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Austin Chess Club 2024 Summer Open

USCF rated swiss chess tournament on August 16-18, 2024.   We offer FOUR sections and a guaranteed prize fund of $5000 and 30 Grand Prix Points. There will be 5 rounds in total over the weekend with two schedules. The Championship and Reserve sections are FIDE rated.

LIMIT 85 players in any single section.

View the Advance Entry List.
Online registration is requested.

Location

Austin Southpark Hotel
4140 Governors Row
Austin, TX 78744

Discounted group room rate at the Austin Southpark Hotel is only $109/night here: Hotel Booking Link

Please support the tournament by staying at the event hotel! Link valid thru 7/26/24.

Round Times

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

ALL PLAYERS (G/90, +30):
Round 2: Saturday, 1pm
Round 3: Saturday, 6:30pm
Round 4: Sunday, 9:30am
Round 5: Sunday 3:00pm

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

*If a player is 15 minutes late for round 1 without notice, they will be withdrawn.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

Byes

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

Registration and Fees

All registration and payment happens online: Register today!
Entry fees are staggered and we would like for you to register early!

  • $79 if received by Friday, 05/31/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $89 if received by Sunday, 07/07/2024, 11:59pm CST
  • $109 thru the Wednesday before the tournament (8/14/24), 11:59pm CST
  • $129 thru the Thursday before the tournament (8/15/24), 11:59pm CST  OR onsite, IF space available. Any registrations made onsite after 8:30am, Saturday 8/17 receive a 1st round bye.

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

Titled players (IM/GM) play for free if space allows. (No entry fees deducted from winnings if registered before June 1! Registrations as of June 1 will have entry fee offered at time of registration deducted from any prizes earned.)  Must register online. Contact registrar (austinchessclub@austinchesstournaments.com) for coupon code.

Withdrawal with refund available if requested by 7pm on Friday one week before the event (8/09/2024).  After that time, no refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any refunds will incur a $10 processing and transaction fee.

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

Sections and Prizes

$5000 in prizes 100% guaranteed
One prize per person

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

Championship (2000+) 
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1900-1999 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$900 2nd-$450 3rd-$225
• Expert (2000-2199): 1st -$350 2nd-$175

Reserve (1600 -1999)
*This section will be FIDE rated and will use FIDE rules. USCF ratings used for pairings.
*Registering for the FIDE section permits the tournament organizers to request a FIDE ID on behalf of a player who does not yet have a FIDE ID.
*Players rated 1500-1599 may pay an extra $25 to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$550 2nd-$275 3rd-$135
• Class B (1600-1799): 1st -$250 2nd-$125

Intermediate (1200-1599)
*Players rated 1100 – 1299 may pay an extra $25 at registration to compete in this section, but are only eligible for place prizes*
• 1st -$400 2nd-$200 3rd-$100
• Class D (1200-1400): 1st -$125 2nd-$65

Novice (U1200)
• 1st -$300 2nd-$150 3rd-$60
• U1000: 1st -$120 2nd – $65

**August 2024 Supplement (‘Regular’ OTB) ratings will be used for pairing and placement purposes.  If no regular rating is available, then other USCF ratings (quick, blitz, online) can and will be considered for section placement
**Requests to play down will not be honored.
**Requests to play up will only be honored if the conditions mentioned above are met and the appropriate fee has been paid. You do NOT need to pay the up-charge during registration, if unsure about rating or section. You will be contacted in early August with directions for payment if necessary.
**Unrated players will be placed at TD’s discretion and are only eligible for place prizes
**Unrated players must disclose foreign and online ratings before their section placement is considered complete. Failure to disclose playing history may result in forfeiture and withdrawal from the event.

Device Policy

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

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

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

More Details

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

Scholastic Option

We are offering a special one day G/30, d5 tournament specifically for scholastic players rated under 1000. 

Players who qualify for this tournament may participate in BOTH the Summer Open and play all rounds in the Saturday Scholastic by requesting a bye in the Summer Open round 2.

You must register for each event in which you wish to partcipate.

Questions?

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

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ACC USCF Quick-rated G/24 Swiss

A one-day tournament on June 1st offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. We suggest that scholastic players have reached a rating of 400 before participating.  USCF membership must not expire before June 30, 2024. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

Cost is $15/player. We would like the first round to begin at 4:00pm sharp. Doors open at 3:00pm, so please arrive early. Follow the signs to our meeting areas.

We would like to start on-time. Please arrive early. Entries must be received and paid in full by 3:45pm.  Online entry preferred.

Please bring a set and a board. We look forward to seeing you!

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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ACC USCF Rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 4 weeks, with games on May 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 4 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $20.00 all. Online registration and payment requested.

