TCA and TCA Club Events

Texas State and Amateur Championships 2025

Luis Salinas Memorial 80th Annual Texas State and Amateur Championships

A Heritage Event, Enhanced Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, State Championship EventThe Vista in Lewisville, TexasFriday, May 23, 2025 – Monday, May 26, 2025

$10,000 Fully Guaranteed Prize Fund

The tournament has two sections and two one-day scholastic sections. All players in the Championship and Amateur sections need a FIDE ID. Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before the first round.

The Championship and Amateur sections will be FIDE-rated and will use FIDE rules. US Chess ratings and rules will be used for pairings and for awarding prizes. The May 2025 Supplement will be used. Texas Chess Association membership is required; other states accepted.

Championship: 7 rounds, Swiss, G/90;+30. Must be rated 2000 or above (Regular rating) by either US Chess or FIDE to play in this section or have had a provable 2000 or higher regular rating in the past. The defending Texas Amateur Champion may also play in this section. Foreign unrated players may play in this section and, at TD/Organizer discretion, may be required to play in this section. Place Prizes: $3000/$1500/$750. Other Prizes: 2200-2399 $500, U2200 $500. Texas State Champion: The highest scoring Texas player(s), including ties, will be named “Texas State Champion.”

Amateur: 7 rounds, Swiss, G/90;+30. Available to players with ratings under 2000 and unrated players. Place Prizes: $1000/$750/$500. Class prizes Class A-D 1st $250, 2nd $100. Texas Amateur Champion: The highest scoring Texas player(s), including ties, will be named “Texas Amateur Champion.”

The default late forfeiture time is one hour.

The May US Chess rating supplement to be used.

Learn More and Register

K-12 Scholastic

K-12 Scholastic on Saturday, 5 round, Swiss, G/30;d5, Onsite registration 8:15-8:45 am; Round 1 at 9:30 am; rest ASAP with a small lunch break, usually after round 2. Sections: K-12 Championship and K-12 U900. Trophies to the top ten individuals and top two (2) teams in each section. Medals for scores of 2.5 or greater that don’t receive a trophy.

Entry Fee $40 until 5/23 at 8:00 PM, Onsite registration 8:15-8:45 AM, $50.

Learn More and Register

Texas Senior Chess Championship

A US Chess & Texas Chess Association Sanctioned State Championship Event

Organized by the Poison Pawns Chess Club, played at The Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St. Suite H, Houston TX 77009.

Always Plenty of FREE Parking at The Studio.

WHEN: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Sunday, March 23, 2025

WHO CAN ENTER? – Any player aged 50 and over as of July 28, 2025. That is the beginning date of the John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions. The Texas resident winner of the Texas Senior Championship will be invited to play in the Irwin.

Entry Fee: $65 if received by March 19th, 2025, otherwise $85.

US Chess and TCA Memberships Required.

Out of state players must be members of their US Chess state organization or the TCA.

Out of state players are not eligible for any prizes

5 Rounds of G/75,d5

Rounds: Saturday 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am, 1:00 pm.

Tie-breaks used are: 1) Modified Median, 2) Solkoff, 3) Cumulative, 4) Cumulative of Opposition.

One 1/2 point bye (rounds 1-4 only) is allowed if requested before round one

Prizes: Trophies to top 3. $1,250 stipend to play in the “John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions” goes to the first place winner that is a Texas resident.

The Texas resident with the highest score after round five will be named, “2025 Texas Senior Chess Champion“. If two or more Texas residents are tied with the highest score after round five, they will all be named co-champions. Out of state residents are not eligible for any prizes. Trophies will be awarded to the top three Texas resident finishers using tie breaks.

The Texas Senior Champion will be invited to represent Texas in the 2025 Annual “John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions” and, after competing in that tournament, will receive a stipend of $1,250 ($750 from Poison Pawns Chess Club and $500 from the TCA) to help cover expenses of attendance at that event. If there are co-champions, the champion with the highest tie breaks will be invited to represent Texas in the national tournament and receive the $1,250 stipend. If the first place winner does not play in the National Senior Tournament then the 2nd place finisher will be eligible for the $1,250 stipend. If the second place winner does not play then the 3rd place finisher will be eligible. etc.

