The late Chris Riley was a very dedicated and passionate supporter of introducing chess to the community. He volunteered on most Saturdays from 2003-2023 at Wooldridge Square Park, near his home in downtown Austin, to organize chess matches for all ages and abilities with a Giant Chess set kept at the park. This project that he co-founded helped attract people to a beautiful park that is underutilized for many enjoyable moments for the players as well as interested spectators.
Date
November 9, 2025 (Sunday)
Location
Wooldridge Square Park
900 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX
The park is at the corner of 9th and Guadalupe. Plenty of street parking is typically available.
Sections
- Open
- K-12
*Sections may be split if registrations are high.
*All sections are unrated. NO USCF membership required.
*Restricted to the first 40 players.
Rounds and Times
Four Rounds at a time control of G/20.
- We play approximately noon – 5pm.
- Registration & Check-in required: 11:20am – 11:45am.
- All pre-registered players must check in when they arrive, or they may be ineligible to play in the first round.
Entry fee and Prizes:
- Online entries: $12 – by Friday, 11/7 (5pm) (online payment only).
- Onsite entries: $20 – Sunday, 11/9 between 11:20 and 1:45am to receive a round 1 pairing.
- No refunds for withdrawals requested after online registration closes (5pm 11/7). Email to withdraw.
- Onsite entries: $20 – Cash or Venmo only. May receive a round 1 bye and begin play in round 2.
- Prizes: Top finishers in K-12 section will receive a medal. Open section offers cash prizes.
Details
Space is available! Register onsite between 11:20 and 11:45 to receive a 1st round pairing!
- Boards and Sets supplied!
- NO US Chess Membership necessary (registration has a field for it but that field is not required).
- NO Notation required. Feel free if you wish to bring pen and paper, but these are quick games.
- Bring a water bottle and a folding chair, if you have one (for your players AND any spectators)!
Rain Location
If there is inclement weather predicted, the tournament will be held at the Dobie Mall food court – Guadalupe and 21st on the 2nd level.
Questions
For registration questions, please email
Sarah Brauner [email protected]
For all other event questions, please email
Gary Gaiffe [email protected]
Organized by Rocks & Rooks