Texas Thanksgiving Classic (7 Rounds) is a seven-round Thanksgiving weekend classical tournament in Austin with four rating sections and a single three-day schedule.
Round 1 uses G/60; d10, while Rounds 2–7 use G/90 +30. The event is US Chess rated and not FIDE rated.
The tournament hotel offers an official event rate, free parking, and an on-site playing venue, making it a practical option for out-of-town players.
📌 Event Details
The table below summarizes the essential tournament information, including the exact venue and organizer.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Texas Thanksgiving Classic (7 Rounds) |
| Dates | November 27–29, 2026 |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Venue | Holiday Inn Austin Midtown – 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752 |
| Organizer | Austin Family Chess League |
| Format | 7-round Swiss |
| Rating | US Chess rated; not FIDE rated |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The published time controls and rating format are summarized below.
| Stage / Section | Time Control |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | G/60; d10 |
| Rounds 2–7 | G/90 +30 |
🏆 Prize Fund
The organizer publishes the following prize structure for this event.
| Category | Prize / Award |
|---|---|
| Total | $2,960 guaranteed with 80+ players |
| Open | $1,285 section pool |
| U2100 | $855 section pool |
| U1700 | $525 section pool |
| U1300 | $295 section pool |
🧩 Sections / Groups
Players are divided into the following sections or rating groups.
| Section / Group | Eligibility / Details |
|---|---|
| Open | 2100+ |
| U2100 | Under 2100 |
| U1700 | Under 1700 |
| U1300 | Under 1300 |
📅 Schedule
The official playing schedule is shown below. Players should arrive early enough for check-in and any required registration.
| Day / Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday | R1 9:00 AM; R2 1:00 PM; R3 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | R4 9:00 AM; R5 2:00 PM; Blitz 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | R6 9:00 AM; R7 2:00 PM |
📝 Registration
Registration fees, deadlines, and special entry conditions are listed below.
| Registration Item | Details |
|---|---|
| By Oct 1 | $105 |
| By Nov 1 | $135 |
| By Nov 26 | $185 |
| On-site | $200 |
| Play-up fee | $50 when eligible under the 100-point rule |
👥 Organizer
Use the official organizer and event links below for registration updates and last-minute changes.
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Austin Family Chess League |
| Primary Event Source | US Chess event page |
| Official / Registration Link | https://caissachess.net/ |
📍 Venue
The tournament venue and verified geolocation are provided below for mapping and travel planning.
| Venue Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Holiday Inn Austin Midtown |
| Full Address | 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752, United States |
| Latitude / Longitude | 30.3236647, -97.710865 |
🚆 How to Get There
These practical travel options can help players reach the venue efficiently.
| Transport Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about 10 miles from the hotel |
| Driving | The hotel is beside I-35 in central Austin and has complimentary parking for tournament participants |
| Local transport | Rideshare/taxi is the simplest direct airport-to-hotel option |
🏨 Accommodation
The following accommodation options are at the venue or conveniently located for tournament participants.
| Hotel / Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Austin Midtown | Playing venue; official tournament rate $129/night including breakfast for two; free parking |
ℹ️ Other Information
Players should also note the following event-specific rules and practical details.
- Players rated 2200+ who register by October 1 can receive a full entry-fee refund after completing all seven rounds without a bye.
- GM/IM players registering by October 1 are offered complimentary hotel accommodation under the published terms.
- Players must bring their own set and clock; electronic devices are not permitted in the playing hall.
🔗 Official Resources
Check these official sources before travel for any late schedule, registration, or venue updates.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| US Chess Listing | https://new.uschess.org/texas-thanksgiving-classic-7-rounds |
| Official / Registration | https://caissachess.net/ |
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $2,960
Organizer
♟️ About Austin Family Chess League
Austin Family Chess League (AFCL) is a chess tournament organizer based in Austin, Texas, United States. Its publicly documented tournament activity began in 2026 with a program designed around substantial US Chess-rated competition. AFCL uses Austin-area venues and online registration tools to provide organized tournament opportunities for players across a broad range of rating levels.
The organizer’s current program combines Classical and Blitz chess. Its events are structured with separate rating sections, substantial round schedules, cash prizes, and additional incentives for stronger players. AFCL also includes dedicated female prizes within its principal sections. Moreover, its 2026 Thanksgiving program offers discounts for senior players and complimentary hotel accommodations for eligible GM and IM participants.
AFCL’s principal announced event is the Texas Thanksgiving Classic 2026, scheduled for November 27–29 at Holiday Inn Austin Midtown. The seven-round tournament represents Austin Family Chess League – Classical Tournament #1. A separate US Chess-rated Texas Thanksgiving Blitz follows on Saturday evening, November 28. Together, these events establish AFCL’s first publicly documented tournament weekend in Austin.
🏆 Classical Tournament Program
The Texas Thanksgiving Classic provides four rating-based sections: Open 2100+, U2100, U1700, and U1300.
The first round uses G/60 with a 10-second delay. Meanwhile, rounds two through seven use G/90 with a 30-second increment. Therefore, most of the event provides a longer Classical time control suitable for serious tournament play.
The tournament is US Chess rated but is not FIDE rated. Players must hold a valid US Chess membership.
AFCL has published a total prize fund of $2,960, subject to the organizer’s participation conditions. Each section includes overall prizes extending well beyond the top three places.
♛ Support for Different Player Groups
AFCL has structured the Thanksgiving Classic to encourage participation from several groups.
Each Classical section includes separate female prizes. In addition, players aged 60 and above who register by the early deadline can request a senior discount.
Players rated 2200+ can receive their full entry fee back after completing all seven rounds without a bye, provided they meet the early-registration requirement.
Furthermore, Grandmasters and International Masters who register by the published deadline can receive complimentary hotel accommodation. These incentives are designed to strengthen the Open field while keeping multiple rating sections available for developing competitors.
⚡ Texas Thanksgiving Blitz 2026
AFCL will also organize the Texas Thanksgiving Blitz on November 28, 2026 at the same Austin venue.
The Blitz competition uses G/3+2 and consists of six double rounds, giving each participant 12 games.
Players compete in Open 1700+ and U1700 sections. Both sections include overall and female prizes.
The Blitz event is separately US Chess rated and complements the longer Classical tournament during the Thanksgiving weekend.
🌟 Texas Thanksgiving Classic 2026
The Texas Thanksgiving Classic 2026 will take place from November 27–29, 2026 at Holiday Inn Austin Midtown.
The event offers seven rounds over three days. Friday contains three rounds, while Saturday and Sunday each feature two Classical rounds.
AFCL also negotiated a tournament hotel rate for participants. In addition, the organizer provides online registration through CaissaChess and handles tournament communication through its dedicated email address.
The event represents the first numbered Classical tournament under the Austin Family Chess League name. Therefore, it marks an important starting point for AFCL’s public tournament program.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
