Pairings will be done as soon as possible after all games are finished in each round.
Withdrawals without advance notice face heavy penalties.
8 round norms due to a PAB (pairing allocated bye) are possible.
Withdrawals without advance notice face heavy penalties.
8 round norms due to a PAB (pairing allocated bye) are possible.
The mission is simple: create more opportunities for players in the U.S. to chase norms without having to travel overseas.
That’s why we’re building something different with the Texas Norm Swiss — a small-scale Super Swiss designed to be repeatable throughout the year. Our focus is on:
This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to grow this together with the chess community.
That’s why we’re building something different with the Texas Norm Swiss — a small-scale Super Swiss designed to be repeatable throughout the year. Our focus is on:
- Higher GM density to raise the average opponent rating
- Six-day structure to satisfy FIDE requirements
- Sustainable format that doesn’t depend on massive hotels or hundreds of player entries
This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to grow this together with the chess community.
Two Audiences. One Purpose.
Some come to win, others come to earn their titles—but all leave with games that matter.
This is the Texas Norm Super Swiss:
This is the Texas Norm Super Swiss:
- Six days, nine rounds, October 8–13, 2025 (National Chess Day week)
- Held at the new Texas Chess Center in Houston, TX
- 48-player cap—curated for FIDE norm success and world-class competition
Why Grandmasters Play Here
Prestige & Respect: You are the anchor of an elite, international field—your presence is what makes title chances possible.
Serious Opposition: Every round is competitive—no wasted games.
Significant Prize Fund for a Small Field of Players: $10,000 total based on 48 players, $3,000 guaranteed for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd.
Professional Treatment: Conditions tailored to your needs, seamless logistics, and a dedicated team that values your role in making this event possible for the next generation of titled players.
Serious Opposition: Every round is competitive—no wasted games.
Significant Prize Fund for a Small Field of Players: $10,000 total based on 48 players, $3,000 guaranteed for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd.
Professional Treatment: Conditions tailored to your needs, seamless logistics, and a dedicated team that values your role in making this event possible for the next generation of titled players.
“Our Grandmasters are the foundation of this event. Without you, the next generation can’t rise; with you, this becomes one of the most norm-rich tournaments in the country...”
Why Norm Seekers Choose This Event
For players chasing norms, this is your best shot:
High GM Density: Most Swiss events have 8–15% GMs. Our target is to guarantee at least 8 GMs (20%) in the field.
Prize Money While You Push for Your Norm: $10,000 total—compete for both glory and significant rewards. Unlike round robins, which typically don’t offer prize money, and major open Swiss tournaments where prizes are often out of reach, our event ensures you have a real shot at winning cash while chasing your title.
High GM Density: Most Swiss events have 8–15% GMs. Our target is to guarantee at least 8 GMs (20%) in the field.
- With 15–20 players: 8 GMs equates to 40–53% GMs
- With 41-45 players, 20% = 9 GMs
- Full 48-player field: 20% GMs = 10 total
- 40+ players averaging 2000+ rating (dependent upon # of players registered and if all rounds are played)
- 3 single-round days for GM norms (guaranteed met based on our playing schedule)
- International mix to meet foreign federation rules
Prize Money While You Push for Your Norm: $10,000 total—compete for both glory and significant rewards. Unlike round robins, which typically don’t offer prize money, and major open Swiss tournaments where prizes are often out of reach, our event ensures you have a real shot at winning cash while chasing your title.
📊 Our research: Since FIDE’s June 2022 rule change, 21 IM norms out of 35 have come from Swiss events in the U.S.--but just 3 are from major opens like North American & World Open. GM norms? Only 9 out of 24 (only 1 from World Open). The data is clear: smaller, curated events give you a statistically stronger shot. (Source: FIDE unconfirmed norms list, 8/09/2025) See more data at the bottom of the page.
From 2024–2025, out of 29 Swiss norms in title applications (from us based events), only 4 met FIDE requirement 1.1.3a for GM/WGM norms. Out of 28 round robins, just 4 did the same. This leaves 49 norms out of 57 that didn't meet the requirement!
From 2024–2025, out of 29 Swiss norms in title applications (from us based events), only 4 met FIDE requirement 1.1.3a for GM/WGM norms. Out of 28 round robins, just 4 did the same. This leaves 49 norms out of 57 that didn't meet the requirement!
