TEXAS ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

Texas Action Championship 2026

A US Chess Grand Prix and State Championship Event

At The Houston Chess Studio

Saturday, Feb. 21 2026

REGISTRATION:  https://www.kingregistration.com/event/ACTION_CHAMP_2026

Event Overview: 

A one-day event.  5 Round Swiss, G/30, d5.

3 Sections: Open, U1600, U800

Projected Prizes: $900.00

Including $300 Guaranteed 1st Place, Grand Prix Points and 2026 Texas Action Chess Champion title and trophy for First Place in the Open Section

Benefits:

1. State Championship Status

Do you want to be known as the best chess player in Texas for one-hour games? As an official US Chess state championship, sponsored by the Texas Chess Association, we have the honor of making this possible by awarding the title of “2026 Texas Action Chess Champion.”

2. Grand Prix Event

This tournament is one of the very few upcoming events in Texas that qualify as a US Chess Grand Prix event.  In case you are not familiar with the US Chess Grand Prix, it is a US Chess program that recognizes the ten players who win the most points in qualifying Grand Prix events. Essentially, if you make it into the top ten, it is proof that you are among the best of the best. It also means that you receive a substantial cash prize from US Chess.

3. Beginners Are Welcome

This tournament is not just for high-rated players. There will be two under sections (U1600 & U800) so that players can compete against other players of similar ability and are not crushed by opponents they have no chance of defeating anytime soon. But if you want to ‘play up’ into the Open Section you can do so for no additional charge. The Texas Action Championship will also be one of the very few cash prize events that offers a U800 section.

4. Savings Potential

We recognize the hardships of inflation. Accordingly, our starting entry fees ($45 for the Open and $35 for all other sections) are much lower than the entry fees that are charged as we move closer to 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. If you cancel within 7 days of the event you will be refunded the entry fee minus $15 OR you may apply the entire entry fee to a future event, within 90 days, at The Houston Chess Studio.

The Fine Print:

Qualifications: All chess players, regardless of residence, are welcome as long as they meet the membership requirements. You must have an unexpired USCF and TCA membership in good standing on the day of the tournament. If you do not have these memberships at the moment, you can still register but you will need to purchase/renew them before the tournament. Please note, however, that while residents of other states may participate and win cash prizes, the state champion title and trophy are for Texas residents only.

Entry Fees: For the Open Section, $45 by Jan 3rd; $55 by Feb. 7th; $65 thereafter. For all other sections, $35 by Jan. 3rd; $45 by Feb. 7th; $55 thereafter.

Byes: Every player is entitled to one half point bye if requested before the close of online registration. All last round byes are for zero points.

Draws:  Draws prior to 30 moves and both players are barred from any cash prizes and the state champion title.

Schedule:  Round 1, 10:00-11:00am; Round 2, 11:15am-12:15pm; Lunch Break; Round 3, 1:00-2:00pm; Round 4, 2:15-3:15pm; and; Round 5, 3:30-4:30pm.

Prizes: For the Open section, $300 for first place plus a trophy, $150 for second place. $300 First Place in the Open Section is guaranteed, all other cash prizes based on 50 total paid entries. For all other sections, $150 for first place, $75 for second place. In the event of ties, prizes will be equally divided between the tying players in conformity with the Official Rules of Chess. However, if two or more Texas residents tie for first place in the Open Section, all of them will be recognized as co-champions, but tie breaks will determine who takes home the trophy. All cash prizes paid via PayPal.

Notation: Absent a physical or developmental disability rendering a player unable to notate, notation is required in all sections except the U800 section.

Equipment: Bring your own chess boards and pieces and clock if you have them.  Some will be provided by the organizer but maybe not enough for everyone. You can still play even if you do not own a chess clock. Electronic notation approved by US Chess will be allowed and notation sheets will be provided free of charge as well.

Section Assignment: You may ‘play up’ if you want, at no additional charge. If you initially register for an under section and then move to the Open section, you will be charged a $10 section adjustment fee because the entry fee for the Open is higher to allow for larger prizes. However, this fee will not apply if you were allowed to play in an under section when you registered but later are required to play in the Open section because your rating increased after registration.  The tournament Director reserves the right to merge sections if necessary.

Rating: This tournament will use your regular rating as shown on the February Supplement for the purposes of section qualification and pairings. Players with foreign ratings are required to disclose such ratings and the tournament director may make such adjustments to the deemed rating of said players as he thinks proper.

Unrated Policy: Unrated players may win a maximum of $100, unless they are playing in the Open Section, in which case there are no limitations to how much they can win. If no rating is assigned, an unrated player may choose any section.

Illegal Moves: As a variation of the Official Rules of Chess, an illegal move that is not corrected within three moves shall stand. The default rule is that illegal moves may be corrected up to ten moves away. The organizer believes that a lookback of up to ten moves is impracticable for events with shorter time controls like the Texas Action Championship.

Spectators: No spectators will be allowed in the Tournament Hall while games are underway.  However, there is a skittles room/lounge right next door inside the Houston Chess Studio.  Many of the ongoing games, and views of the entire tournament hall, will be visible on one of the many screens on display in the lounge.

Food:  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.  There are also vending machines located in the skittles room/lounge of The Studio. Food and beverages are allowed at the playing boards.  Just be sure to clean up after yourself.

Venue:  THE HOUSTON CHESS STUDIO provides a quality chess playing experience for players of all levels, and their parents and spectators. Centrally and conveniently located at 250 Patton St., Suite H, Houston TX 77009.  Just inside North Loop 610 and just 2 blocks off North I-45. There is always plenty of FREE parking at The Studio.

Helpful Links

Organizer website:  https://poisonpawns.club/

US Chess Membership: https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess

TCA Membership: https://texaschess.org/memberships/

Contact: Click here to show mail address or call Edgar at 281-844-4139

Address: 250 Patton St. Suite H, Houston TX 77009