The 2027 Ken Ferguson Memorial Open takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, from January 16–18, 2027, with a $10,000 guaranteed prize fund. Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans organizes this event in memory of local chess enthusiast Ken Ferguson.

The competition consists of six Swiss-system rounds, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. It has an Open division rated by both FIDE and US Chess and an Under 1500 section rated by US Chess. The Open division follows the applicable FIDE rules, while prizes also recognize several US Chess rating classes.

Players must hold current US Chess membership, and Open participants need a valid FIDE ID. The organizer offers early, standard and late entry fees, with free admission for eligible GM, IM, WGM and WIM title holders. A separate scholastic competition and Sunday-evening blitz event are also scheduled during the festival.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Both sections play six Swiss rounds at G/90+30. The Open follows FIDE rules and is FIDE- and US Chess-rated, whereas Under 1500 is US Chess-rated only. The tournament director reserves the right to adjust sections depending on entries.

🏆 Prize Fund

The $10,000 prize fund is guaranteed. Class and special awards use the organizer’s published eligibility conditions.

Open section

Under 1500 section

Special awards

Mixed doubles teams must consist of one male and one female player with an average rating below 2100; partners may enter different sections. Prize winners have 30 days after the tournament to claim payment, with organizer emails used for follow-up.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The main tournament contains two independently paired divisions, with different rating treatment and eligibility.

📅 Schedule

Six rounds are scheduled over January 16–18, 2027, with two games per day. All times are local Central Standard Time. The organizer describes the round schedule as estimated, so players should reconfirm final times before travel.

📝 Registration

Players may register on the official King Registration event page. Entry fees depend on when payment is received, and current US Chess membership is mandatory.

Open players must have a FIDE ID. Eligible US Chess members may request a USA-flagged FIDE ID through the process indicated by the organizer. Contact info@downriverchess.com for registration questions or withdrawals. The MyChess.Events enquiry form does not constitute official tournament registration.

🏛️ Organizer

Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans is a Louisiana nonprofit chess organization led by Andrew Squitiro. Its program includes weekly rated chess, major weekend tournaments and the New Orleans Youth Chess series.

📍 Venue

Play takes place at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA, in the Bayside Ballroom on the fourth floor. The hotel stands on Canal Street, across from the French Quarter, and provides meeting rooms, restaurants and accommodation.

🏨 Accommodation

Staying at the playing hotel is the simplest option for early rounds. The organizer advertises a special Sheraton group rate of $199 per night with a December 26, 2026 booking cutoff; confirm availability and terms directly with the organizer. These hotel links use Stay22 Allez and dates January 15–19, 2027.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

The Canal Street and French Quarter area offers convenient restaurants between rounds. The following establishments are located at or near the playing hotel.

🚆 How to Get There

The Sheraton New Orleans is centrally located on Canal Street, near the French Quarter and riverfront.

✈️ By Air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is approximately 12 miles from the hotel according to the hotel’s own information. Arrange a taxi, rideshare or other airport transfer; the hotel does not offer its own shuttle.

🚋 By Streetcar

New Orleans’ Canal Street streetcar corridor runs near the hotel. Check New Orleans RTA for current routes and schedules.

🚗 By Car

Navigate to 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Check parking fees and availability with the hotel before arriving.

ℹ️ Other Information

Spectators and Fair Play

Spectators are not permitted inside the tournament hall. They may use the skittles room, pre-function space or public hotel areas. Participants should review the organizer’s fair-play and electronic-device rules. Deliberate insults and failure to greet an opponent after an arbiter’s request may result in disciplinary penalties.

Side Events

A separate scholastic tournament and a blitz event complement the main Memorial Open. Each has its own tournament structure and registration conditions.

Useful Official Links