Tag: chess tournament

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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.

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Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep 2025 January Scholastic Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on January 25, 2025. USCF rated chess tournament for adults and more advanced scholastic players. Open plays 4SS at G/45,+5 and K-12 Elite plays 5SS at G/40,+5.

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

Thank you for playing! Final Results are online!  The tournament 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

Paragon Prep
7944 Great Northern Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757

Eligibility

Open Section:
All adults
Any youth who have reached at least 1300 by the January 2025 USCF supplement.
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1399 on the January 2025 USCF Supplement

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’ scholastic section of the Paragon Prep 2025 January Scholastic. 

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 January 31, 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!
8:45 a.m. K-12 Elite begins
9:15 a.m. Open  sections begin. Open has 4 rounds of G/45,+5; K-12 Elite has 5 rounds of G/40, +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 and K-12 Elite Sections*:
Open (4 rounds):
rd 1 – 9:15am, rd 2 – 11:10am, rd 3 – 1:25pm, rd 4 – 3:30pm
K-12 Elite (5 rounds):
rd 1 – 8:45am, rd 2 – 10:35am, rd 3 – 12:25pm, rd 4 – 2:15pm, rd 5 – 4:00pm

(Sections will play in separate rooms.)

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.

Zaika’s Indian Kitchen will be offering a luncheon menu (11:00am – 2:30pm) for purchase at the event and the NYOS chess club will offer snacks and drinks for purchase.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

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.). 
K-12 Elite:
Trophies to top finishers. Medals to positive scores not receiving a trophy. Trophies top teams.  

Registration Information

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment. 

*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Wednesday, 12/25/2024.
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Wednesday, 01/15/2025
*youth – $50/adult – $40 thru Thursday, 1/23/2025 5pm
*$60 Late entry (after regular online entry closes), IF space is available. Link will be available from the time regular online entry closes thru 9:30am Saturday 1/25/2025.  All scholastic late entries receive a 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begin play in round 2. Open section first round play requires registration and payment before 8:45am Saturday.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 01/22/2025 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 01/24/2025. 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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Paragon Prep January 2025 Scholastic Tournament

Another Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament in multiple sections on January 25, 2025.  All sections are G/25, +5.  Trophies and medals awarded top individuals AND teams! A tournament for adults and youth rated 1000+ offered as well! 

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

FINAL RESULTS have been posted!
The event has been rated by the USCF.

Basics

USCF rated chess tournament on January 25th in multiple RATED scholastic sections: K-3 U400, K-5 U600, K-5 U1000, 6-12 U600, and 6-12 U1000. Please note: all scholastic players rated 1000 and over must play in the Open or K-12 Elite sections. View the Advance Entry List online. Please note, at the event pairings will be posted only online.

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 if available, and notation. K-3 U400 section is excused from taking notation. Please review the Parent/Coach Responsibilities before registering.

Location

Paragon Prep
7944 Great Northern Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757

Chess play will take place in classrooms in the Elementary Building on Great Northern. Review a map of campus.

Eligibility

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 January 31, 2025. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out. (New players in 3rd grade and below may request a non-member ID as a part of USCF’s Junior Tournament Player program during registration. 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 contact the registrar for options. 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.

Please note: January 2025 ‘Regular’ OTB ratings will be used for pairing 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. FYI: Any event that is rated after December 18th will not affect your January supplement rating, as those events takes place after January 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!
8:00 a.m. Chess Control opens for onsite registration.  Onsite registrations before 9:30am accepted (space permitting), but will begin play in round 2.
8:30 a.m Announcements begin in all scholastic playing rooms.
Players and coaches should be present.
8:45 a.m. K-12 Elite (different event for advanced youth. 5SS, all rounds are are G/40, +5.) begins.
9:00 a.m. Rd 1 for all Scholastic ‘under’ sections begins. Scholastic sections have 5 rds, G/25, +5.
9:15 a.m. Open section (different event allowing adults) begins. Open has 4 rounds, all rounds are are G/45, +5.
9:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 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

Scholastic Sections:
round 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!