USCF membership must not expire before May 31, 2024. Please renew before entering.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on May 4th. 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, May 11th to secure a round 2 pairing.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/.

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CANCELLED – Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy April Scholastic

The scholastic tournament originally scheduled for April 06, 2024 at the Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy has been cancelled.  Thank you for your understanding.

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

TOURNAMENT STYLE:
SECTION A: 1000 – 1400 USCF rating
SECTION B: 600 – 1000 USCF rating
SECTION C: Under 600 USCF rating and/or unrated.
*Note that no player will be allowed to play up or down*
*USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED*

RATING INFORMATION:
● April 2024 official USCF ratings will be used.

4-Round Swiss System Schedule (G/30,d5)
●  1st round: 10:00 AM
●  2nd round: 11:00 AM
●  Lunch break: 12:00 PM
●  3rd round: 12:30 PM.
●  4th round: 1:30 PM.
●  Closing ceremony: After the last game finishes.
NOTE: Half-point byes are acceptable for all rounds, limit 1. Must commit before the 1st round.

PLAYERS MAY NOT POSSESS CELL PHONES DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Please leave your phone at home, in your car, or turned off (vibrate/silent not acceptable) on top of your table. 

ENTRY FEES:
●  Online: $50 at https://austin-chess.com/tournaments/school_tournament_april/ by April 05, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
●  Late: $60  via PayPal or cash (if space is available) on the day of the event.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@austin-chess.com

PRIZES:
●  Trophies for 1st place (in each section)
● Medals for 2nd and 3rd place (in each section)

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you do not wish to participate in our tournament after paying the entry fee, please email us at info@austin-chess.com no later than 24 hours in advance for a refund. We reserve the right to charge a $15 service fee for cancellations. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: If you would like to withdraw from the tournament after it begins, please alert the tournament director and sign a withdrawal form in the lobby prior to leaving the premises. 
NO refunds will be issued after the tournament begins. 

NO-SHOW POLICY: There are NO refunds or credit for players who do not show up for their scheduled tournament matches.

Please contact us at info@austin-chess.com for any additional questions or concerns. 

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ACC USCF rated G/90 Standard Swiss

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

USCF membership must not expire before February 29, 2024.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on February 10th. No pre-registration for round 1 is necessary. Email pre-registration is accepted; however, online payment is preferred! If you email to register, you must show up and pay no later than 3:45pm! First round begins at 4pm. Please be on time! Participants who wish to enter the tournament late may email Austin Chess Club. Late entry must be made (emailed) before 10am on Saturday, February 17th to secure a round 2 pairing.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/.

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Waco January Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on January 13, 2024. Limited space!

Location
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1624 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
(free parking on site!)

The church is behind the Target shopping center. Enter through main doors and turn right. The tournament room is at the end the of hallway.

Sections

  • Open
  • U1600
  • U1000

Rounds and Times
Four Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5

  • Registration & Check-in: 9:00 to 9:20 AM
  • Round One: 9:30 AM
  • Round Two: 11:15 AM
  • Round Three: 1:30 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 3:15 PM
  • $20 – Cash only (exact change appreciated). Paid when you arrive to tournament. 
  • Cash Prizes– Based on the number of entries

Registration Link and tournament info

  • Onsite Registration is 9:00 – 9:20 AM.  If you show up onsite without preregistering, there’s a chance the tournament will already be full.
  • Pre-registered not checked in by 9:20am will not be paired in round 1, unless you notify us (via email or text) that you are on the way.
  • (For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)

Details

  • Please bring a clock if you have one! We will provide chess sets.
  • US Chess Membership is required. Please be responsible for your membership prior to the event to help the organizers and prevent delays.
  • Notation is required.  Notation sheets will be available if needed, but please bring a pencil or pen.

Questions

For questions or problems registering, please email or text:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu)
Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
Or visit our site (wacochess.org)

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ACC USCF rated G/90 Standard Swiss

This slow swiss takes place over 3 weeks, with games on January 6th, 13th, and 20th. G/90 with 30 sec. increment per move. 3 round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. $15 entry. Online registration/payment  requested, but onsite entry is ok

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

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. The event has the potential to run late. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. One round may last upwards of 4 hours.

Last chance registration happens onsite 3:00-3:45pm on January 6th. 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,  January 13th  to secure a round 2 pairing.

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. (Please read the website before emailing with questions.)

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Waco December Swiss

Rated 4SS in 3 sections; G/45, d5. This event takes place on December 9, 2023. Limited space!

Location
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1624 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
(free parking on site!)

The church is behind the Target shopping center. Enter through main doors and turn right. The tournament room is at the end the of hallway.

