Presidents Day Scholastic 2027 will take place on Monday, February 15, 2027, at Texas Chess Center in Plano, Texas, United States. Held on the Presidents’ Day public holiday, this one-day scholastic chess tournament offers four rounds of US Chess-rated competition for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Organized by Texas Chess Center, the tournament features four sections based on school level and US Chess rating: Championship, High-Middle Under 1200, Elementary Under 1200, and Elementary Under 600. All games use a time control of 45 minutes per player with a five-second delay per move, providing students with sufficient time to practice calculation, strategy, and practical time management.
The event welcomes developing scholastic players as well as experienced young competitors. Additionally, guaranteed trophies for the top three finishers in every section recognize outstanding performances. Texas Chess Center provides all required chess equipment, making the competition convenient for students and families throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Monday, February 15, 2027 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 City | Plano, Texas |
| 🏨 Venue | Texas Chess Center – Plano |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Texas Chess Center |
| ♟️ Format | 4 rounds |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/45; d5 |
| 🧩 Sections | Championship, High-Middle U1200, Elementary U1200, Elementary U600 |
| 👦 Eligibility | Students in grades K–12 |
| ✅ US Chess Rated | Yes |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 🏆 Prizes | Guaranteed trophies for 1st–3rd in every section |
| 🕤 First Round | 9:30 AM |
| 💵 Entry Fees | $52 early / $58 regular / $64 late |
| 📝 Official Registration | https://www.texaschesscenter.com/store/p/presidents-day-scholastic |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of four rounds using the official time control of G/45; d5.
Each player receives 45 minutes for the entire game, with a five-second delay before their clock begins counting down after each move. Unlike an increment, unused delay time does not accumulate.
| Playing Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Rounds | 4 |
| Initial Time | 45 minutes per player |
| Clock Delay | 5 seconds per move |
| Rating System | US Chess |
| FIDE Rating | Not applicable |
| Equipment | Provided by organizer |
The time control offers young players an opportunity to practice tournament discipline without the extreme time pressure of blitz competition. Moreover, students can develop their ability to calculate variations, evaluate positions, and make considered decisions.
All participants compete in their assigned sections according to the organizer’s eligibility rules. Players should check their current US Chess rating before selecting a section during registration.
Playing Up
Playing up is not permitted at this tournament.
Participants must enter the section for which they qualify based on their rating and school level. Families should contact the organizer if they are unsure which division applies to their child.
🏆 Prizes & Awards
Presidents Day Scholastic 2027 offers guaranteed trophies for the top three players in each section.
The official announcement does not advertise cash prizes. Instead, the competition focuses on scholastic achievement and recognition through individual trophies.
🏅 Guaranteed Trophy Awards
| Section | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy |
| High-Middle U1200 | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy |
| Elementary U1200 | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy |
| Elementary U600 | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy | 🏆 Trophy |
Award Structure
A total of 12 trophy placements are advertised across the four sections.
Every section offers separate awards, ensuring that students compete for recognition within their appropriate playing category.
The organizer guarantees the published first-, second-, and third-place trophies. However, no additional cash awards, rating-class prizes, or participation medals are specified in the official event announcement.
Scholastic Achievement
For many participants, achieving a trophy placement represents an important milestone in their chess development. Additionally, every rated game offers practical experience that can help students prepare for future scholastic championships.
Players should follow the tournament director’s announcements regarding final standings and trophy presentation.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The championship features four scholastic sections, combining school-level eligibility with US Chess rating limits.
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Championship | K–12 students rated above 1200 |
| High-Middle U1200 | Eligible high-school and middle-school students rated under 1200 |
| Elementary U1200 | Eligible elementary students rated under 1200 |
| Elementary U600 | Eligible elementary students rated under 600 |
🥇 Championship
The Championship section is intended for the strongest eligible participants, with US Chess ratings above 1200.
Although the organizer describes this section as open to all ages above the rating threshold, the tournament’s overall policy restricts participation to students in grades K–12.
Consequently, qualified elementary, middle-school, and high-school players can compete in this division.
🥈 High-Middle Under 1200
The High-Middle U1200 section provides competitive opportunities for eligible middle-school and high-school students with ratings below 1200.
This division allows developing students to compete against players within the published rating range while gaining experience in longer tournament games.