Why? Because extra days mean higher costs—more venue fees, staff pay, and logistical hurdles. The result? Players are left waiting for the rare local chance… or spending thousands to travel overseas.
The Texas Norm Swiss is one of the few events willing to meet the hardest FIDE requirements here at home. But it comes at a cost—that’s why the entry fee is $845 across the board. This isn’t about profit; it’s about making a financially sustainable model for 40+ player, norm-eligible Swisses in Texas that we can run again and again.
If players and supporters don’t step up now, events like this will remain rare. With your trust and participation this year, we can make norm opportunities common in USA—and readily accessible to everyone who’s ready to earn their title.
The Texas Norm Swiss is one of the few events willing to meet the hardest FIDE requirements here at home. But it comes at a cost—that’s why the entry fee is $845 across the board. This isn’t about profit; it’s about making a financially sustainable model for 40+ player, norm-eligible Swisses in Texas that we can run again and again.
If players and supporters don’t step up now, events like this will remain rare. With your trust and participation this year, we can make norm opportunities common in USA—and readily accessible to everyone who’s ready to earn their title.
Register
Please email us at [email protected] if you are interested in participating. *Please note: We cannot guarantee the 40-player minimum. This depends on the number of entries and players remaining in the event through completion. A regular non-super swiss norm can still be earned even if we don't achieve the 40 player minimum.
This tournament is co-organized by The Chess Refinery and Texas Chess Center. Chief TD is Yuen K Ng, a FIDE Arbiter, Associate Organizer and US Chess ANTD.
This tournament is co-organized by The Chess Refinery and Texas Chess Center. Chief TD is Yuen K Ng, a FIDE Arbiter, Associate Organizer and US Chess ANTD.
Player List
Out of the list below, 27 players are confirmed with overall average of 2301.
6/27 are GMs = 22% of the field.
World Open in July 2025 had 222 players, overall avg rtg 2146.
18 GMs/222 = 8% of field
| Notes | Status | TITLE | FED | FIDE Rtg | FirstName | LastName | FIDE Link |
| CONFIRMED | GM | USA | 2523 | Fidel | Corrales Jimenez | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/3506690 | |
| CONFIRMED | GM | SRB | 2517 | Luka | Budisavljevic | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/960047 | |
| CONFIRMED | GM | RUS | 2501 | Vladimir | Belous | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/4174003 | |
| CONFIRMED | GM | COL | 2490 | Santiago | Avila Pavas | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/4437128 | |
| CONFIRMED | GM | IND | 2488 | Koustav | Chatterjee | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/25073060 | |
| CONFIRMED | IM | USA | 2480 | Liam | Putnam | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30938279 | |
| CONFIRMED | GM | IND | 2476 | Harshit | Raja | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/5089000 | |
| CONFIRMED | IM | CAN | 2435 | Anthony | Atanasov | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2623897 | |
| CONFIRMED | IM | POL | 2420 | Jakub | Fus | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/1193023 | |
| CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2356 | Warren | Harper | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2028140 | |
| CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2319 | Zachary | Tanenbaum | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2060850 | |
| CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2312 | Lucius | Melillo | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30958245 | |
| CONFIRMED | WIM | USA | 2310 | Rachael | Li | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30929849 | |
| CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2309 | Ryan | Amburgy | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30924820 | |
| RDS 1 & 2 BYES - INELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES/NORM | CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2297 | ANDREW | JIANG | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30953510 |
| CONFIRMED | FM | USA | 2294 | Julian | Colville | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30963273 | |
| CONFIRMED | CM | USA | 2225 | Logan | Shafer | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30993342 | |
| RD 1 BYE; INELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES/NORM | CONFIRMED | CM | USA | 2198 | Daniel | Yang | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30976340 |
