Tag: Saturday

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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. 

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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. 

Online TLA

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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!

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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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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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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!

Day-of reminders:
+Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+No Check in necessary. You have paid, so you will play!
+Playing locations (campus map):
–High School Championship – rm 100, bldg A
–Middle School Championship – rms 100 & 101, bldg A
–Elementary Championship – rm 324, bldg 2
–Primary Championship – rm 422, bldg 2
ALL Varsity, JV, and Novice Sections – gym, bldg 3
+Championship sections start at 8:15am with announcements at 8:00!
+Non-Championship sections start at 9:00am with announcements at 8:40!
+Pairings will be online.
+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.
+Watch for a player reminder email.  Check your junk folder!

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.

 

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Open and K-12 Elite Sections at the Paragon Prep 2024 November Scholastic Tournament

The Open and K-12 Sections held in conjunction with the Rocks & Rooks scholastic chess tournament on November 23, 2024. 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.

Final Results are available!
The tournament has been rated by the USCF.

Verify your entry on the advance entry list.

Day-of reminders:
+We play in the ELEMENTARY BUILDING on Great Northern.  This is the building BEHIND the big black middle school building!
+Read our player reminders (you are responsible for all this info!)
+Pairings will be online.
+K-12 Elite games will be played in Room 113.  Open Section games will be played in Room 140B. (building map).
+Announcements at 8:45. We start promptly at 9am!
+Zaika’s Indian Kitchen will be offering a lunch menu, and light snacks and drinks will also be available – all for purchase.
+Watch for a player reminder email on Thursday – 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 are high, we reserve the right to split the open section 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 November 2024 USCF supplement.
K-12 Elite:
Any youth rated between 950 and 1399 on the November 2024 USCF Supplement

Ineligible entries will be moved to the appropriate ‘under’  section of the Paragon Prep November 2024 Scholastic Chess Tournament. 

This is a rated tournament. You must have a USCF ID and your membership (can be purchased/renewed at check out or online with the USCF in advance of registration) . You can verify your USCF membership ID and expiration by visiting the USCF’s Member Services Area. Anyone can become a USCF member. Players new to tournament chess are welcome to play. Your USCF membership cannot expire before November 30, 2024.  USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Schedule

No check-in necessary for preregistrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration. Verify your entry ONLINE!
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) at the event: Chicken and Rice Marsala, Vegetable Plate, Samosas, Chai, Mango Lassi, and a Vegan Plate. Prices range from $2 to $10.   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 pricing good for either K-12 Elite or Open.)
*youth – $40/adult – $30 thru Wednesday, 10/30/2024
*youth – $45/adult – $35 thru Saturday, 11/16/2024.
*Late entry youth-$50 / adult – $40 begins Sunday, 11/17/2024 and ENDS at 5pm on Thursday 10/21/24, at which time online entry closes.
*If space permits, onsite registration on Saturday, 11/23/24 will be permitted, $60 youth – $50 adult. Cash or venmo only. First round play requires registration and payment before 8:40am.

Withdrawals requested via email before midnight on Wednesday 11/20/24 are eligible for a refund (minus a $10 service fee). No exceptions. No refunds for USCF memberships after purchased from the USCF. NO email/phone entries.

Please request byes when you register if possible. First bye receives 1/2-point. Further byes receive 0-points. Email the registrar to make changes to your requested byes. Deadline to add or remove a 1st round requested bye is 9am Friday 11/22/2024. All 1/2-point byes must be requested/removed before the end of round 2.

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

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

View the ONLINE TLA!