DFW Winter FIDE returns this December to the vibrant Dallas–Fort Worth chess scene! From Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7, 2025, players of all levels will compete in a FIDE‑rated classical format at the Texas Chess Center in Irving. Nestled at 4343 W Royal Lane #114, this event promises fierce competition, lively atmosphere, and strong prizes to launch your winter tournament season in style.
🏁 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | December 5–7, 2025 (Friday–Sunday) |
|---|---|
| Tournament Type: | Classical (FIDE‑rated standard time) |
| Total prize fund: | Approx. €1 385 (US $1 500) |
| Place: | Irving, Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas |
| Venue: | Texas Chess Center – Irving |
| Address: | 4343 W Royal Lane #114, Irving, TX 75063 |
| Organizer: | Texas Chess Center |
| Federation: | United States Chess Federation (US Chess) |
| Time Control: | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move – classical format |
| Number of rounds: | 5 rounds |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
Organizers have set a G/90 +30 classical format—each player gets 90 minutes for all moves, plus a 30‑second increment, guaranteeing paced, serious games ideal for performance, rating, and enjoyment. This time control supports deep, thoughtful play over rapid, ensuring competitive integrity and focus.
📅 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Date | Time | Round/Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec 5 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 (Championship only) |
| Saturday, Dec 6 | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| 7:00 PM | Round 3 | |
| Sunday, Dec 7 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| 3:00 PM | Round 5 |
A 2‑day schedule (Dec 6–7) option also exists: Rounds 1–3 on Saturday (9 AM, 2 PM, 7 PM) and Rounds 4–5 on Sunday (10 AM, 3 PM), ideal for weekend warriors seeking compact play.
🏆 PRIZE FUND
The prize fund totals approximately US $1,500 (≈ €1,385) and is distributed across three competitive sections:
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Additional Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | $600 | $300 | $100 | U2000 Class: $100 |
| U1800 | $200 | $100 | $50 | U1600 Class: $50 |
| U1400 | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy | Trophies for top three |
Special incentives: the first three GMs/IMs entering before the late deadline earn at least $200/$100 if they complete all rounds. FMs and above enter free before late deadline via email coordination.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Championship Section
- Early Bird – $98 (by Nov 5)
- Regular – $108 (by Nov 30)
- Late – $118 (after Nov 30)
- U1800 Section
- Early – $82 | Regular – $92 | Late – $102
- U1400 Section (US Chess rated only)
- Early – $72 | Regular – $82 | Late – $92
- Playing Up: +$20
- Titled Players: FMs+ play free before late deadline with email request.
- Membership: Requires active US Chess membership unless you hold a FIDE title.
Payments are accepted online via the Texas Chess Center store; refunds follow a standard policy: full refund if canceled >48 hrs before start, 50% within 2–48 hrs, none within 2 hrs or no‑show. Re‑entry allowed at half late fee.
🧳 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Venue Address: 4343 W Royal Lane #114, Irving, TX 75063. This central location sits within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, minutes from both DFW and Love Field airports.
Recommended Hotels (within 5-minute drive):
- Holiday Inn Las Colinas – convenient amenities, TCC shuttle available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton DFW Airport North – business-class comfort near transport.
- The Westin Dallas DFW Airport – upscale, ideal for out‑of‑town masters and families.
Getting There: Easily reachable via I‑635 East/Royal Lane exit. Free parking is onsite. Shuttle or cab rides from airports take under 15 minutes.
Need multiple options or group lodging? Contact Texas Chess Center for room blocks and travel suggestions.
🧑🤝🧑 ORGANIZER
The Texas Chess Center – Irving hosts over 400 tournaments annually and delivers top-tier chess education and events.
- Email: info@texaschesscenter.com
- Phone: 469‑498‑7296
- Address: 4343 W Royal Lane #114, Irving, TX 75063
- Official website: https://www.texaschesscenter.com/store/p/winter-fide
The Center cultivates the DFW chess community with scholastic classes, camps, titled simul events, and consistent tournament experiences for every age and strength.
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
DFW Winter FIDE offers a dynamic blend of serious competition and strong community atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing norms, point grade prizes, or trophies, this event delivers. Experienced players test their skills in classical play; developing players gain exposure to FIDE-rated format. With guaranteed prizes, title incentives, and top‑notch venue support, this tournament serves as an ideal mid‑season boost. Don’t miss your chance to challenge yourself, earn rating points, and connect with fellow chess enthusiasts in the heart of Texas.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Texas Chess Center – Irving
Prize Fund - €1 385
Organizer - Texas Chess Center
Organizer Phone - +1 469‑498‑7296
Organizer email - info@texaschesscenter.com
Time control - 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move – classical format
Number of rounds - 5
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Texas Chess Center stands as a cornerstone of chess excellence, offering a vibrant ecosystem that blends high-level competition, top-tier coaching, and community enrichment. Operating in multiple locations throughout North Texas—including Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Houston—the Center organizes over 250 official tournaments annually, ranging from scholastic events and FIDE-rated championships to weekly Swiss tournaments and blitz series. Notable events include the Texas Youth Championship, weekend FIDE-rated open tournaments, scholastic-only challenges, and seasonal rapid and blitz cups.
The Center works closely with elite coaches and grandmasters, including GM Chris Repka, GM Jeffery Xiong, and FM Sharvesh Deviprasath, delivering training that supports both recreational learners and competitive prodigies. With outreach programs in over 70 public and private schools across districts like Coppell, Plano, and McKinney, the Texas Chess Center fosters a culture of intellectual growth and strategic development. Their mission is clear: make chess accessible to everyone—children and adults alike—through an integrated model of education, events, and opportunity.