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. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 8:45am, Saturday morning. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View the ONLINE TLA!

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2025 Region VI Scholastic Chess Championships

USCF rated Scholastic chess tournament in 11 sections held on February 22, 2025 at NYOS Charter School. Trophies, medals, and regional championships awarded.

Online Registration available now!

View the Advance Entry List !

Basics

USCF rated chess tournament on February 22nd in eleven RATED scholastic sections with fancy names:
 Primary Championship (any Pre-K-3, JTP Ok)
Primary JV (PreK-3, U600, JTP Ok)
Primary Novice (PreK-3, U300, JTP Ok)
Elementary Championship (any Pre-K-5/6*)
Elementary Varsity (PreK – 5/6*, U900)
Elementary JV (PreK – 5/6*, U600)
Elementary Novice (PreK – 5/6*, U300)
Middle School Championship (any 5/6*-8/9*)
Middle School Varsity (5/6* – 8/9*, U1000)
High School Championship (all 9-12)
High School Varsity (9-12, U1000)

* 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.

This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must reside and attend school in Region VI. Players must know how to play the game of chess! We follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks if available, and notation. Primary (K-3) are excused from taking notation. If you are K-3 and choose to play in an Elementary section, you must take notation. Please review the Parent/Coach Responsibilities before registering.  Please note, at the event pairings will be posted only online.

We also offer an ‘Open’ Chess Tournament for any adults as well as scholastic players who live out of the Region. Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams  (Uncles, Aunts, Parents, Grandparents, or Adult Siblings paired with at least one scholastic aged player.). 

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Chess play will take place in classrooms (Championship sections) and the gym (non-championship sections).
Review a map of campus.

Eligibility

This is a rated tournament. You must reside and attend school in Region VI in order to participate.

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 ask your chess coach for placement information, or email the registrar (registrar@austinchesstournaments.com).
In an effort to produce a clear winner, any section that grows too large may be divided into two sections, or small similar sections may be combined. In the case of a late split, sections will be combined for team trophy calculations.

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. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before February 28, 2025. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out. (JTPs ok in Primary (K-3) sections only. New players in 3rd grade and below must request a non-member ID as a part of USCF’s Junior Tournament Player Program during registration). No registration is complete without a valid USCF ID.

Please note: February Supplement ‘Regular’ OTB ratings will be used for pairing purposes. If no regular rating is available, then other February USCF ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement.

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. Please, verify your entry ONLINE!

8:00 a.m Announcements begin in championship playing rooms.
8:15a.m. Rd 1 begins in Championship sections. Rds 1-3, G/45, d5/ Rds 4-5, G/60, d5
8:30 a.m Announcements begin in Varsity, JV and Novice playing hall.
Players and coaches should be present.
9:00 a.m. Rd 1 begins in the Varsity, JV and Novice playing hall.  5 rounds of G/30, d5.
9:15 Open section (separate event allowing adults and non-R6 residents) begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, d5.

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Chess Control open. 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. Onsite registration may or may not be available – contingent on turnout and space.

Round Times

Championship Sections:
rd 1 – 8:15am, rd 2 – 10:15am, rd 3 – 12:15 pm, rd 4 – 2:15 pm
rd 5 – 4:30 pm

Varsity, JV, and Novice Sections:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd 2 – 11:00am, rd 3 – 12:45 pm, rd 4 – 2:30 pm
rd 5 – 4:00 pm

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! Concessions TBD.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board. Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

Awards

Trophies to the top individuals in each scholastic section (4.0 and above).
Medals to positive scores (3.0 and 3.5), not receiving a trophy.
Ribbons to all participants!
Trophies to the top teams in all sections.
Special trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring Family & Child teams (Uncles, Aunts, Adult siblings, Parents, or Grandparents paired with at least one scholastic aged player.)

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. Online registration closes at noon on Thursday, 2/20/2025. NO EXCEPTIONS.

*October entry $35 thru Thursday, 10/31/2024
* November entry $40 thru Saturday, 11/30/2024
* December entry $45 thru Tuesday, 12/31/2024
* January entry $50 thru Friday, 01/31/2025
* February entry $55 thru Thursday, 02/20/2025.  Online entry closes at NOON.
*Onsite entries $60 (IF ALLOWED) and an online link will be provided.  Onsite entries will receive a bye in round 1.

Withdrawals requested via email before noon on Thursday 02/20/2025 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). 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. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is the close of online registration, noon on Thursday, 02/20/2025. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Questions

General chess tournament/registration answers, as well as information specific to the Region VI Championships, is available on our FAQ list. Please refer to this list before you contact Lori with questions.

Email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com) with other questions. No phone calls, please. Emails will be returned promptly.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer (ggaiffe@att.net).

View our ONLINE TLA!