1st Azeri Chess Academy Open
Houston’s Premier Dual-Rated OTB Swiss Tournament. Earn FIDE GM/WGM Norms, compete for $13,000 in guaranteed prizes, and experience Grandmaster-led organization.
Tournament Details
Key details for players, coaches, and international competitors.
| Organizers | Azeri Chess Academy (Affiliate ID A9567106) |
|---|---|
| Chief Arbiter | FA & USCF Senior TD Ulvi Bajarani (USCF ID 17112757; FIDE ID 13403028) |
| Venue | Houston Chess Studio 250 Patton Street, Suite H, Houston, Texas 77009 |
| Format & Rounds | 9-Round Swiss System (Over-the-Board) |
| Time Control | G/90; inc/30 (90 minutes base with 30-second increment per move from Move 1) |
| Rating Systems | Dual-Rated: FIDE Classic & USCF Regular |
| Grand Prix Points | 150 USCF Grand Prix Points |
| Eligibility Requirements | • Minimum FIDE 2000 rating at registration (under 2000 subject to organizer approval). • Valid FIDE ID and active USCF membership required prior to Rd 1. • Non-U.S. GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs require a USCF ID. |
Entry Fees & Deadlines
Grandmasters play for FREE. Tiered rates apply for all other categories.
| Player Category / Rating Tier | Early Bird Before July 5, 2026 | Standard Rate Before Sept 5, 2026 | Late Registration Before Oct 3, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandmaster (GM) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| IM or WGM | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| FM or WIM | $400 | $500 | $600 |
| FIDE 2400+ / Titled (CM, WFM, WCM) | $400 | $500 | $600 |
| FIDE 2200 – 2399 | $500 | $600 | $750 |
| FIDE 2000 – 2199 | $600 | $750 | $900 |
Available Discounts
Seniors & Juniors
Seniors born 1976 or earlier.
Juniors born 2006 or later.
Female Players
For all female players listed on USCF or FIDE rating lists.
Collegiate Chess Programs
Enrolled players/staff at UTRGV, MIZZOU, UTD, and SLU.
* Refunds: 50% refund available for cancellations requested by Sept 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM. No refunds after deadline.
$13,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund
All prizes are 100% guaranteed. Category prizes awarded independently of main prizes.
Main Open Prizes
Category Prizes
Official Schedule
October 5 – October 10, 2026 • Single and Double Round Days
Official Tournament Regulations
Click any section below to expand detailed rules and policies.
🎖️ GM / WGM Norm Eligibility Details
- FIDE Handbook Condition 1.1.3(a): Satisfied via a single-round schedule across 3 distinct days (Oct 5, Oct 6, and Oct 10).
- FIDE Handbook Condition 1.5.6(a): Swiss tournament norm requirements met provided round capacity reaches at least 40 participants with an average FIDE rating of 2000+.
- Important: Taking any requested 0-point or 0.5-point bye renders a player ineligible for title norms. Players receiving conditions must play all 9 rounds.
🛡️ Fair Play, Anti-Cheating & Electronics Policy
- Device Prohibition: No electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, standard smart technology) allowed in the playing hall unless explicitly permitted for medical reasons.
- Storage & Scanning: Designated turned-off device storage is provided. All players are subject to metal detector wanding.
- Penalties: Possession of an active or stored device on player’s person during play results in immediate game forfeiture and potential expulsion.
♟️ Game Rules, Clocks, Draws & Tiebreaks
- Default Time: 60 minutes. White’s clock starts promptly at round start time.
- Draw Restriction: Draws prior to Black’s 30th move permitted only with Chief Arbiter authorization.
- Notation: Mandatory throughout the game due to 30-second increment. Scoresheets and pens provided.
- Tiebreak Order: (1) Direct Encounter, (2) Average Rating of Opponents, (3) Total Wins, (4) Coin Toss.
- Appeals: $300 fee required for written appeals submitted to Appeals Committee within 1 hour of game completion. Refunded if upheld.
👔 Dress Code, Venue Etiquette & Spectators
- Attire: Business casual, neat casual, or official university team uniforms preferred. Footwear mandatory (no flip-flops without socks; high heels prohibited due to noise).
- Spectators: Prohibited in playing hall except invited guests during first 20 mins. Completed players must exit hall promptly.
- Refreshments: Refrigerator and still water provided inside hall. Food and unsecured drinks must be kept away from boards.
👑 GM Conditions, Collegiate Programs & Special Requests
Limited conditions are available for high-rated GMs on a first-come, first-served basis. Independent applicants receive priority over collegiate applicants.
Pending collegiate verification: Texas Tech University, Harvard University, UMBC, and Brown University must update their chess-program websites and current squad information before becoming eligible.
To request collegiate discount codes, the head coach or program manager must complete the Collegiate Form and email it to info@azerichessacademy.com. All eligible players, including GMs, must be listed; GMs will be registered manually. The form may be submitted more than once.
Other universities may apply after verifying their chess program and identifying at least two eligible players. Approval is at the organizers’ discretion. Approved programs will receive one-time registration codes, and only one discount may be used per player.
Streamers, media creators, and players with accessibility or other special requests should use the Official Contact Form.
Player Registration
Ready to compete? Secure your spot below. Capacity is strictly limited to 68 players to protect norm conditions.