HOTEL INFO: Holiday Inn Express, 3401 N. Main St., is less than a mile from The Studio. Phone 832-834-6197 and ask for The Houston Chess Studio discount, or if booking online use code ALDR9. Also within a mile is the Heights House Hotel, an America’s Best Value, and a Luxury Inn. Google them for info.

RESTAURANT INFO: There are 3 restaurants in the same strip center as The Studio: The Red Hot Noodle (Asian), Subway, and Patron Pizza. Several others are within walking distance.

Sections: 1, with a 2-day schedule.

Prize Fund: $1,250

FIDE Rated: No

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Residency Restriction: Not to play, but must be a Texas resident to win any prize.

Online Event: No

ORGANIZER OVERVIEW: EDGAR ACOSTA

Email: POISONPAWNSCHESSCLUB@GMAIL.COM

Phone: 281-844-4139

Website: https://www.poisonpawns.club

Register Now: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2025TexSeniorStateChampionship

2025 Texas Scholastic Chess Championships (South)

The 2025 South Texas Scholastic Chess Championship is March 15-16 at Stillman Middle School in Brownsville, Texas.

Sections

K-1 Championship

Primary Championship

Primary JV

Elementary Championship

Elementary JV

Middle School Championship

Middle School JV

High School Championship

Prizes

Individual trophies to the top 15

Participation Medals to everyone

Team Trophies to top 10 teams

Honorable Mention Medals are presented to individuals with positive scores who do not win trophies.

More Information and how to register.

2025 Texas Scholastic Chess Championships (North)

The Vista (formerly Vista Ridge or Music City Mall) 2401 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX 75067Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 2, 2025

USCF Rated Sections (USCF Membership Required)

High School Championship, High School JV (U1000), Middle School Championship, Middle School JV (U900), Middle School Novice (U500), Elementary Championship, Elementary JV (U900), Elementary Novice (U500), Primary Championship (K-3), Primary JV (K-3 U500), K-1 Championship

February Supplement to be used. Two ½ point byes allowed if one is for Round 1.

Scholarships to be Awarded USCF Rated Sections: High School Championship, Middle School Championship, Elementary Championship, Primary Championship – $500 each; High School and Middle School JV – $250

In the event of ties Swiss tiebreaks per the USCF Rules (page 152 Paragraph 34E, 7th Edition) will be used.

USCF Rated Sections: 7 Round Swiss. High School and Middle School Championship G/75;d5, All other sections G/60;d5.

Round 1 Friday Night 7:00 PM. Saturday Round 2, 9:00 AM; Round 3, 12:00 PM; Round 4, 3:00 PM, Round 5, 6:00 PM. Sunday Round 6, 9:00 AM; Round 7, 12:00 PM

Entry Fee – $45 before February 8, 2025, $55 before February 22, 2025, $65 before February 27. On-site $75.

Awards: Trophies: Top 8 individuals, top 4 teams (2-4 players).

Seating for Parents, Coaches, and Players between rounds: The Vista is a large mall however tables and chairs are very limited. You can bring you own chairs such as lawn chairs ect. There is ample room in mall but seating directly outside the playing hall is prohibited.

For rated sections: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/TCANorthTexasScholastic

For unrated sections: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/NorthTexasUnratedScholastic

Un-Rated Sections (USCF Membership not Required)

Un-Rated Middle/High School, Un-Rated 4-5/6, Un-Rated K-3. One ½ point bye if requested before Round 2.

Scholarships to be Awarded Un-Rated Middle/High Section: $500 (Note: If the player has or had a USCF membership they ARE NOT Eligible to play the Un-Rated Middle/High School Section)

In the event of ties Swiss tiebreaks per the USCF Rules (page 152 Paragraph 34E, 7th Edition) will be used.

Un-Rated Sections Format: 5 Round Swiss, non elimination Saturday Only, G/30;d5

Round 1 starts at approximately 9:15 AM. All others ASAP.

Entry Fee – $25 before February 8, 2025, $35 before February 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM. On-site 8:00-8:30 AM – $50.

Awards: Trophies: Top 3 individuals, top 2 teams (2-4 players).