Zaika’s Indian Kitchen will be offering a luncheon menu (11:00am – 2:30pm) for purchase at the event and the NYOS chess club will offer snacks and drinks for purchase.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.

Proper handwashing and adherence to COVID 19 exposure guidelines mandatory!

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. 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

Entry fee pricing is staggered and based on date of entry/payment.  

*$40 thru Wednesday, 12/25/2024
*$45 thru Wednesday, 01/15/2025
*$50 thru  Thursday 01/23/25 5pm, at which time online entry closes.
*$60 Late entry, if space is available. Link will be available from the time regular online entry closes thru 9:30am Saturday 1/25/2025.  All late entries receive a 1/2pt bye in round 1, and begins play in round 2.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday, 1/22/2025 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 1/24/2025. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

Questions

If you do not find the answer to your question after reading the tournament description and FAQ list, please email Lori Balkum, registrar (registrar@AustinChessTournaments.com). 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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ACC Blitz Quads Chess Night

Four player round robins!
Game in 5 minutes, 2 second delay.
EF: FREE
Enter live at the event!

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player.  Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play serious chess. Each round could go down to the wire!

All registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on December 21st. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time!

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 before emailing with questions.)

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ACC USCF Dual-rated G/30 Round Robins

Help Larry get his National Tournament Director certification by participating!
Six player sections.
Game in 30 minutes, 5 sec. delay per move. EF: FREE

Higher rated players – we need you!

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

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player.  Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. Each round could go down to the wire!

To enter, please send email to austinchessclub@gmail.com with the subject line
ACC USCF Dual-rated G/30 Round Robin Entry.

Please show up at the club by 3:30 or you may lose your place! First round begins at 4pm.

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 before emailing with questions.)

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ACC USCF Dual-Rated G/45 Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 2 weeks, with 2 games on December 7th and 2 games on December 14th. G/45 with 5 second delay.  4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration/payment  requested (coming soon).

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

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player.  Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. Each round could go down to the wire!

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on December 7th. 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, December 14th to secure a round 3 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/. (Please read the website before emailing with questions.)

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MLK Day Open

Rated 5SS in three sections, each with 2 schedules, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association over MLK weekend 2025. Read the description and register online:  https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5458

Location
Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria
7611 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77024

Sections

  • Premier (FIDE rated)
  • U1900
  • U1500 

All sections are USCF-rated. The top section is also FIDE-rated and follows FIDE pairing rules.
To play in the Premier section,  your rating must have reached 1800 after any tournament within the past calendar year.

Schedule
FIVE Rounds at a time control of G/90 + 30. 

  • 3 Day Schedule: All games G/90+30
  • 2 Day Schedule: Rounds 1 and 2 are G/60;d5
  • Default/Forfeit Time: 1 hour
  • See the event website for all round times.
  • Limit two irrevocable half-point byes. Byes must be committed 1 hr before Round 2.

Prizes
$7500 in cash prizes based on 150 entries.

  • Premier (min rating 1800*): $1200-800-600-400-200, Class Prizes U2100 $250-150, Top Upset $200 (Total $$3800)
  • U1900: $800-600-400-200-100, Class Prizes U1700 $200-100 (Total $$2400) Unr limit $200
  • U1500: $600-300-200-100 (Total $$1200) Unr limit $200
  • Top Female Player (In any section): $100

Entry Fee

**Free entry to GM/IM/WGM/WIM if committed by December 22, 2024 (No deduction from prizes!)**
$120 by 12/22/24
$135 by 1/05/2025
$155 by 01/15/2025
$180 on or after 1/16/2025 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

Withdrawals are subject to a $15 processing fee

Registration link: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5458

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 1/31/2025.

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.

No electronic boards or notation devices permitted.