🥉 Elementary Under 1200
The Elementary U1200 section is designed for younger scholastic players whose US Chess ratings are below 1200.
It gives elementary students an opportunity to compete in their own school-level category, with separate trophies for the top three finishers.
🌟 Elementary Under 600
The Elementary U600 section welcomes eligible elementary students rated below 600.
This category is especially suitable for newer rated competitors and developing players. It allows students to gain practical tournament experience while competing for their own set of guaranteed trophies.
Section Eligibility
Parents and guardians should verify that their child’s rating meets the selected section’s requirements.
Since playing up is not allowed, students cannot voluntarily enter a stronger section outside the organizer’s published eligibility rules.
Players with ratings exactly on a section boundary, or those with special eligibility questions, should contact Texas Chess Center before registering.
📅 Schedule
The tournament takes place entirely on Monday, February 15, 2027.
All times are local Plano time (Central Standard Time).
| Round | Starting Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 9:30 AM |
| Round 2 | 11:30 AM |
| Round 3 | 1:30 PM |
| Round 4 | 3:15 PM |
Morning Rounds
The first round begins at 9:30 AM, followed by Round 2 at 11:30 AM.
Participants should arrive early enough to locate their assigned playing section and prepare for the opening game.
Afternoon Rounds
Round 3 begins at 1:30 PM, allowing a scheduled interval after the second round.
The final round starts at 3:15 PM. Therefore, students and accompanying adults should plan for a full day of tournament activities.
The exact finishing time and trophy-presentation schedule have not been published. Families should allow additional time after the final round for results and awards.
📝 Registration
Players can register through the official Texas Chess Center tournament page.
Official Tournament Registration:
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/store/p/presidents-day-scholastic
The tournament page provides entry options for the four scholastic sections and lists the registration prices.
Entry Fees
| Registration Period | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Early – through January 6, 2027 | $52 |
| Regular – January 7 through February 5, 2027 | $58 |
| Late – after February 5, 2027 | $64 |
The early-registration rate is available through January 6, 2027, while the regular rate ends on February 5, 2027.
Players registering after that date must pay the applicable late-entry fee.
Registration & Entry List
Registration is handled directly by Texas Chess Center through its official website.
The organizer states that the entry list will become available after the early-registration period ends.
Parents should check the tournament page for registration availability and any subsequent updates.
Scholastic Eligibility
Only students in grades K–12 are eligible to participate.
The event is not an open-age chess tournament, even though the Championship section is described as an all-ages division above 1200.
Parents should ensure that their child’s school level and US Chess rating correspond to the chosen section.
US Chess Membership
The tournament is US Chess rated. Participants should have an active US Chess membership to compete in rated games.
Students who do not yet hold a membership can join through the official federation website.
US Chess Membership:
https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Texas Chess Center provides a full refund when cancellation is requested at least two hours before the tournament begins.
The following conditions apply:
| Cancellation Condition | Refund |
|---|---|
| At least 2 hours before the start | Full refund |
| Within 2 hours of the start | No refund |
| Failure to attend / No-show | No refund |
Since Round 1 begins at 9:30 AM, players seeking a refund should submit their request before the two-hour cancellation cutoff.
Approved refunds are typically processed within five business days.
Players must contact Texas Chess Center to request cancellation.
Organizer Contact:
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/contact
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Texas Chess Center
Email: info@texaschesscenter.com
Phone: +1 469-498-7296
Texas Chess Center is an established chess education and tournament organization serving the Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston metropolitan areas.
The organization operates dedicated chess locations in Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Bellaire. It provides regular US Chess-rated competitions, scholastic tournaments, chess camps, coaching programs, and group lessons.
Its Plano location hosts weekly rated tournaments and special scholastic events throughout the year. These programs help younger players develop their skills while gaining structured competitive experience.
📍 Venue
Texas Chess Center – Plano – 4105 W Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 610, Plano, TX 75024, United States.
The tournament takes place at the dedicated Plano facility of Texas Chess Center.
This location hosts chess classes, weekly US Chess-rated competitions, open-play sessions, and scholastic tournaments. As a result, the venue offers an environment specifically intended for chess education and competitive play.
Playing Equipment
All required chess equipment is provided by the organizer.
| Equipment | Provided |
|---|---|
| Chessboards | Yes |
| Chess Pieces | Yes |
| Chess Clocks | Yes |
| Notation Sheets | Yes |
| Pencils | Yes |
Students do not need to bring their own chessboards or clocks.
