Based on the variable structure control (VSC) theory, we develop an adaptive fuzzy control system design method for uncertain Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models with norm-bounded uncertainties. We relax the restrictive assumptions that each nominal local system model shares the same input channel and the norm bound of the uncertainty is known, which are usually invoked in the traditional VSC-based fuzzy control design methods. As the local controller we use a VSC law with a switching feedback control term and an adaptation law to account for the norm-bounded uncertainties. In terms of LMIs, we derive a sufficient condition for the existence of linear sliding surfaces guaranteeing the asymptotic stability. We present an LMI characterization of such sliding surfaces. We also give an LMI-based design algorithm, together with a numerical design example. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.