Hotel reservations with chess rate available. $89/night + taxes. Use this link OR Call (713) 680 2222. Last Day to get the chess rate is January 3rd 2025

Side Event: Blitz Tournaments on Saturday 01/18/25 at approx. 9 PM. Blitz details and registration: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5459

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

Please share our event flyer.

Main Event: ONLINE TLA!
Blitz Tournament: ONLINE TLA!

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San Antonio Scholastic

Rated 5SS in four sections (K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12) playing G/30, d5, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association on  Sunday, 11/10/2024. This event is limited to scholastic players. Read the description and register online: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5249

Location
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
San Antonio Riverwalk
303 Blum St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Sections

  • K-12
  • K-8
  • K-5
  • K-3

We reserve the right to merge sections if there are too few partipants in a section.

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

  • Onsite registration : BEFORE 7:00 AM
    No check-in necessary if you have pre-registered.
  • Round One: 8:00 AM
  • Round Two: 9:15 AM
  • Round Three: 10:30 AM 
  • Round Four: 11:45 AM 
  • Round Five: 1:00 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
$45 by 10/31
$50 by 11/06
$55 on or after 11/07 (on-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1).

Withdrawals requested via email before NOON on Friday 11/08/24 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/5249

Other Notes
This tournament is USCF-rated. Your USCF membership should not expire before 11/30/2024.

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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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.)

Register online today!

View the advance entry list online.

Day-of reminders:
Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+Playing locations (campus map):
+Open Section – Bldg 2, room 346
+Your 1st round starts promptly at 9:15!
+Pairings will probably be online. (Paper copies in your room as well.)
+Food will be offered for purchase (see description of offerings below).  You may also bring lunch and snacks.  Only water bottles allowed at the chess board.
+If you have kids playing – make sure they have someone to help them if you’re still occupied with your game.
+No Check in necessary. If you have paid, you will play!
+Watch for a player reminder email.  Check your junk folder!

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.

Weather Announcement:
The tournament is still on!  Please allow extra time for a safe arrival! If conditions are questionable in the  morning, I will post a phone number on the website to contact for delayed arrivals. If you wish to request a 1st round bye in advance, please email asap. I will hold off pairing as long as possible, but we must pair on Friday.

Registration into round 2 is now closed.

View the Advance Entry List !

Follow your Pairings and Standings!

A note regarding concessions from the NYOS Chess Club Organizer:

For lunch we will have food from Cyclo Vietnamese and Chinese, with the options of  Sesame Chicken, Veggie, or mix with a side of rice. Veggie egg rolls will also be available. In addition, chicken strips and grilled cheese will be available from Culver’s, who is also providing frozen custard in the afternoon. Snacks and drinks will be available all day, and we will have limited breakfast options available before the first round (coffee, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bars, fresh fruit, muffins, ect.)

Additionally, a limited amount of chess themed pens, pencils, erasers, and keychains will be available for purchase.

Cash and Venmo accepted.

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 the 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.  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.
*Late/Onsite entries $60 (IF ALLOWED) and an online link will be provided.  Onsite entries will receive a bye in round 1. NO EXCEPTIONS.

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!

Special Information Regarding National Summer Invitationals:

For the upcoming National Summer Invitational tournaments (Rockefeller, Barber, Denker, Haring), the Texas Chess Association has recently decided to hold a qualifier tournament rather than simply sending the state champion to compete in each. A representative from each region of Texas will be among the participants for each section of the qualifier tournament.

Our Region VI representatives for the Rockefeller, Barber, and Denker sections of the Texas qualifier event will be the champions of their respective sections* at the Region VI Championships to be held on February 22nd in Austin.

More information to come regarding Haring qualification; you can email txchessmom@gmail.com with questions about Haring qualification in the meantime.

*If the Region VI champion also qualifies through either the North or South State Championship events, the Region VI 2nd place finisher will represent Region VI in the qualifier tournament.