Tag: quick rated

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MLK Day Scholastic Tournament

Rated 5SS in four sections (K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12) playing G/30, d5, offered by the Atlantic Chess Association on Monday, 1/20/2025 at their MLK Open in Houston.

Read the description and register online: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5506

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

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

Round One: 9:00 AM
Next round as soon as all games in a section finish.

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 12/22/2024
$50 by 1/5/2025
$55 by 1/15/2025
$60 on or after 1/16 (on-site registration closes 30 minutes before Round 1).

Withdrawals requested via email before NOON on Friday 1/19/2025 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/5506

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.

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

Online TLA!

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2025 International Women’s Day Rapid

Calling all women and girls! The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a tournament to celebrate International Women’s Day.  With USCF Rated Tournament and non-rated sections available, this event will be held on March 08, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  USCF Membership required for rated play.   Capacity: 64 players!

LOCATION:
Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy
12466 Los Indios Trail
Suite A100
Austin, TX 78729
Free parking provided!

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
5SS, G/15, +5 – Women and girls only!
SECTION A*: USCF rated
SECTION B: Unrated
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED to play in Section A*

RATING INFORMATION:
● March 2025 official USCF ratings will be used.
● Unofficial USCF ratings will be used if unrated .
● Players in Section A 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: 10:40 AM
●  3rd round: 11:20 AM
●  Lunch break: 12:00 PM
●  4th round: 12:30 PM.
●  5th round: 1:10 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes – around 2pm.
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:
● Register at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/2025-women-day/
●  The tournament is free of charge and open the first 64 entries.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Section A: gift cards and other prizes to the top 3 finishers
●  Section B: gift cards and other prizes to the top 3 finishers
Sponsors: Kendra Scott, Slow North, Amanda Deer

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after registering, please email us at info@austin-chess.com asap so we can offer your spot to the next player in line!

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director. 

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. 

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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. 

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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

Austin Chess Tour 2: Junior Qualifier #1

The Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy is hosting a Junior (Scholastic) USCF Rated Tournament on January 11, 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 January 5th at 11:59 pm.
●  $50 on or after January 6th (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-1/

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

Leander Winter 2025 Scholastic Tournament

Scholastic chess tournament in multiple sections at the Leander Public Library on January 11, 2025. 
Tournament capped at 48 students! Tournament will likely fill up, so register ASAP! Once the tournament fills up, reach out to danielhung@utexas.edu if interested in getting on the waitlist.

Location

Leander Public Library
Library Annex
1101 S Bagdad Rd
Leander, TX 78641

Free parking onsite!

The tournament is held in the Library Annex (the building closer to the parking lot upon parking – to your  left)

Sections

Sections determined by number of entries. 
View prior tournament results for an idea of  section splits!

Schedule

No check in required. Be seated at 12:50PM for announcements.

Five rounds, with estimated start times of 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, and 5PM.
Subsequent round as soon as the previous round finishes and the next is paired. Be ready to play!

 
Time Control: G25/d5
USCF regular/quick rated 

Awards

Trophy for first place, medals for positive score, ribbon for everyone else.

Registration Information

Click HERE for full tournament description and to register!

  • Super Early Bird $25 before noon December 25, 2024
  • Early Bird $30 before noon January 1, 2025
  • Regular Entry $35 before noon January 7, 2025
  • Late Entry $40 before noon January 11, 2025 if there are any spots available

Payment Methods

Payment via Venmo is preferred (Daniel-Hung-3), zelle (danielhung@utexas.edu or 956-639-5311) (legal name for both Daniel Flood). Pay before the above deadlines to lock in your price and registration. 

What to Bring and Know

  • Please bring a clock and chess set if you have one!
  • 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. Strongly encouraged to bring your own notation book/sheets. 

Additional Rules

No parents allowed in the playing room.

Parents and players that are done with their game should remain at the main library building. Only drinks allowed in the playing hall. Food must be consumed outside. 

Questions

Please contact me at danielhung@utexas.edu with any questions.

Online TLA!

Posted on by

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.

Online Registration is now open!

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

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 puchase.  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.  Online Registration is now open!

*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! 

Registration is open!

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

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!

Concessions details coming soon. 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. Regular online registration closes at 5pm on 1/23/2025.

*$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!