| CONFIRMED | FM/WIM | USA | 2183 | Megan | Lee | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2029618 | |
| CONFIRMED | USA | 2174 | Vijay Srinivas | Anandh | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30975794 | ||
| CONFIRMED | USA | 2132 | Arsal | Gardezi | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30949521 | ||
| CONFIRMED | IND | 2121 | Yohan | J | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/5058589 | ||
| CONFIRMED | USA | 2113 | Barrett | Winchell | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30904544 | ||
| CONFIRMED | USA | 2110 | Michael | Takahashi | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30911648 | ||
| CONFIRMED | USA | 2107 | Aayansh | Guntaka | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30993890 | ||
| CONFIRMED | IND | 2092 | Rahul | Mynala | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/33400830 | ||
| RD 2 BYE - INELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES/NORM | CONFIRMED | USA | 2042 | Kyle | Wang | https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30977428 |
Date & Round Times
6-day schedule, October 8th - Oct 13th, 2025 (Columbus day) over National Chess Day weekend
Wed 10/8: 7pm
Thu 10/9: 7pm
Fri 10/10: 10am, 5:15pm
Sat 10/11: 10am, 5:15pm
Sun 10/12: 10am, 5:15pm
Mon 10/13: 10am
If you are flying in the evening prior to the tournament on Tues Oct 7th... please join us for a Blitz tournament at 7:30pm! Details here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WeKofxGUXJWVktRL8
https://www.thechessrefinery.org/superblitz.html
Wed 10/8: 7pm
Thu 10/9: 7pm
Fri 10/10: 10am, 5:15pm
Sat 10/11: 10am, 5:15pm
Sun 10/12: 10am, 5:15pm
Mon 10/13: 10am
If you are flying in the evening prior to the tournament on Tues Oct 7th... please join us for a Blitz tournament at 7:30pm! Details here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WeKofxGUXJWVktRL8
https://www.thechessrefinery.org/superblitz.html
Format / Time Control
9 round Super Swiss
G90; inc30
FIDE and US Chess rated
FIDE ratings and pairings used.
Default time is 1 hour from the start of the round.
G90; inc30
FIDE and US Chess rated
FIDE ratings and pairings used.
Default time is 1 hour from the start of the round.
Prizes
$10,000 Prize fund based on 48 players
1st/2nd place prizes are 100% guaranteed
$3000 - $2000 - $1600 - $1300 - $1100 - $700 - $300
Participants MUST play in all 9 rounds to be eligible for both norms and prizes. The only exception is in the case of a PAB (pairing allocated bye) or forfeit situation. Due to the 40 player minimum count all players must play every round to ensure the integrity of the tournament meeting the Swiss norm requirements for everyone.
1st/2nd place prizes are 100% guaranteed
$3000 - $2000 - $1600 - $1300 - $1100 - $700 - $300
Participants MUST play in all 9 rounds to be eligible for both norms and prizes. The only exception is in the case of a PAB (pairing allocated bye) or forfeit situation. Due to the 40 player minimum count all players must play every round to ensure the integrity of the tournament meeting the Swiss norm requirements for everyone.
Total Prize Fund Based on 27 players
$7,813
$7,813
Eligibility
- FIDE-rated 2000+ as of registration or October 2025 list
- US Chess Masters (2200+) may request review
- Priority to norm-seeking titled players
- Only 48 total seats
Entry Fees & Conditions
- Foreign GMs: Free entry (no prize deduction)
- U.S. GMs: Free entry ($300 deducted from prize)
- Others: $845 ($865 w/ credit card)
- Limited conditions available—priority to foreign titled players.
- Players who accept conditions must commit to playing all 9 rounds
📧 Contact [email protected] to request conditions or register.
Venue & Travel
Texas Chess Center, 2nd floor near elevator, 4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite HH, Houston, TX 77025
Airports:
For a 3-mile UberX trip within Houston, TX, the average cost is about $7 to $9, under normal (non-surge) conditions.
We may have transportation conditions available to certain titled players who are traveling from out of state. Email us to discuss.
Recommend you fly into IAH on Tues, arrive before 4pm. To be able to make it to the blitz event on Tues night.
Custom map of hotels, playing venue and nearby food options.
Airports:
- Hobby (HOU), a 24 min drive (15 miles).
- Intercontinental (IAH), a 45 min drive (26 miles).
For a 3-mile UberX trip within Houston, TX, the average cost is about $7 to $9, under normal (non-surge) conditions.
We may have transportation conditions available to certain titled players who are traveling from out of state. Email us to discuss.
Recommend you fly into IAH on Tues, arrive before 4pm. To be able to make it to the blitz event on Tues night.
