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2025 Austin Winter Open

USCF rated swiss chess tournament on January 3-5, 2025, sponsored by the Austin Chess Club.   We offer FOUR sections and a guaranteed prize fund over $5000 and 30 Grand Prix Points. There will be 5 rounds in total over the weekend with two schedules. The Championship and Reserve sections are FIDE rated.

LIMIT 85 players in any single section.

Location

Austin Southpark Hotel
4140 Governors Row
Austin, TX 78744

Discounted group room rate at the Austin Southpark Hotel is only $95/night here: Book your group rate for the 2025 Austin Winter Open

Please support the tournament by staying at the event hotel! The above room link is good thru Friday, 12/13/2024.

Round Times

3-DAY
Round 1: Friday, 7:15pm (G/90, +30)
2-DAY
Round 1: Saturday, 9:00am (G/60, +10) (*Games in this round will not be FIDE rated*)

ALL PLAYERS (G/90, +30):
Round 2: Saturday, 1pm
Round 3: Saturday, 6:30pm
Round 4: Sunday, 10:00am
Round 5: Sunday 3:15pm

*Reentry: from 3-day to 2-day schedule is available at any point for Intermediate and Novice sections for a $40 fee. Championship and Reserve players may re-enter round 1 for a $40 fee (changing schedules). For entry into round 1, contact us no later than 8:30am, the Saturday of the event.

*If a player is 15 minutes late for round 1 without notice, they will be withdrawn. In Intermediate and Novice sections (non-FIDE) opponents’ games may be reassigned. Forfeit time for rounds 2-5 is 1 hour, but please contact us (Lori Balkum and Sarah Brauner (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com)) if you are running late for any round or wish to withdraw! (Phone number will be posted onsite and provided via email to players prior to round 1). This is showing common courtesy to your opponent!

Byes

Only ONE 1/2 point bye allowed.
*Deadline to request/remove half-point byes: Saturday 5pm, or before round 2 ends (whichever comes first for your section)
*Deadline to request zero-point byes/withdraw: before your section is paired for the affected round

Registration and Fees


Entry fees are staggered and we would like for you to register early! Register Online!

  • $79 if received by Saturday, 10/26/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $89 if received by Saturday, 11/30/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $109 thru the Saturday before the tournament (12/28/2024), 11:59pm CST
  • $119 the week of the tournament, thru Thursday, 01/02/2025, 11:59pm CST
  • $129 on Friday and onsite, IF space available. Any registrations made onsite after 8:30am, Saturday 1/4/2025 receive a 1st round bye.

Online registrations and online payment are requested. Please contact the registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) to request help or accommodations.

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 7pm on Friday one week before the event (12/27/2024).  After that time, no refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee.

$25 up-charges (listed below) are NON-refundable.  Pay the upcharge later if unsure about eligibility.

Titled players (IM/GM) play for free if space allows. (No entry fee required and no entry fees deducted from winnings if registered before October 26th! Registrations as of October 27th must pay entry fee – returned after completion of 5 rounds of play.)  All players should register online.  Contact registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) for coupon code and to inquire about other conditions.

Sections and Prizes

$5435 in prizes 100% guaranteed
One prize per person

Four Sections!.
Players are only eligible for the prizes listed within their section. Limit 85 players in any one section (exceptions granted for ratings 2200+).

Championship (2000+) 
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1900-1999 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$925 2nd-$525 3rd-$375
• Expert (2000-2199): 1st -$250 2nd-$150

Reserve (1700 -1999)
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1600-1699 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section.
• 1st -$540 2nd-$320 3rd-$210 4th-$140

Intermediate (U1700)
*Players rated up to 1699 may play in this section
• 1st -$480 2nd-$260 3rd-$160 4th-$100

Novice (U1400)
*Players rated up to 1399 may play in this section.
• 1st -$430 2nd-$230 3rd-$140
• U1000: 1st -$120 2nd – $80

**January 2025 Supplement (‘Regular’ OTB) ratings will be used for pairing and placement purposes.  If no regular rating is available, then other USCF ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement
**Requests to play down will not be honored.
**Requests to play up will only be honored if the conditions mentioned above are met and the appropriate fee has been paid. You do NOT need to pay the up-charge during registration, if unsure about rating or section. You will be contacted in late December with directions for payment if necessary.
**Unrated players will be placed at TD’s discretion and are only eligible for place prizes
**Unrated players must disclose foreign and online ratings before their section placement is considered complete. Failure to disclose playing history may result in forfeiture and withdrawal from the event.

Device Policy

Internet enabled devices must be turned off completely during play (not just on silent) and must remain in the player’s bag or face up on the playing tablets. Devices may not be removed from the playing hall during your game. Devices include phones, smartwatches, tablets, etc. These may NOT be on the player’s person or leave the board during the games.  Penalties up to or including loss of game and removal from the tournament for violations of this policy. Link to 2024 updated formal device policy.

No notation devices will be approved for the FIDE section. Any notation devices in other sections must be reviewed and logged at chess control no later than 30 minutes prior to player’s first round to receive an approval card. Please review the US Chess Notation Device policy

Spectators, if allowed, must have devices turned completely off.

More Details

Bring an increment capable clock if possible! Sets and boards provided in all sections!
The hotel has a restaurant and small store that sells coffees, sandwiches, and other snacks. Check your round times and bring food and drink as necessary. Only water (drinks) allowed at the chess board.  All food must remain outside the playing room. 
We will provide an area for waiting parents and for players to review their chess games.  However, we will not babysit your kids.  No child should be left unattended.

Questions?

Contact Lori Balkum and Sarah Brauner (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) if you have questions about this event.

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ACC USCF Rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on October 12th, 19th, 26th and November 2nd. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration and payment requested.

