2025 Region VIII Award Winners!
These awards are more than just recognition. They are a celebration of the dedication, growth, and talent that make Region 8 chess so special. Every nominee represents hours of focus, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Whether it’s a rising star, a passionate coach, or a powerhouse team, this is our chance to honor the people who bring our chess community to life. Let’s celebrate their impact and inspire the next generation of players.
Volunteers of the Year
Samantha Cantu and Bea Gossage
Player of the Year
Darek Alejandro Rincon
Young Player of the Year
Kaiser Garcia
Most Improved Player – Elementary
Victor Lozano
Most Improved Player – Middle School
Aldo Gonzalez
Most Improved Player – High School
Jose Espejo Rivera
Club of the Year
BKMV Chess
Sportsmanship Award
Onur Karaboult
Co-Coaches of the Year
Russel Trevino and Manuel Gonzalez
Rising Star
Joshua Beruman
Team of the Year
Veterans Memorial High School
Scholastic Program of the Year
Stillman Middle School
Female Player of the Year
Morgana Rodriguez
All-Region 8 Teams of the Year
Primary
1. Morgana Rodriguez
2. Fabrizio Lozano
3. Caleb Aguillar
4. Annafer Villela
Elementary
1. Kaiser Garcia
2. Manuel Gonzalez II
3. Victor Lozano
4. Ruben Hernandez
Middle School
1. Onur Karubult
2. Joshua Beruman
3. Osaiah E. Garcia
4. Liam Gonzalez
High School
1. Darek Rincon
2. Gael Gonzalez
3. Jose Espejo Rivera
4. Emilio Rodriguez
2025 Texas Team Championship
Brownsville will be hosting the 2025 Texas Team Championship for the very first time!
I know a lot of coaches have been waiting for this one. The best part? The format is built for fun and flexibility:
Coaches can team up with their students
Friends from different schools can create teams
Parents can even jump in and play alongside their kids
Teams will consist of three players, and the average rating of the team must be U1800.
You get to form your team however you want. And by the end of the day, we’ll have a brand-new State Team Champion crowned right here in the RGV.
There are more opportunities that go along with this prestigious event! Players are also eligible to gain some points needed to fulfill the Texas Master requirements. Since TCA events in the Valley are rare, don’t miss this chance to earn those points locally!
Oh, and we’re giving out $1000 in prize money (based on 20 teams).
If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. And just to be completely transparent, every dollar raised from this and any other event I’ve helped organize this summer is going straight back into the TCA Region VIII fund. None of the organizers are profiting from these tournaments. We’re doing this because we believe in the mission.
FOR THE KIDS. Always.
Register Today!
New Region VIII Director
Hello from Your New TCA Region VIII Director
My name is Jonathon C. Huerta, and I am pleased to announce that I am the new TCA Region VIII Director. I’m excited to share my vision for our region and connect with the chess community I’ve been proud to be part of for so many years.
About Me
I have been an active chess player in Region VIII for 16 years and have dedicated the last 5 years to coaching young chess enthusiasts. My current US Chess rating is 1935, and I compete in tournaments whenever possible, maintaining my connection to competitive play.
I am a graduate of the University of Houston, where I earned my BA in Business Administration and University Honors. I am currently pursuing my law degree at St. Mary’s School of Law. My professional experience spans courthouses, law firms, and school districts, providing me with valuable insights into institutional operations and student needs.
My Vision for Region VIII
My passion for chess is matched only by my dedication to our region’s students. I believe that our young players deserve stronger support and representation, which has inspired my new mission that aligns with the TCA’s overall goal of non-profit growth and success.
I have an incredible admiration for our region and our students. Unfortunately, I feel that our students have not been adequately supported and represented. This is why I am bringing forth a new mission focused on meaningful change.
What I’m Planning This Summer and Beyond
Throughout the upcoming summer and school year, I will be introducing new events and initiatives designed to raise funds for scholarship and recognition programs in Region VIII. You will witness new events and changes happening in the chess world. You might ask yourself, “Why haven’t we been doing this in the past?” However, we will now be looking into the future and focusing on what we can do to bring positive change to our chess community.
