Category: Past Events

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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy April Swiss

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on April 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 52 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
4SS, G/40, d5
SECTION A: 1600 + USCF rated
SECTION B: 1000 – 1400 USCF rated and/or unrated.
SECTION C: Under 1000 USCF rated
**Players rated 900 – 999 may play Section B or C**
**Players rated 1500 – 1599 may play Section A or B**
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● April 2024 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.

●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:30 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:00 PM
●  3rd round: 2:00 PM.
●  4th round: 3:30 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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: $50 online at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated-april/ by April 13th at 11:59 pm.
●  $65 on or after April 14th  via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated-april/

PRIZES:
●  1600+ section : $400, $150, $100
●  1000 – 1600: $150, $100, $50
●  U1000: medals
First 5 players above 1900 USCF to register get a minimum guaranteed prize of $75 if they finish all their games.

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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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy Monthly Quad Tournament (March)

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting USCF Rated 3 round Quads on 3 consecutive Wednesday evenings: March 6th, 13th, and 20th. Capacity: 48 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752
Free parking provided!

SECTIONS:
Players will be placed into groups of four (QUADS)  based on rating starting from the highest rated. Quads are non-elimination, and each player will play everyone in their group for a total of three games. (Round Robin Pairings)

(Last group may have 4 or 6 players and will use swiss-system if 6 players are present)

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

TIME CONTROL:
G/60, +30 (60 minutes per player with a 30-second increment)

3-Round Round-Robin System Schedule
1st round: 6:00 PM March 6th
2nd round: 6:00 PM March 13th
3rd round: 6:00 PM March 20th
Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.

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

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $50 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/quad_tournament_march/  by March 5th at 11:59 pm.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/quad_tournament_march/

PRIZES:
●  $100 for 1st place in each quad

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 a $35 refund. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
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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Mathnasium Summer Chess Camp #2 – Check & Mate

Description: A full-day, week-long chess camp, hosted by the Cedar Park Mathnasium from June 17-21, 2024.  Featuring Certified National Master Paul Chaplin. All scholastic players are invited to register!

Each camp features five exciting days of an immersive chess environment and a fun-filled focus on a special featurette highlight (description below). Chess Camps hosted by Mathnasium are engaging and fun! Sign up early for lowest fees! Limited attendance – first come first served!  For more information, link to the the camp website.

Check & Mate: The ultimate goal of the game is pursued with the replay and analysis of mesmerizing attacks conjured up by the great masters of today and of the past. Students add crushing mating nets, calculated king hunts and other game-ending attacks to their skills.

Date and Time: 2nd camp session: June 17-21, 2024, 8am – 3pm

Registration: To register, please fill out the registration form. Instructions for turning in the registration form and making payment are on the form.

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

Questions:
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

Description: A full-day, week-long chess camp, hosted by the Cedar Park Mathnasium from June 3-8, 2024.  Featuring Certified National Master Paul Chaplin. All scholastic players are invited to register!

Each camp features five exciting days of an immersive chess environment and a fun-filled focus on a special featurette highlight (description below). Chess Camps hosted by Mathnasium are engaging and fun! Sign up early for lowest fees! Limited attendance – first come first served!  For more information, link to the the camp website.

Wild Openings: With thousands of named variations available, students will discover the joy of preparing surprises for their opponents with tricky and uncharted play. Not just one-trick or trap-only opening ideas, but a deeper uncovering of useful ideas will be explored.

Date and Time: 1st camp session: June 3-7, 2024, 8am – 3pm

Registration: To register, please fill out the registration form. Instructions for turning in the registration form and making payment are on the form.

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

Questions:
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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ACC USCF rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 3 weeks, with games on February 10th, 17th, and 24th. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 3 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. Online registration and payment requested – available soon.

USCF membership must not expire before February 29, 2024.

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 February 10th. 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, February 17th 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/.

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ACC USCF G/24 Quick-Rated Swiss

A one-day tournament on March 2nd offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested – available soon.

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.  USCF membership must not expire before March 31, 2024. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

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.

Please bring a set and a board and some patience as we get used to our new surroundings. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting new people!

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/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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ACC USCF G/24 Quick-Rated Swiss

A one-day tournament on February 3rd offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested.

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.  USCF membership must not expire before February 29, 2024. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

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.

Please bring a set and a board. We welcome new players!

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/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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Waco March Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on March 16, 2024. Limited to 60 players!

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

  • Open
  • U1600
  • U1000

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

  • 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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Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy Open USCF Rated Tournament

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting an Open USCF Rated Tournament on March 16, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  USCF Membership required.   Capacity: 52 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Suite A123
Austin, TX 78752
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
G/40, d5 SS
SECTION A: 1,400+ USCF rated
SECTION B: Under 1,400 USCF rated and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● March 2024 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.

●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:30 AM
●  Lunch break: 1:00 PM
●  3rd round: 2:00 PM.
●  4th round: 3:30 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
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.

PRIZES:
●  1400+ section : $400, $150, $100 + medals
●  U1400: $150, $100, $50 + medals
First 5 players above 1900 USCF to register get a minimum guaranteed prize of $75 if they finish all their games.

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $50 at  https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated-march/ by March 9th at 11:59 pm.
●  On or after March 10th: $65  via PayPal or cash (if space is available)
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com
Link for registration: https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/uscf-rated-march/

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 a $35 refund. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
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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Open Section at the 2024 Spring NYOS Scholastic Chess Tournament

USCF rated chess tournament on April 13, 2024 for adults and more advanced scholastic players. 4SS of G/45 +5.  Thank you for playing!

View the FINAL RESULTS! Prize checks will be mailed on Thursday.  The event has been rated by the USCF!

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, we reserve the right to split into two sections.

Location

NYOS Charter School
12333 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753

Eligibility

All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1300 by the April 2024 USCF supplement.
Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate scholastic section of the 2024 Spring NYOS Scholastic Chess 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. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before April 30, 2024.  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 be made onsite with your chief TD and go into effect as of round 2.

Approximate Round Times

Open Section:
rd 1 – 9:00am, rd2 – 11:00am, rd3 – 1:00pm, rd4 – 3:00pm

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.

Concessions TBA.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

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. Please Register Onsite!
Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

*youth – $35/adult – $25 thru Saturday, 2/10/2024.
*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Saturday, 3/9/2024
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 3/30/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 3/31/2024 and ENDS at 5pm on Wednesday 4/10/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 4/13/24 will be permitted, $50 regardless of age. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am.

Withdrawals requested via email before 5pm on Wednesday 4/10/24 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. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 4/12/2024. 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!