However, players should arrive prepared to follow tournament rules and maintain appropriate playing-hall conduct.
Visiting the Venue
The chess center is located in the western Plano area along Spring Creek Parkway.
Parents and guardians should use the complete address, including Suite 610, when navigating to the venue.
Visitors traveling by car should confirm parking instructions with the center before arrival if they require specific arrangements.
Official Plano Location:
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/plano
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Plano is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area and is served by two major commercial airports.
| Airport | IATA | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Love Field | DAL | Convenient domestic airport for Plano |
| Dallas Fort Worth International | DFW | Major domestic and international airport |
Dallas Love Field (DAL) is geographically closer to the tournament location, while Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers a wider selection of international flights.
Visitors can arrange a rental car, taxi, or rideshare service for the onward journey to Plano.
By Car
Texas Chess Center is situated on West Spring Creek Parkway, an important east–west road in Plano.
The area is accessible from the wider Dallas–Fort Worth highway network, including the Dallas North Tollway and nearby major arterial roads.
For accurate navigation, use:
4105 W Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 610, Plano, TX 75024.
Traffic conditions may vary during the morning, so families should allow enough time to arrive before the 9:30 AM first round.
By Public Transportation
Plano is served by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which operates rail, bus, and on-demand transportation services throughout the region.
Families traveling from Dallas can use DART rail services to reach Plano, then arrange a local connection to Texas Chess Center.
Because the venue is not directly beside a major rail station, a taxi, rideshare service, or suitable connecting transit service may be necessary.
DART Official Website:
https://www.dart.org/
Local Travel
Players staying in Plano, Frisco, Richardson, or nearby northern Dallas communities can generally reach the venue by car.
Families traveling with younger players should plan their return transportation around the final round and subsequent awards activities.
ℹ️ Other Information
Scholastic-Only Tournament
Presidents Day Scholastic 2027 is intended exclusively for kindergarten through 12th-grade students.
Adult chess players who are not eligible for scholastic competition should consult the organizer’s other regular rated tournaments.
No Playing Up
The organizer explicitly prohibits playing up in this edition.
Consequently, players must select the division that matches their school level and rating eligibility.
Equipment & Notation
The organizer supplies chessboards, pieces, clocks, notation sheets, and pencils.
Students who are unfamiliar with standard scorekeeping should practice recording their moves before the tournament, especially because longer time controls provide opportunities to develop formal tournament habits.
Ratings & Results
The competition is listed through US Chess and is intended for national rating calculation.
Players can review their rating records and tournament results through the US Chess rating system after the organizer submits the event.
US Chess:
https://new.uschess.org/
Parents & Guardians
Parents should help students confirm their section eligibility, US Chess membership, and registration details before tournament day.
Additionally, families should review the tournament’s cancellation policy and allow enough time for all four rounds.
For questions concerning supervision, accessibility arrangements, or special requirements, contact Texas Chess Center directly.
Other Texas Chess Center Events
Texas Chess Center organizes regular rated tournaments, scholastic competitions, instructional programs, and special championship events at its locations.
Players seeking additional competitive opportunities can explore the organization’s broader tournament program.
Texas Chess Center Website:
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/
Official Presidents Day Scholastic 2027 Page:
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/store/p/presidents-day-scholastic
Organizer
♟️ About Texas Chess Center
Texas Chess Center (TCC) is a multi-location chess education and tournament organization serving players across Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston, Texas. Founded in November 2021 by Jarred Tetzlaff and David Gaston, TCC combines chess instruction, scholastic programs, private coaching, community play, camps, and an extensive schedule of US Chess- and FIDE-rated tournaments.
The organization is currently led by Jarred Tetzlaff, CEO & Co-Founder, and David Gaston, President, Co-Founder & Houston Division Manager. NM Christopher Toolin serves as Senior Instructor & Co-Owner. The wider staff includes division supervisors, instructors, program associates, operations personnel, and titled chess professionals.
Texas Chess Center operates four permanent chess locations in Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Bellaire/Houston. Together, these centers provide year-round training, open play, weekly rated tournaments, scholastic competition, FIDE events, camps, and private lessons.
