♟️ Organizer Identity

Texas Chess Center is a major chess education and tournament organization based in Texas, United States. Founded in 2021 by David Gaston and Jarred Tetzlaff, the organization has grown into a multi-location chess network with centers in Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Bellaire. Its work connects structured chess instruction, regular over-the-board play, scholastic development, and rated tournament opportunities for players across Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and the wider Texas chess community.

The center serves children, families, adult learners, club players, and ambitious competitors. In addition, it offers a clear pathway from first lessons and open play to US Chess-rated events, FIDE-rated tournaments, and stronger competitive goals. This combination makes Texas Chess Center one of the most visible chess organizations in Texas for both learning and tournament activity.

🏆 Tournament Portfolio

Texas Chess Center runs a large and active rated tournament program across its locations. Its tournament activity includes weekly Swiss events, blitz and quick tournaments, scholastic competitions, championship events, FIDE-rated tournaments, and norm-related competitive formats. As a result, players can find events that match many different goals, from first rated games to serious classical competition.

The organization also hosts major seasonal events and multi-day FIDE tournaments in North Texas and the Houston area. These events help players build practical tournament experience, improve ratings, and stay connected with a regular over-the-board chess schedule. Moreover, the multi-location structure gives Texas players more choice and more frequent access to organized tournament play.

🌍 Chess Education and Community

Texas Chess Center supports player development through group classes, private lessons, camps, school programs, open play, private events, simuls, lectures, and community activities. Its programs serve different ages and skill levels, while its school partnerships help bring chess instruction into a wider educational setting. Therefore, the organization plays an important role in both scholastic chess and long-term player improvement.

The coaching team includes experienced instructors and titled players, and the organization has collaborated with leading chess professionals. Texas Chess Center also reports strong educational and tournament reach, including thousands of students taught and hundreds of rated events organized each year. For players and families, this creates a complete chess environment: learn, practice, compete, and grow inside one structured organization.