1st Azeri Chess Academy Open (Norm-Eligible Swiss — FIDE 2000+)

October 5–10, 2026 | Houston Chess Studio
250 Patton Street, Suite H, Houston, TX 77009
Format: 9-round Swiss
Time Control: G/90 + 30-second increment
Capacity: 68 players
USCF Grand Prix: 150 points

Eligibility
Open to players rated FIDE 2000 or higher at registration. Other
players may be accepted only with organizer approval and may have
different entry fees.
A FIDE ID and an active USCF membership are required. Non-U.S.
GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs may participate with a USCF ID.

Schedule
Oct. 5: Arrival; Round 1 at 6:00 PM
Oct. 6: Round 2 at 3:00 PM
Oct. 7–9: Rounds at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM
Oct. 10: Round 9 at 10:00 AM; closing ceremony at 4:00 PM

Entry Fees
GM: Free

Through September 4, 2026:

IM/WGM $400; FM/WIM $500; FIDE 2400+ $500; FIDE 2200+ $600;
FIDE 2000+ $750.

Through October 2, 2026:

IM/WGM $500; FM/WIM $600; FIDE 2400+ $600; FIDE 2200+ $750;
FIDE 2000+ $900.

Discounts: 15% for seniors (born 1976 or earlier), juniors (born 2006
or later), and female players; 30% for eligible collegiate chess-
program players. Only one discount may be used.

Guaranteed Prize Fund: $13,000
1st $5,000; 2nd $2,500; 3rd $1,500; 4th $1,000; Best Senior $1,000;
Best Junior $1,000; Best Female $1,000. Main prizes use the Hort
System in case of ties; category prizes are split equally among eligible
tied players.

Important Playing Rules

• FIDE rules apply, with FIDE taking precedence in any conflict. Default
  time is 60 minutes. Draws before Black’s 30th move require arbiter
  permission.
• Up to two half-point byes may be requested before Round 1 pairings;
  0-point byes are otherwise permitted. Players seeking norms must
  play all nine rounds without requested byes. The event’s schedule
  meets the FIDE one-round-per-day requirement for GM/WGM norm
  applications; the Swiss-field norm requirement depends on final
  participation and average rating.
• Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing area. All players are
  subject to electronic-device scanning. Spectators are not permitted in
  the playing hall except invited guests during the first 20 minutes.
• A 50% refund is available for cancellations requested by September
  25, 2026; no refunds afterward.

Full regulations, organizer updates, GM interest, conditions, and
special requests:

https://azerichessacademy.com/tournaments/1st-azeri-chess-academy-open/