Seating for Parents, Coaches, and Players between rounds: The Vista is a large mall however tables and chairs are very limited. You can bring you own chairs such as lawn chairs ect. There is ample room in mall but seating directly outside the playing hall is prohibited.

For rated sections: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/TCANorthTexasScholastic

For unrated sections: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/NorthTexasUnratedScholastic

Texas Scholastic Online Quick Open Chess Championships

Join the 2024-25 Texas Scholastic Online Quick Open Chess Championships!

📅 Date: January 11, 2025📍 Platform: Chess.com (with Zoom for select sections)🏫 Who Can Play?: Students from Pre-K to Grade 12 from all states!

Key Details:

11 Sections: From K-1 Championship to High School Championship.

Time Control: 6 Rounds, G/15 + 2s increment.

Entry Fees: $35-$55, depending on registration date.

Prizes: Personalized plaques for top players and teams.

Zoom Practice: Jan 10, 2025, at 7 PM CST.

Zoom for Event: Required for Championship sections only.

🔗 Pairings, Standings, and More Info: Updates coming soon!📬 Questions? Contact David Ortiz at david@texaschess.org.

Join the 2024-25 Texas Scholastic Online Quick Open Chess Championships!

📅 Date: January 11, 2025📍 Platform: Chess.com (with Zoom for select sections)🏫 Who Can Play?: Students from Pre-K to Grade 12 from all states!

Key Details:

11 Sections: From K-1 Championship to High School Championship.

Time Control: 6 Rounds, G/15 + 2s increment.

Entry Fees: $35-$55, depending on registration date.

Prizes: Personalized plaques for top players and teams.

Zoom Practice: Jan 10, 2025, at 7 PM CST for Chess.com newbies.

Zoom for Event: Required for Championship sections only.

🔗 Pairings, Standings, and More Info: Updates coming soon!📬 Questions? Contact David Ortiz at david@texaschess.org.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event—sign up today!

Middle & High School Chess Players: Get Ready for the 2024 South Texas State Grade Championships!

South Texas Middle & High School Chess Players – It’s Your Turn!

The 2024 South Texas State Grade Championships for middle and high schoolers are also happening in Brownsville! This tournament is your chance to put your chess strategy to the test and compete for the title within your grade level.

📅 Dates: November 2-3, 2024📍 Location: UTRGV Brownsville Campus

Join us for a weekend of intense competition and excitement. Will you rise to the challenge and become the state champion for your grade? Don’t miss the action!

For more details, visit the UTRGV Chess site: www.utrgv.edu/chess

Elementary Chess Players: Prepare for the 2024 South Texas State Grade Championships!

South Texas Elementary Chess Players – Get Ready!

The 2024 South Texas State Grade Championships are heading to Brownsville, and it’s time for elementary chess players to shine! Compete within your grade level and show your chess prowess in this thrilling competition. Don’t miss out on the chance to test your skills against the best elementary players in South Texas!

📅 Dates: October 26-27, 2024📍 Location: UTRGV Brownsville Campus

Be part of this exciting event and see who will claim the championship title for each grade level. It’s a weekend of strategy, challenge, and fun that you won’t want to miss!

For more details, visit the UTRGV Chess site: www.utrgv.edu/chess

2024 North/Central Texas Grade Championships

October 18 – 20, 2024

6-round Swiss

Individual and Team Trophies!

Open to any pre-K thru 12th grade student either living or attending school in Texas.Homeschooled are accepted.All players play all six rounds, no elimination.Each player MUST play in their current grade level.There is no playing up or down to a different grade.Each Grade level is its own section. I.e. kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, so forth.

More Information and Registration: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/TXGrades

90th Annual Southwest Open on Labor Day Weekend

The 90th Annual Southwest Open takes place over Labor Day weekend at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bush International! FIDE norms will be possible in the 9-round International Section, August 29 – September 2 (five days)! Players in the other three sections (U2300, Reserve, and Novice) will play seven (7) rounds and start a day later, although they can enter in the 4-day or 3-day schedules. For information, rules, and registration, please see https://www.kingregistration.com/event/90SWO. We will have a one-day Southwest Open Scholastic event at the same site on Saturday, August 31st. For details and registration, please see https://www.kingregistration.com/event/SW90Scho.