Let’s Connect
As a volunteer in this position, I view my role as an opportunity to give back to the community and help students in need. I encourage open communication with parents and students throughout the region.
I am extremely blessed and humbled to be in this position. If any parents or students have questions or just want to give feedback, please reach out to me at jonathan@texaschess.org.
Looking Forward
With my leadership, I believe Region VIII is poised for significant growth and positive change. My combination of chess expertise, educational background, and genuine commitment to student success positions our region for an exciting future.
I look forward to working with all of you and witnessing the positive impact of our shared vision for chess in Region VIII and throughout the state of Texas.
Thank you for your unwavering support. I am extremely excited for the future of chess in our region.
Sincerely, Jonathon C. Huerta
Region VIII Director
For questions or feedback, contact Jonathon C. Huerta at jonathan@texaschess.org
2025 Fight for Zoey 2025 Summer Scholastic
As some of you may know, our region was struck with the heartbreaking news of our very own chess player Zoey Hernandez’s leukemia diagnosis on May 6th, 2025. Zoey continues to fight and show her courage and bravery every day. As a community, I feel we MUST come together for Zoey and show her that she and her family have all of our love and support.
On July 19th, 2025, Brandon Flores and I will be hosting a 4-round USCF Rated Scholastic Chess Tournament. This is a beneficiary event for Zoey Hernandez and her family. Zoey is a dedicated chess player from Brownsville, Texas, who was diagnosed with leukemia on May 6th, 2025. While she continues to fight, the chess community will continue to support her. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Zoey and her family to assist with this battle.
If you cannot attend this event, please consider donating to her family:
CashApp directly to the Family: $cindyh822
All players must have current memberships in order to play. Please bring chess equipment (boards, clocks, etc.) – none provided. Open to all current USCF members from Kindergarten through 12th Grade during the 2024-2025 School Year. First round starts at 10:00 AM. All other rounds will begin immediately after the previous round. Time control is G/40; d5. There will be three sections: Championship, Intermediate & Novice. All three sections will be created based on participation and be created at TD’s discretion. Players may not select what section to play in. All pairings and Swiss sections are final once they are posted.
Organizers:
- Jonathan Huerta
- Brandon Flores
Sponsors:
- Little Miracles Learning Center
- Glam & Boujee Beautique
- Valley Trophies (Weslaco, Texas)
Tournament Spreadsheet (Pre-Registration, Pairings/Standings): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19uRd4Z8rNVS25rmXObhfPHXZ3cUwfHl5TKs7QDVUEAs/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- Entry fee $20.00 if paid by the Early Registration deadline. (ONLY CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED)
- Early Registration deadline – Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 11:59 PM. No Onsite Registration!!
- Current unofficial USCF ratings will be used
- Accelerated pairings will be used at TD’s discretion
- Only one ½-point bye may be taken and all others will be 0 points.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Organizers are not responsible for accidents.
Awards for each section: Individual Trophies for 1st-5th place. Individual Medals for 6th-10th place.
Thank you so much to our sponsors and everyone in the community for helping us coordinate this event. To Zoey and her family, please know we are here for you. As strong and courageous as Zoey is, may she also have the comfort of knowing she is backed by a village of people willing to give their unwavering support.
Sincerely,
Jonathon C. Huerta
Region VII Director
Texas Chess Association Region VIII Award Nominations
EXCITING NEWS FOR REGION 8 CHESS COMMUNITY!
I promised recognition, growth, and activity, and I’m delivering! While I wish we had this level of engagement when I was a player, growth starts by making chess better for our current students than it was before.
I’m thrilled to announce my next initiative for Region VIII: Our very own regional awards program!
Inspired by the Texas Chess Association’s awards application, I’ve created a similar format specifically for our region. You can now vote across multiple categories from Player of the Year to Team of the Year, featuring talent exclusively from Region 8.
From La Feria to Brownsville, who do YOU think performed the best this past year?
I’m coordinating with the TCA board to ensure a fair and transparent process. If we get the participation I’m hoping for, I plan to host a LIVE AWARD CEREMONY to celebrate our region’s incredible achievements!
VOTE NOW: Click Here
Best wishes,
Jonathan C. Huerta
Region VIII Director