Custom map of hotels, playing venue and nearby food options.
Hotel Options
15 min drive (9.7 mi): Champions Club Texas, 6440 W Sam Houston Pkwy S, Houston, TX 77072
Stay at this hotel where our invited titled players will be residing. A discounted chess rate of $75 per night will be available.
Reach out to Kwunnie for the promo link to book (text Kwunnie at 281.698.0068). Limited availability. This hotel is located within a high-end Vegas style poker club and is directly situated at the major intersection of 8 and Bellaire (where Houston's Chinatown is).
8 min drive (2.5 mi): Courtyard Houston Medical Center, 7702 Main St, Houston, TX 77030
9 min drive (2.6 mi): Doubletree by Hilton, 6 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046
9 min drive (3.2 mi): TownePlace Suites, 5315 S Rice Ave, Houston, TX 77081
9 min drive (2.6 mi): Houston Marriott Medical Center, 6580 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
10 min drive (3.3 mi): Hyatt House Galleria, 3440 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Stay at this hotel where our invited titled players will be residing. A discounted chess rate of $75 per night will be available.
Reach out to Kwunnie for the promo link to book (text Kwunnie at 281.698.0068). Limited availability. This hotel is located within a high-end Vegas style poker club and is directly situated at the major intersection of 8 and Bellaire (where Houston's Chinatown is).
8 min drive (2.5 mi): Courtyard Houston Medical Center, 7702 Main St, Houston, TX 77030
9 min drive (2.6 mi): Doubletree by Hilton, 6 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046
9 min drive (3.2 mi): TownePlace Suites, 5315 S Rice Ave, Houston, TX 77081
9 min drive (2.6 mi): Houston Marriott Medical Center, 6580 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
10 min drive (3.3 mi): Hyatt House Galleria, 3440 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Withdrawal / Refund / Forfeit Policy
A partial refund (full EF paid minus a $100 cancellation fee) may be requested for any withdrawals submitted by 11:59 pm CST on 09/30/25. All other withdrawals after that date will NOT be refunded. Forfeits/no shows without any notice will be penalized. You will not be welcome to attend a future norm tournament held by these organizers. Unavoidable emergency withdrawals must be done immediately after you finish your most recent round so that it does not affect future round pairings.
Additional Guidelines
All playing equipment will be provided by the organizer including clocks.
IF a Clono FIDE approved tablet is provided at your board, one of the players will need to volunteer to use this device for electronic notation, while the opponent can handwrite the moves on the provided carbon score sheets. Thank you for your cooperation. This is to ensure accurate notation for norm filing purposes.
IF a Clono FIDE approved tablet is provided at your board, one of the players will need to volunteer to use this device for electronic notation, while the opponent can handwrite the moves on the provided carbon score sheets. Thank you for your cooperation. This is to ensure accurate notation for norm filing purposes.
FIDE Title Norm Requirements
Below list are norm requirements that can be met given the right mix of players which we intend to curate with our “super swiss” tournament. This is not an all inclusive list.
- Minimum 40 player Swiss requirement, avg rating 2000+ (1.5.6a)
- Players only count if they miss* at most 1 round (excluding PAB)
- I.e. a player with a forfeit win and a PAB would still count towards the 40 minimum
- Minimum 3 rounds must be single round days for GM/WGM norm (1.1.3a)
- Foreign federation opponents (1.4.3d)
- Minimum 20 FIDE rated players needed who are NOT from hosting federation (USA)
- These players must be from at least 3 foreign federations
- Minimum 10 of these must be either GM, IM, WGM or WIM
- Players only count if they miss* at most one round excluding PAB
- If not meeting 1.4.3d - then alternative is use max numbers in annex and follow 1.4.4
- Max 6 opp from one federation
- Max 5 opp from player’s own federation
- Must play at least 2 opp from different feds that is not the player’s federation
- If meeting 1.4.3d then it doesn’t matter the # of foreign fed opponents the player actually plays against in the 9 rounds, i.e. it could be a USA norm seeker who plays against 9 USA federation players and the norm would still be valid
- *a missed round means a requested bye (regardless 0.5 or zero pt), or a forfeit loss; a forfeit win is not considered to be a missed round, nor is a player allocated bye