Luis Salinas Memorial 79th Annual Texas State and Amateur Championships

A Heritage Event, Enhanced Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, State Championship Event

DFW Airport Marriott SouthFriday, May 24, 2024 – Monday, May 27, 2024

Event Overview

DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

4-day Schedule: Friday 5/24 – Monday 5/27

3-day Schedule: Saturday 5/25 – Monday 5/27

FIDE-rated and FIDE rules.

US Chess ratings and rules used for pairings and awarding prizes.

Texas Chess Association membership is required. Other states accepted.

Default late forfeiture time is one hour.

FIDE IDs

All Championship and Amateur players need a FIDE ID to play. Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before the first round to play. There is no charge to get a FIDE ID. Request a FIDE ID now.

Entry Fees

State and Amateur Championships: $119 if received by 5/19, else $139.

Senior (over 65)/Handicapped/additional family participant $79 if received by 5/19 else $99

K-12 Scholastic: $39 if received by 5/19, else $49.

Byes/Changes/Refunds

Up to two 1/2-point byes are available if requested before the end of round 2 and before receiving a full-point bye, but 1/2-point byes for both rounds 6 and 7 are not permitted.

All refunds and changes must be requested by email and sent to state@texaschess.org. No refunds after 5/20. After 5/23, all registration and changes are onsite only. Changes and withdrawals are subject to a $10 fee.

Tournament Website

2024 Texas North/Central Scholastic Chess Championships

March 1-3 – Houston, Texas

7 round Swiss System (No Elimination) at Houston Marriott Westchase 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston Texas, 77042. Grand Pavilion Playing Hall – MS JV U900, MS Novice U600, Elementary Championship, Elementary JV U800, Elementary Novice U500, Primary Championship, Primary JV U600 and K-1 Championship

Details and Registration: http://www.dallaschess.com/2024TexasScholastic/index.htm

2024 South Texas State Scholastic Championships

Open to students who reside or attend school in Texas.

9 sections, 7 Swiss rounds; First round on both days at 10 am Chess sets, notations, and pens will be provided; bring clocks Trophies: 20 individual and 15 team in each section Scholarships for best students in HS Championship Section Participation medals for all students registered by February 27 USCF and TCA memberships required; team rooms for rent.

Details and Registration: https://UTRGV.edu/chess

2024 Texas Senior Chess Championship

Players born on or before July 29, 1974 will compete in five rounds (G/60;d5) on March 16-17, 2024 to be named, “Texas Senior Chess Champion”, and for the opportunity to represent Texas in the 7th Annual John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions.

Entry Fee: $65 if received by February 29, 2024, otherwise $80. US Chess and TCA Memberships Required. Rounds: Saturday 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am, 1:00 pm. One 1/2 point bye (rounds 1-4 only) allowed if requested before round one.

Eligibility

All players must have been born on or before July 29, 1974.

Players are not required to be Texas residents, but only Texas residents are eligible to be named “State Senior Champion” or represent Texas in the National Tournament of Senior State Champions.

Texas residents must be members of the Texas Chess Association.

Non-Texas residents must be a member of any US Chess Federation State affiliate organization.

Tournament Details

For Tournament Details, Registration, and Hotel Information visit: https://arlingtonchess.com/senior.

Texas Team Championship 2024

Date: January 19-21st, 2024 (2-day schedule Sat/Sun), plus a fun Friday night full of Blitz and Hand & Brain chess!

Venue: Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria located at 7611 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024. GPS Link. Plenty of free hotel parking.

Entry Fees: $200 discounted EF IF ALL TEAM MEMBERS HAVE TCA MEMBERSHIP / $225 regular EF per team (which includes all TCA fees) if paid by 10pm cst 1/5/24. EFs increase to $250 (TCA members) and $275 (non TCA members) after 1/5/24. Final deadline to register is 01/17/2024 after which pairings will be done and teams will get the opportunity to prepare against their opponent(s). A team captain/coach/guardian will need to register each team collectively and make a one time payment. We are not taking multiple EF payment registrations from individual members of each team

Prizes/Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place TEAM Trophy Cup plus individual medals for all members of award winning teams. 1st place team wins minimum $500 guaranteed. 2nd place team wins $300 minimum. 3rd place team wins $200 minimum. Prize fund is $2,000 based on 32 teams registered. Special biggest upset award trophy. Top High School Team Trophy (grades 9-12, same school), Top Middle School Team Trophy (same school, grades 6-8), Top Elementary School Team Trophy (same school). The top high/middle/elementary is for 1st place only. Individual medals will also be awarded to the team members of the 1st place winning High/Middle/Elementary teams.