🏆 Tournaments & Competitive Chess
Tournament organization is one of the largest parts of Texas Chess Center’s activity. TCC reports that it hosts more than 500 rated tournaments per year, ranging from weekly local Swiss events to multi-day FIDE-rated competitions and norm tournaments.
Each location maintains its own regular tournament schedule. Plano hosts weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday competitions, while Frisco runs Quick, Beginner Swiss, and regular Swiss events. Irving and Bellaire also maintain recurring weekly tournaments alongside larger weekend events.
TCC’s larger classical calendar includes recurring DFW FIDE, North Texas FIDE, Houston FIDE, Gulf Coast FIDE, Lone Star FIDE, Winter FIDE, and other seasonal competitions. Championship and U1800 sections are commonly FIDE-rated, while additional lower-rated sections remain US Chess-rated.
These tournaments usually offer five classical rounds with flexible two- or three-day schedules. TCC also provides boards, sets, clocks, notation materials, live pairings, and tournament administration through its dedicated event infrastructure.
In October 2025, Texas Chess Center reached another competitive milestone by hosting its first norm tournament at the Bellaire location. The organization has continued developing FIDE and norm-related competition as part of its higher-level tournament program.
🌱 Chess Education & Scholastic Development
Chess education is equally central to TCC’s mission. The organization offers group classes, private lessons, school programs, seasonal camps, open play, simuls, lectures, and private events for players at different ages and skill levels.
Texas Chess Center reports that its instructors and programs have taught more than 25,000 students. It also works with more than 75 schools, including independent schools and public school districts in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
School partnerships include programs connected with institutions such as Alcuin School, Greenhill School, Wesley Prep, Lamplighter, and districts including Coppell, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, and Lovejoy ISDs. The organization uses these partnerships to make chess instruction available directly on school campuses.
TCC also runs dedicated scholastic tournaments. These competitions are structured by school level and rating, with sections for elementary, middle-school, and high-school players. Regular U1000 and beginner events provide an accessible first step into rated tournament chess.
Stronger students can then progress into the regular Swiss circuit, championship events, and eventually FIDE-rated competition. This creates a continuous pathway from learning the rules to serious tournament play.
🥇 Coaching, Titled Players & Development
Texas Chess Center’s instructional team includes experienced coaches and titled players. NM Christopher Toolin serves as Senior Instructor & Co-Owner, while GM Chris Repka is part of the organization’s senior instructional team.
The center has also collaborated with players including GM Jeffery Xiong, GM Chris Repka, FM Sharvesh Deviprasath, and IM Zurab Javakhadze. TCC reports that students from its programs have qualified for major international youth competitions, including the World Youth and Cadet Championships.
Private coaching complements group programs. Players can work individually with instructors on opening preparation, calculation, strategy, tournament psychology, and game analysis while continuing to gain practical experience through the center’s tournament calendar.
📚 History & Expansion
Texas Chess Center grew partly from the chess community created around the North Texas Chess Academy (NTCA) in Carrollton. NTCA was founded in 2016 by NM Christopher Toolin and partners and hosted strong tournaments, Pro Chess League activity, events with numerous Grandmasters, and a simultaneous exhibition by GM Nigel Short.
Jarred Tetzlaff and David Gaston founded Texas Chess Center in November 2021, and the first TCC location opened in Plano in January 2022. Its Grand Opening Swiss attracted 67 players.
In September 2022, TCC and NTCA came under shared ownership with Christopher Toolin. The organization then expanded to Irving in March 2023 and Frisco in January 2024.
A major geographic expansion followed in April 2025, when David Gaston launched the Bellaire location in the Houston area. This gave Texas Chess Center permanent operations in both North Texas and Southeast Texas.
In October 2025, TCC also partnered with Checkmate: USA vs India at Esports Stadium Arlington and hosted its first norm tournament during the same month.
Today, Texas Chess Center describes itself as an integrated chess organization built around education, frequent competitive play, community activity, and long-term player development.
📍 Texas Chess Center Locations
Plano – Main Location
4105 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Suite 610
Plano, TX 75024, USA
Frisco
11547 Independence Pkwy, Suite 530
Frisco, TX 75035, USA
Irving
4343 W Royal Lane, Suite 114
Irving, TX 75063, USA
Bellaire / Houston
4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite HH
Houston, TX 77025, USA
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