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About Chess Program
UTRGV Chess Program
4× National Champions
Founded in 2015 and led by Coach Grandmaster Bartłomiej Macieja and Program Manager Colt Smith-Munoz, the UTRGV Chess Program has achieved wide acclaim at the State, National, and International level of Collegiate Chess. The program also hosts FIDE & USCF tournaments and offers year‑round community classes and camps from a team of Masters.
National Achievements & Awards
President’s Cup (Final Four)
2018 — 1st Place
2019 — 1st Place
2021 — 1st Place
2025 — Co‑Champions
Pan‑Ams & Texas Super Finals
2015‑DEC — Pan Ams Co‑Champions
2016‑OCT — TX Super Finals 1st
2018‑OCT — TX Super Finals 1st
2019‑OCT — TX Super Finals 1st
2021‑OCT — TX Super Finals 1st
2025‑JAN — Pan Ams Perfect 6‑0
Named Chess College of the Year in 2018, 2019, & 2025 by the USCF, and honored at the Texas Capitol in 2019.
Watch the video
2025 Recognitions
World & International Titles
UTRGV won the World University Blitz Championship in 2021 and the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In spring 2022, UTRGV won the Collegiate Chess League, the largest university-level competition in the world.
Programs & Community Outreach
The Chess Program organizes regular tournaments, camps, and community courses through the Chess Academy and support the UTRGV Chess Club.