Elevate your Sunday with four rounds of rated competition at the July 20th Sunday Swiss USCF/FIDE, happening July 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Hosted by renowned organizer Edgar Acosta at the Houston Chess Studio, this USCF- and FIDE-rated Swiss welcomes all players (minimum 1200 USCF/FIDE for prize eligibility; unrateds are welcome too). With a balanced four-round schedule and a thoughtful time control, this event blends competitive rigor with a friendly atmosphere—perfect for masters sharpening their repertoire or club players chasing rating gains.
Set in the comfortable surroundings of the Houston Chess Studio (250 Patton St Suite H), participants enjoy free parking, ample lighting, and professional pairings. Whether you aim to climb the rating ladder or simply savor over-the-board battles, the July 20th Sunday Swiss delivers a streamlined, well-run experience with direct oversight from TD Edgar Acosta.
🎯 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | July 20, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tournament Type: | 4-Round Swiss (USCF & FIDE-rated) |
| Place: | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Venue: | Houston Chess Studio |
| Address: | 250 Patton St Suite H, Houston, TX 77009 |
| Organizer: | Edgar Acosta |
| Federation: | US Chess Federation & FIDE |
| Tournament Director: | Edgar Acosta |
| Time Control: | G/60 + 30 sec increment |
| Number of rounds: | 4 |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
Players receive 60 minutes on their clock plus a 30-second increment per move. This format balances depth of play with a lively pace, keeping all four rounds engaging and spectator-friendly.
🗓 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Round | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 12:00 PM CDT |
| Round 2 | 2:30 PM CDT |
| Round 3 | 5:00 PM CDT |
| Round 4 | 7:30 PM CDT |
💰 PRIZE FUND
Prize awards go to top finishers in the 1200+ rating category; detailed prize distribution will be announced on site based on entries.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Entry fee: $50 (all players)
- How to register: Email Edgar Acosta at the address below, or register in person on-site before Round 1
- Payment: Cash or credit card accepted at the venue
- Equipment: Digital clocks and DGT-style boards provided; feel free to bring your own set
✈️ TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Houston Chess Studio offers free on-site parking. Located just off I-10 (West Loop) and near downtown, it’s easily reachable by car or rideshare.
- By car: From I-10, exit Chimney Rock Rd, head south to Patton St
- By transit: METRORail Red Line to Wheeler Station (1.5 mi walk)
Nearby lodging options:
- Courtyard by Marriott Houston Energy Corridor (2 mi)
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Houston – Medical Center (4 mi)
- Airbnb options throughout the Museum District
🏛️ ORGANIZER
Edgar Acosta, principal of the Houston Chess Studio, has directed dozens of USCF-sanctioned events since 2018. His tournaments—from weekly Tuesday and Thursday night Swisses to the annual $3,000 June Championship—are known for punctual starts, clear communication, and smooth pairings. Edgar personally oversees TD duties, ensuring fair play and enjoyable competition in every section.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
- Address: Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St Suite H, Houston, TX 77009, USA
- Email (main): edgar@houstonchessstudio.com
- Email (additional): events@houstonchessstudio.com
- Phone (main): (713) 480-5858
- Phone (additional): (832) 555-0420
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The July 20th Sunday Swiss USCF/FIDE offers an ideal blend of competitive structure and community spirit in Houston’s premier chess space. With a streamlined four-round format, dual USCF/FIDE rating, and equitable time control, players at every level can pursue rating gains, prize awards, and memorable games under the guidance of veteran TD Edgar Acosta. Mark your calendar and join this Sunday celebration of chess!
Sources
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Houston Chess Studio
Organizer - Edgar Acosta
Organizer Phone - +1 (713) 480-5858
Organizer email - edgar@houstonchessstudio.com
Tournament Director - Edgar Acosta
Time control - G/60 + 30 sec increment
Number of rounds - 4
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Edgar Acosta is the founder and chief tournament director of the Houston Chess Studio. Since opening Houston’s first brick-and-mortar chess venue in 2018, he has organized a wide array of rated events, including the monthly Tuesday and Thursday Night Swisses, the annual $3,000 June Championship, the June 25th Training Tournament, and the signature July 20th Sunday Swiss (USCF/FIDE). His Poison Pawns Chess Club side-events—such as Friday blitz nights and “Skittles Room” casual play—have become local favorites, drawing players from beginners to seasoned masters.
Beyond directing tournaments, Edgar cultivates Houston’s chess community through scholastic workshops, summer camps, and one-on-one coaching. He serves as a certified US Chess National TD and FIDE Arbiter, ensuring smooth pairings, precise rule enforcement, and a welcoming atmosphere at every event. Under his leadership, the Houston Chess Studio partners with schools, libraries, and local organizations to introduce chess to new audiences and support player development at all levels.