USCF membership must not expire before November 30, 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 October 12th. 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, October 19th 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 Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 16th 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 November 30, 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 look forward to seeing you!

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 Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on November 9th 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 November 30, 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 look forward to seeing you!

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 Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on October 5th 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 October 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. We look forward to seeing you!

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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2024 Chess in the Park Advance Entry List

All registrations appear automatically. Please allow a few days for the registrar to review your entry. 

If your name has a , your registration is complete.
If your name has a , the registrar has a question about your registration. Please contact the registrar if you have not already been contacted.
If there is no symbol in front of your name, your verification is in process.

Jump to: Scholastic (K-12) section,  Open Section.

Return to the Chess in the Park tournament page.

Scholastic (K-12)

NameUSCF IDRatingByes
Downie, Dylan
Longoria, Rachel H
Kim, Yura
Francis, Elle
Semalaiappan, Sidharth
Cohen, Jamos
Zenkevics, Oskar
Zenkevics, Mark
Section count: 8

Open (adults and youth)

NameUSCF IDRatingByes
Longoria, Sergio N
Belmonte, Jesus Alfredo
Lindberg, Mark
Section count: 3

Total tournament registrants: 11

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2024 Chris Riley Memorial Wooldridge Square -Park Chess Tournament

Chess outdoors in Wooldridge 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.

Please register onsite!

View the Advance Entries.

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 3, 2024

Alternative Location
Wooldridge Park
9th and Guadalupe
near Downtown
Austin, TX

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

Sections

  • Open
  • K-12

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

Rounds and Times

Four Rounds at a time control of G/20.

  • 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:

  • Online entries: $12 – by Friday, 11/1 (5pm) (online payment only).
  • Onsite entries: $20 – Sunday, 11/3 between 11:20 and 1:45am to receive a round 1 pairing. 
  • No refunds for withdrawals requested after online registration closes (5pm 11/1). Email to withdraw.
  • NO EMAIL entries or requests from Friday 5pm 11/1 onward.  Registrar is traveling!
  • Onsite entries: $20 – Cash or Venmo only. May receive a round 1 bye and begin play in round 2. 
  • Prizes: Top finishers in K-12 section will receive a medal. Open section offers cash prizes.

Details

Space is available!  Register onsite between 11:20 and 11:45 to receive a 1st round pairing!

  • 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 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
Lori Balkum, (registrar@austinchesstournaments.com)
For all other event questions, please email
Gary Gaiffe, (ggaiffe@att.net)

Organized by Rocks & Rooks

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Waco October 12 Swiss- National Chess Day Tournament

Rated 4SS in 4 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on October  12, 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

  • 1800+ (Open to players rated 1800 and higher)
  • U1800 (Open to players rated 1200-1799)
  • U1400 (Open to players rated 700-1399)
  • U900 (Open to players rated 899 or less)

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)

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September Austin Monthly Scholastic – G/30 Sections

Rated 5SS in three sections (K-12 U1000, K-5 U800, and K-3) playing G/30, d5, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association on 9/28/2024. This event is limited to scholastic players. Read the description and register online: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/4940

Location
Bethany United Methodist Church
10010 Anderson Mill Rd
Austin, TX 78750

Sections

  • K-12 U1000
  • K-5 U800
  • K-3

Note: The Monthly Austin Scholastic Tournament is open to all players in elementary, middle, and high school. There is also a separate tournament for K-12 participants with a longer time control (G/45; d5) being offered. Registration for the G/45 tournament is available at https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/4941

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

  • Onsite registration : BEFORE 9 AM
    No check-in necessary if you have pre-registered.
  • Round One: 10:00 AM
  • Round Two: 11:30 AM
  • Round Three: 1:30 PM 
  • Round Three: 3:00 PM 
  • Round Four: 4:30 PM

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
$40 by 9/15
$45 by 9/25
$50 on or after 9/26 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

All registration deadlines are in EST.

Withdrawals requested via email before NOON on Friday 9/27/24 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/4940

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 9/30/2024.

Boards and pieces will be provided, but please bring your chess clock. Each player should have a chess clock to play. If you do not have one, chess clocks will be available for purchase onsite.

If both players do not have a clock AND the game does not finish within one hour, TDs will put a clock with 5 mins time for each player.

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

Online TLA!

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September Austin Monthly Scholastic – G/45 Championship Section

Rated 5SS in one section (K-12 Championship) playing G/45, d5, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association on 9/28/2024. Read the description and register online:  https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/4941

Location
Bethany United Methodist Church
10010 Anderson Mill Rd
Austin, TX 78750

Sections

  • K-12 Championship 

Note: The Monthly Austin Scholastic Tournament is open to all players in elementary, middle, and high school. There is a separate tournament for K-12 participants with a faster time control (G/30; d5). Registration for the G/30 tournament is available at https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/4940

Schedule
FIVE Rounds
 at a time control of G/45, d5

  • Onsite registration : BEFORE 8 AM
    No check-in necessary if you have pre-registered.
  • Round One: 9:00 AM
  • Round Two: 10:45 AM
  • Round Three: 1:00 PM 
  • Round Three: 2:45 PM 
  • Round Four: 4:30 PM

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
$40 by 9/15
$45 by 9/25
$50 on or after 9/26 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

All registration deadlines are in EST!

Withdrawals requested via email before NOON on Friday 9/27/24 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/4941

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 9/30/2024.

Boards and pieces will be provided, but please bring your chess clock. Each player should have a chess clock to play. If you do not have one, chess clocks will be available for purchase onsite.

If both players do not have a clock AND the game does not finish within one hour, TDs will put a clock with 5 mins time for each player.

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

ONLINE TLA!