Sections

  • Open
  • U1600
  • U1000

Rounds and Times
Four Rounds at a time control of G/45;d5

  • Registration & Check-in: 9:00 to 9:20 AM
  • Round One: 9:30 AM
  • Round Two: 11:15 AM
  • Round Three: 1:30 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 3:15 PM
  • $20 – Cash only (exact change appreciated). Paid when you arrive to tournament. 
  • Cash Prizes– Based on the number of entries

Registration Link and tournament info

  • Onsite Registration is 9:00 – 9:20 AM.  If you show up onsite without preregistering, there’s a chance the tournament will already be full.
  • Pre-registered not checked in by 9:20am will not be paired in round 1, unless you notify us (via email or text) that you are on the way.
  • (For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)

Details

  • Please bring a clock if you have one! We will provide chess sets.
  • US Chess Membership is required. Please be responsible for your membership prior to the event to help the organizers and prevent delays.
  • Notation is required.  Notation sheets and pens will be available if needed.

Questions

For questions or problems registering, please email or text:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu)
Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
Or visit our site (wacochess.org)

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ACC USCF G/24 Quick-Rated Swiss

A one-day tournament on October 14th offering G/24 with 5 sec. delay per move. 4 Round Swiss. Sections dependent on turnout. EF: $15.00 all. USCF membership required.  Online registration and payment suggested – available soon.

Austin Chess Club is a wonderful atmosphere for the mature, experienced chess player. Scholastic players are welcome, but expected to play quiet, serious chess. We suggest that scholastic players have reached a rating of 400 before participating.  USCF membership must not expire before October 31, 2023. Please renew with the USCF (https://new.uschess.org/) before coming to the event.

We would like to start on-time. Please arrive early. Entries must be received and paid in full by 3:45pm.Online entry preferred.

Cost is $15/player. We would like the first round to begin at 4:00pm sharp. Doors open at 3:00pm, so please arrive early. Follow the signs to our meeting areas.

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

Location:
The Upbring School of Arts and Sciences
3407 Red River St
Austin TX 78705

Finding the club Click for picture of area.
FIND THE ENTRANCE: Enter the front parking lot of the school via Luther Lane (green line on photo). Find the elevator outside the building (marked on photo by green dot);
go up the stairs to enter via the door, follow the hallway until you find lit classrooms.
PARKING: Additional parking may be found at:

  • St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot (marked by a blue blotch)
  • Sabina Apartments (underground?) parking, open to the public

For more information about the Austin Chess Club, click here.
Please read the website before contacting us. Contact information is available at http://austinchessclub.com/. Please read the website thoroughly before emailing with questions.

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Waco October 14 Swiss – National Chess Day Tournament

Rated National Chess Day Tourament 4SS in 4 sections. This event takes place on October 14, 2023. Limited to 60 players!
View the pre-registration list here!
The tournament is currently full.  You’ll find the Waiting List Registration here!

Location
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1624 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710

The church is behind the Target shopping center. Enter through main doors and turn right. The tournament room is at the end the of hallway.

Sections

  • Over 1800
  • Under 1800
  • Under 1300
  • Under 800

Rounds and Times
Four Rounds

  • Registration & Check-in for all sections: 8:50 to 9:10 AM
  • Round One (all sections): 9:15 AM

The Under sections have a time control of G/45,d5

  • Round Two: 11:00 AM
  • Round Three: 1:15 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 3:00 PM


The Over 1800 section has a time control of G/60,d5

  • Round Two: 11:30 AM
  • Round Three: 2:00 PM (after lunch)
  • Round Four: 4:15 PM
  • $20 – Cash only (exact change appreciated). Paid when you arrive to tournament. 
  • 1st & 2nd Place Cash Prizes in each section, amount based on the number of entries. The prize list will be posted on-site, after the start of Round 1.

Registration Link and tournament info

  • Onsite Registration is 8:50 – 9:10 AM.  If you show up onsite without preregistering, there’s a chance the tournament will already be full.
  • Pre-registered not checked in by 9:10am will not be paired in round 1, unless you notify us (via email or text) that you are on the way.
  • (For parents registering children, you may enter the parent email and phone number, but please enter the player’s name.)

Details

  • Please bring a clock if you have one! We will provide chess sets.
  • US Chess Membership is required. Please be responsible for your membership prior to the event to help the organizers and prevent delays.
  • Notation is required.  Notation sheets and pens will be available if needed.

Questions

For questions or problems registering, please email or text:
Dan Shafer (daniel_m_shafer@baylor.edu)
Deborah Shafer (dshaferchess@yahoo.com)
Or visit our site (wacochess.org)

Read our ONLINE TLA!