The DFW Winter FIDE is a focused weekend chess festival held at the Texas Chess Center in Irving, Texas from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7, 2025. With FIDE-rated sections, norm chances, and an accessible budget event structure, it offers serious players a chance to compete under classical time controls just ahead of the holiday season.
Organised by the Texas Chess Center, the event features both 3-day and 2-day schedules, multiple rating-based sections (Championship, U1800, U1400), and guaranteed prizes. A perfect option for competitive players seeking a strong holiday-period finish.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 5-7, 2025 (Fri–Sun) |
| 📍 Location | Texas Chess Center, 4343 W Royal Lane #114, Irving, TX 75063, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss (2-day or 3-day) in each section; FIDE & US Chess rated |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Championship: $98 early (by Nov 5) • $108 regular (by Nov 30) • $118 late. U1800: $82/$92/$102. U1400: $72/$82/$92. |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | All prizes guaranteed — CH 1st $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $100; U1800 1st $200; U1400 trophies. |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (top section) and US Chess rated in all sections |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all players. FM+ free before late-fee deadline; GM/IM minimum prize guaranteed if early entry. |
🏆 Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | $600 | $300 | $100 | GM min prize $200, IM $100 (if early) |
| U1800 | $200 | $100 | $50 | U1600 class prize $50 |
| U1400 | Trophies | Trophies | Trophies | — |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Standard time control: G/90 + 30″ increment (for Championship section)
U1800 & U1400 follow similar classical controls as per handbook
3-day schedule: Fri 7:00 PM (R1), Sat 2:00 PM (R2), Sat 7:00 PM (R3), Sun 12:00 PM (R4), Sun 5:00 PM (R5)
2-day schedule: Sat 9:00 AM (R1), Sat 2:00 PM (R2), Sat 7:00 PM (R3), Sun 12:00 PM (R4), Sun 5:00 PM (R5)
Swiss pairings in all sections; re-entry available for half late fee.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | All ratings | 5 rounds | FIDE rated, norm possible |
| U1800 | Rating <1800 | 5 rounds | US Chess rated |
| U1400 | Rating <1400 (US Chess only) | 5 rounds | Trophies only |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 5 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 9:00 AM | Round 1 (2-day option) |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 7:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Dec 7 | 12:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Dec 7 | 5:00 PM | Round 5 • Awards Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Online registration required; early entry deadlines (Nov 5 for early fees, Nov 30 for regular).
On-site registration possible (late fee applies) and limited by section capacity.
FM and higher entry terms: free entry before late-fee deadline under certain conditions.
Refund policy: full refund if withdrawal >48 hours before, 50% refund 2-48 hours before; no refund <2 hours prior/no-shows.
👥 Organizer
The Texas Chess Center in Irving hosts the DFW Winter FIDE, combining welcoming tournament service with strong FIDE-rated conditions and organized by experienced staff.
Email: info@texaschesscenter.com
Phone: 469-498-7296
Website: texas chesscenter.com
🏨 Venue
Texas Chess Center – 4343 W Royal Lane #114, Irving, TX 75063, USA. Modern chess facility with ample parking, easy freeway access, and close to Dallas-Fort Worth metro area amenities.
🛎️ Accommodation
Hotel recommendations: nearby Holiday Inn Las Colinas, etc.
Tournament discount rate available if booked early; mention “Winter FIDE” to receive chess rate.
Free parking often included; check hotel offer when booking.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) approx. 10 minutes by car.
By Road: Located near TX-114 and TX-161 in Irving; easy access from Dallas/Fort Worth freeway network.
By Train: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) stops nearby; rideshare/taxi available.
Don’t miss this strong, accessible FIDE-rated event in the heart of DFW metro — ideal for title seekers, ambitious up-and-comers and players wanting a serious holiday season competition!
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.