See the tournament website for details and registration.

Texas North Scholastic Grade Championships

Join TCA in Houston for the North Texas Scholastic Grade Championships starting October 20, 2023. 13 Sections: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade. 13 separate tournaments, 1 per grade, Kindergarten through 12th . Players must play in their grade. Playing up to a higher or down to a lower grade level is not permitted. One ½ point bye available, any round, if requested before end of round 2 and if player has not received a full point bye or forfeit win.

Details and Registration

South Texas Grade Chess Championship

Join TCA in Brownsville for the South Texas Grade Chess Championship beginning October 7, 2023. Only Texas residents or students enrolled in secondary or primary schools (including home schools) in Texas may play in this event. This is a USCF-rated event (for both Regular and Quick ratings). USCF membership is required to participate. Thirteen sections (Kindergarten – 12th grade).

Details and Registration

89th Annual Southwest Open Chess Championships

The oldest chess tournament in Texas and TCA’s premier event begins September 1 at the Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The three-section event also features three side events, including the Southwest Scholastic Chess Championships, a blitz event, and a GM Simul.

7SS – US Chess Rated – GPP: 60

G/90 + 30-second Increment (All Sections)

Open & Reserve sections are FIDE Rated

(using FIDE rules)

US Chess Regular Ratings, September 2023 US Chess Rating Supplement, used for section eligibility. US Chess rules used for pairing all sections.

More Details and Registration

2023 Texas Girls’ State Chess Championship

Join TCA in Brownsville beginning September 23 for the Girls’ State Championship. Only Texas female residents or students enrolled in secondary or primary schools (including home schools) in Texas may play in this event. This is a USCF-rated event (for both Regular and Quick ratings). 5 rounds, Swiss System, 30 minutes per game per player with 5 seconds of delay (G/30; d5) .

Details and Registration

2023 Texas Action Championship

The 2023 Texas Action Championship will be played at the Waco Convention Center on July 22. The five-round G/30;d5 event is being organized by Innovative Chess Solutions and will have multiple sections and a blitz tournament.

In addition to fifteen grand prix points and the Texas Action Champion title, the organizer will be awarding $700 in guaranteed prizes in the Open section, including a $500 guaranteed prize for first place. In each other section (U1600, U1000 and U600), $300 in prizes (b/30) will be awarded, including $200 for first place. 50% of blitz entry fees will be returned as prizes in the Texas Blitz Championship.

Entry fees start at only $28 ($38 for the Open section) and will remain at that level through May 20. As the tournament nears, these entry fees will dramatically increase (reaching $65 for the Open and $50 for all other sections by the last week before the event). If you want a deal, register now. Not sure if you can come yet? No need to worry. Your entry fee is fully refundable until seven days before the event. No questions asked. No hassle. Just ask for a refund by the deadline and your refund will be on its way in no time.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-texas-action-chess-championship-registration-599722093927

78th Texas State and Amateur Championships

The 77th Annual Texas State and Amateur Championships will take place May 26-29, 2023 in Irving.

7 Round Swiss – Championship and Amateur Sections

Championship Section: G/90 with 30 sec increment.

Amateur Section: G/90 with 30 sec increment

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton DFW Airport North 4441 W John Carpenter Frwy, Irving TX 75063 Hotel rate: $99

Details and Registration at: http://dallaschess.com/2023TexasState/index.htm

Texas Women’s Championship is March 25

The Texas Women’s Chess Championship will be played in Brownsville on March 25. The event is 6 rounds, G/30;d5 with the first round starting at 9:00am. The event is open to women who reside in Texas (including school/college students). US Chess and TCA Memberships required.

More info and registration: https://www.utrgv.edu/chess/tournaments/tx-womens-championship/index.htm