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

  • 4 locations and growing — with a new Houston division now serving players across the state

  • 500+ rated tournaments per year, making TCC one of the most prolific tournament hosts in the US

  • 25,000+ students taught through school programs, group classes, lessons, and camps.

  • Partnerships with 75+ schools, including Alcuin, Greenhill, Wesley Prep, Lamplighter, and ISDs like Coppell, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, and Lovejoy

  • Collaborations with GM Chris Repka, GM Jeffery Xiong, FM Sharvesh Deviprasath, and IM Zurab Javakhadze

  • Students on the world stage — TCC-trained players have qualified for the World Youth and Cadet Championship, recognized in official US Chess announcements

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

    Jarred Tetzlaff and David Gaston 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.

  • January 2022

    TCC-Plano opened with its Grand Opening Swiss on January 22, 2022, drawing 67 players. Read more here.

  • September 2022

    TCC connects with with NTCA, bringing it under shared ownership with NM Christopher Toolin. This merger amplified their collective vision, positioning TCC for greater success in the region 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

    Co-founder David Gaston headed south to launch TCC's newest location in Bellaire, TX — officially kicking off TCC's first-ever Division Expansion into Houston.

  • October 2025

    TCC partnered with Checkmate: USA vs India, bringing a historic international chess showdown to the Arlington E-Sports Stadium. That same month, TCC hosted its first-ever norm tournament at the Bellaire location — a milestone for competitive chess in Texas.