About TCC.

Our mission is to make chess education universally accessible, cultivating strategic minds and fostering intellectual growth. We are dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages to unlock their full potential through the timeless art of chess, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Achievements and Collaborations

  • We have a 4 physical locations and growing quickly, including a 2nd Division in Houston.

  • The Texas Youth Championship, held on January 28, 2023, brought together 140 players.

  • TCC successfully trained students who qualified for Team USA for the World Youth and Cadet Championship, with Texas players proudly featured in US Chess announcements.

  • We have collaborated with grandmasters, including GM Chris Repka, who serves as our GM coach, alongside GM Jeffery Xiong and FM Sharvesh Deviprasath.

  • TCC hosts over 400 tournaments each year and taught more than 25,000 students across DFW, supported by its robust school and group class programs.

  • We have forged partnerships with schools such as, Alcuin, Wesley Prep, and Lamplighter, as well as ISDs including Coppell, McKinney, Plano, and Lovejoy, reflecting our established role in working with over 100 schools.

Timeline

  • Pre-TCC

    The North Texas Chess Academy (NTCA) location in Carrollton, Texas—founded in 2016 by NM Christopher Toolin and partners—served as a precursor to TCC. It hosted major events, including tournaments featuring over twenty grandmasters, the Pro Chess League, and a simultaneous exhibition with GM Nigel Short.

  • November 2021

    Building upon the foundation established by NTCA, David Gaston and Jarred Tetzlaff founded The Texas Chess Center (TCC) with a vision to create a thriving environment for chess enthusiasts—one that fosters growth, camaraderie, and lifelong learning. Their Grand Opening Swiss, held on January 22, 2022, drew 67 players. Read more here.

  • September 2022

    TCC acquired NTCA, bringing it under shared ownership with NM Christopher Toolin. This merger amplified their collective vision, positioning TCC for greater success by combining resources and expertise.

  • March 2023

    TCC's growth continued with the opening of a location in Irving, TX, in March 2023, doubling the employee count and reflecting increased demand in DFW. This expansion is supported by tournament listings at the Irving address on US Chess (Upcoming Tournaments).

  • January 2024

    In January 2024, TCC opened its third location in Frisco, TX, offering more options for Collin County, as confirmed by a Community Impact article (Texas Chess Center Frisco).

  • April 2025

    Our Co-founder, David Gaston, is headed to Houston to launch our newest location in Bellaire, TX! This exciting milestone marks the official beginning of our first Division Expansion.