Word of Mouth Brings Chess Players Together Through Local Events

Word of Mouth

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - On Saturday, Oct. 24, Corpus Christi Poet Laureate Kiya Vance and Word of Mouth are bringing an all-ages chess tournament and live music showcase to The Exchange in downtown Corpus Christi.

The event begins at 4 p.m. with a $5 competitive tournament and free-play option, followed by a 9 p.m. live performance from Vance and his band.

The story goes beyond one tournament.

Photo submitted by Word of Mouth.

Word of Mouth has been organizing chess events in Corpus Christi for years. In 2023, The Bend Magazine reported that the organization had already produced local events drawing more than 250 people and was bringing a chess tournament to The Exchange.

Now, three years later, Word of Mouth is returning to the venue alongside contributing partners Corpus Christi Chess Academy, Chess Core and The Exchange with a larger goal: helping build a visible, connected chess culture in Corpus Christi.

“I don’t want to just host a tournament. I want us to build a chess culture,” Vance said. “You don’t have to already belong to the scene. Showing up is how the scene gets built.”

EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
The Exchange — 224 N. Mesquite St., Corpus Christi
Chess begins: 4 p.m.
Competitive tournament: $5
Free play: Available
Chess portion: All ages
Kiya Vance + live band: 9 p.m.