Chess tournaments in Texas: Where to look for the best ones?

Last updated: August 2026

Many of our students at MM Chess are from Texas, and one thing that keeps coming up is the search for tournaments. So we put together this guide to the state's major events and where to find them year-round. And if you'd like to improve before you play in any of these, why not try a trial lesson with a master at MM Chess Academy?

Upcoming Chess Tournaments in Texas

• Texas Summer Championship — August, organized by the Texas Chess Center; four sections from Championship (Open) down to U800.

• Texas Grade Championship — typically held in October (the 2025 edition ran October 17–19 at the Houston Marriott Westchase); open to Texas residents and students, grouped by grade.

• Houston Chess Congress — November, organized by Houston Chess Studio, open to players of all ages.

Looking for tournaments outside Texas? Check our full tournament finder for every state we cover.

Texas Chess Association (TCA)

The governing body for chess in Texas, founded in 1935 by J.C. Thompson — who, together with George Koltanowski, introduced the Swiss pairing system to American chess at the 1942 Southwest Open in Corpus Christi. TCA organizes the state's biggest events:

• Texas Scholastic "Super State" Championship — spring (usually March), K-12 in Elementary, Middle, and High School sections.

• Texas Women's Chess Championship — summer, open to female players of all ages.

• Texas Collegiate Super Finals — spring, for college chess teams.

• Texas Grade Championship — October, grouped by grade.

  
  

📍 Quick Facts

Organizer: Texas Chess Association

Membership required: TCA + US Chess membership for sanctioned events

Official source: texaschess.org/tca-and-tca-club-events

Where to Play Regularly

For weekly and monthly club tournaments across the state, see our full Texas Chess Clubs Guide — including Dallas Chess Club, Arlington Chess Club, and Texas Chess Center.

Dallas Chess Club

 — works jointly with TCA on many statewide events.

📍 Official source: dallaschess.com

Arlington Chess Club 

— hosts tournaments twice a month, including the Arlington Chess Club Open (Open, Reserve U1500, Novice U900 sections) and scholastic-only events.

📍 Official source: arlingtonchess.com/tournaments

Texas Chess Center 

— weekly and annual tournaments across Plano, Carrollton, and Irving locations; Swiss system, no eliminations, US Chess ID required.

📍 Location (Irving): 4343 W Royal Ln, Suite 114, Irving, TX

📍 Official source: texaschesscenter.com/tournaments

Houston Chess Studio & Poison Pawns Chess Club

Running tournaments twice a month for all ages and skill levels, in partnership with Poison Pawns Chess Club. Their events include the November Houston Chess Congress, monthly Championship tournaments, and the Texas Senior State Championship, a TCA-sanctioned event for players 50 and up.

📍 Quick Facts

Location: Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St, Suite H, Houston, TX 77009

Texas Senior Championship: usually held in March

Official source: poisonpawns.club/calendar

Conclusion

There are many opportunities to test your skills over the board — you just have to look in the right places. And if you're looking for the right place to improve your skills first, learn from our Masters online.

We'd love to hear your ideas on how to make this guide better — share them with us and we'll keep it updated.

FAQ

When is the Texas Grade Championship?

Usually held in October — the most recent edition ran October 17–19 at the Houston Marriott Westchase.

Who organizes the Texas Senior Championship?

The Poison Pawns Chess Club, held at Houston Chess Studio, typically in March.

Do I need a Texas Chess Association membership to play in TCA events?

Yes — TCA-sanctioned tournaments require both a TCA membership and a US Chess membership.

Where can I find weekly chess tournaments in Texas?

See our full Texas Chess Clubs Guide for club-level tournaments across Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Carrollton, Irving, and Houston.