1st Azeri Chess Academy Open to Offer $13,000 in Guaranteed Prizes, GM/WGM Norm Opportunities and a New Tournament Readiness Evaluation for Competitive Players
HOUSTON, Texas — Azeri Chess Academy is bringing the competitive tradition of Azerbaijani chess to Houston with the 1st Azeri Chess Academy Open, a six-day, nine-round FIDE and USCF-rated tournament taking place October 5–10, 2026, at Houston Chess Studio.
Designed for serious competitive players, the inaugural Open will feature a $13,000 guaranteed prize fund, including a $5,000 guaranteed first prize, 150 USCF Grand Prix points and conditions designed to provide opportunities for players pursuing GM and WGM title norms. Tournament capacity is limited to 68 players.
But for Grandmaster Ulvi Bajarani, founder of Azeri Chess Academy, the tournament represents more than another place to compete. It is an extension of a chess tradition built around developing stronger players. Azerbaijan has established an international reputation for producing elite chess talent, and that tradition is deeply connected to the Bajarani family’s coaching history. FIDE Senior Trainer Ilgar Bajarani has coached players who went on to become Grandmasters and Azerbaijan Champions, including Rufat Bagirov, Eltaj Safarli and his son, Ulvi Bajarani.
Ulvi continued that tradition as a competitor, becoming Azerbaijan Champion in 2014 and Texas Superfinals Champion in 2021, and now brings that competitive experience to players through Azeri Chess Academy.
The 1st Azeri Chess Academy Open is structured to create a serious competitive environment for players seeking high-level tournament experience. The six-day schedule includes three days with only one round, an important component for GM and WGM norm opportunities under applicable FIDE requirements. The tournament is also seeking at least 40 qualifying participants with an average FIDE rating of 2000 or higher to satisfy an additional condition important to players pursuing FIDE titles.
Players will compete under the same tournament conditions regardless of whether they are based in the United States or internationally. Grandmasters receive free entry, while eligible juniors, seniors and female players receive a 15% entry-fee discount. Eligible participants from selected collegiate chess programs receive a 30% discount.
The tournament will also award separate $1,000 prizes for the Best Junior, Best Senior and Best Female Player, in addition to the overall prize structure.
All standard tournament playing equipment—including chess sets, boards, digital clocks, scoresheets and customized pens—will be provided by the organizer.
ARE YOU TOURNAMENT READY?
Alongside the Open, Azeri Chess Academy is introducing a Tournament Readiness Evaluation, giving competitive chess players an opportunity to have their game assessed by Grandmaster Ulvi Bajarani before their next tournament.
Instead of simply playing more games and hoping preparation is sufficient, players can have recent games reviewed to identify recurring mistakes, weaknesses, opening concerns, strategic gaps and other areas that could affect tournament performance. The evaluation is designed to answer one important question:
If you entered a serious tournament today, what areas of your game would give you the greatest opportunity for improvement?
Following the evaluation, players receive personalized direction on where to focus their preparation, helping replace guesswork with a more structured approach to tournament training.
For aspiring competitors, the Tournament Readiness Evaluation can serve as the first step toward more focused preparation. For experienced tournament players, it provides a Grandmaster’s perspective on weaknesses that may be difficult to recognize through self-analysis alone.
Before you enter your next tournament, find out if your game is ready.
Players interested in competing in the 1st Azeri Chess Academy Open or scheduling a Tournament Readiness Evaluation can visit Azeri Chess Academy for additional information.
About Azeri Chess Academy
Azeri Chess Academy brings the training philosophy and competitive tradition of Azerbaijani chess to players in the United States and around the world. Founded by Grandmaster Ulvi Bajarani alongside a team of titled chess professionals, the academy provides personalized instruction, online and in-person coaching, tournament preparation, school programs and competitive chess opportunities for players seeking to improve their game.
Tournament at a Glance
1st Azeri Chess Academy Open
October 5–10, 2026
Houston Chess Studio
250 Patton Street, Suite H
Houston, Texas 77009
9-Round Swiss | FIDE & USCF Rated | $13,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund | $5,000 Guaranteed First Prize | GM/WGM Norm Eligible | 150 USCF Grand Prix Points