$10K Guaranteed Ken Ferguson Memorial Open
$10K Guaranteed Ken Ferguson Memorial Open runs from January 16-18, 2027 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. This is a chess tournament in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in 2027. The event brings players together for a major over-the-board chess tournament with two sections, six rounds, and FIDE rating in the top section. Sheraton New Orleans Hotel hosts the competition, and the tournament offers a guaranteed USD 10,000 prize fund.
Moreover, this chess tournament in New Orleans gives players a strong holiday-weekend option in a central downtown location. The $10K Guaranteed Ken Ferguson Memorial Open combines a serious classical chess tournament structure with class prizes, special awards, and a Sunday evening blitz event. In addition, the tournament honors the memory of Ken Ferguson while creating a competitive and welcoming weekend for visiting and local players. As a result, this chess event in New Orleans appeals to titled players, ambitious club competitors, and improving players who want a high-quality FIDE rated chess tournament in Louisiana.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | January 16-18, 2027 |
| 📍 Location | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rated; Open section FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | Open, Under 1500 |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/90 + 30-second increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | $100 early, $120 standard, $140 late, $150 thereafter and same day |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 10,000 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Current US Chess membership required; FIDE membership required for the Open section |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Tournament director may adjust sections based on turnout |
🏆 Prize Fund
The guaranteed cash prize fund totals $10,000.
| Section | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Open | $2,500, $1,500, $500 |
| Open U2100 | $1,000, $500, $250 |
| Open U1800 | $800, $400, $200 |
| Under 1500 | $600, $300, $150 |
| Under 1200 | $400, $200, $100 |
| Special prizes | Largest upset $200; Female player highest score $200; Best mixed double $200 |
Class prizes use the official January US Chess rating. In addition, unrated players may compete for class and section prizes in the Open section only. However, players need an established rating to win the upset, female, and doubles prizes.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 6-round Swiss system. Each player gets 90 minutes for the game plus a 30-second increment from move one. In addition, the Open section counts for FIDE rating and follows FIDE rules, while the full event counts for US Chess rating.
Players may request up to two half-point byes for any round. However, they must submit non-emergency bye requests before pairings for round 3. Moreover, the chief tournament director declares a forfeit 30 minutes after the scheduled start time when a player does not arrive. The event does not offer FIDE norms.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Open | FIDE rated |
| Under 1500 | Under 1500 | US Chess rated |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2027 | Saturday | 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
| January 16, 2027 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| January 17, 2027 | Sunday | 9:00 AM | Round 3 |
| January 17, 2027 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | Round 4 |
| January 17, 2027 | Sunday | 7:00 PM | Blitz side event |
| January 18, 2027 | Monday | 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| January 18, 2027 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Online registration |
| Entry fee | $100 if purchased two weeks prior, $120 if purchased one week prior, $140 two days prior, $150 thereafter and same day |
| Refund | Players who withdraw 60 minutes before round 1 receive a refund minus applicable payment processor fees |
| Membership | Current US Chess membership required |
| FIDE requirement | FIDE membership required for the Open section |
| Re-entry | Re-entry on day two is available for $50 with two half-point byes for day one |
| Bye policy | Up to 2 half-point byes, requested before pairing round 3 in non-emergency situations |
| Special note | GMs, WGMs, IMs, and WIMs receive free entry |
👥 Organizer
Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans organizes this memorial event and continues to support competitive tournament chess in the region. In addition, the organizer handles hotel coordination, side events, and tournament operations for players visiting New Orleans during the holiday weekend.
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Address: 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
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Email: info@downriverchess.com
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Website: https://www.downriverchess.com
🏨 Venue
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
The tournament takes place on the fourth floor in the Bayside Ballroom of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Moreover, the venue gives players a central downtown setting close to restaurants, attractions, and hotel services. The property also serves as the official tournament hotel.
🛎️ Accommodation
The official hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The confirmed tournament room rate is $199 per night. Therefore, players should reserve before December 26, 2026, subject to availability.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can reach the Sheraton easily in downtown New Orleans. In addition, hotel guests and visitors can use valet parking, while several private garages and parking lots sit within walking distance of the tournament hall. Travelers arriving from outside the city can also continue to the venue by taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
🧾 Other
A blitz side event starts on Sunday at 7:00 PM. The blitz entry fee is $30, and the organizer returns 60% of the entry pool as prize money. In addition, the blitz uses a 6-round format at G/5 + 2-second increment and counts for US Chess rating. A scholastic side event is also scheduled for Sunday, and players who also enter the main event receive free entry.
The organizer supplies a limited amount of chess equipment. Therefore, players should bring their own chess set and clock whenever possible. Spectators may not enter the tournament hall, although they may stay in designated hotel areas outside the playing room.
Honor Ken Ferguson’s memory in New Orleans and enjoy a competitive weekend of classical chess with strong prizes and a lively tournament atmosphere.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $10,000
Organizer
Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans is a nonprofit chess organization that serves the Greater New Orleans area through regular club play, rated events, and a growing local tournament calendar. The club has built a visible presence in Louisiana chess by creating accessible playing opportunities for both experienced competitors and newer players. As a result, Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans has become a recognizable name for over-the-board chess in and around New Orleans.
In addition, the club promotes a broad mix of activities, including local tournaments, beginner support, and community-centered chess programming. Its official website highlights recurring club gatherings, tournament information, player resources, and updates for members and visitors. Therefore, the organization stands out as an active New Orleans chess club with a clear focus on rated tournament play and steady community engagement.
