$4,000 FIDE‑Rated Carnival Classic
Celebrate Dr. King Weekend (January 17–19, 2026) with three full days of competitive chess at the $4,000 FIDE-rated Carnival Classic. This exciting event invites players of all strengths to Metairie, Louisiana, for a premier Swiss tournament featuring FIDE-rated action in the top section alongside U1500 and U1200 groups. With a strong prize fund and a lively schedule that includes a side blitz event, this tournament promises both serious competition and great chess atmosphere.
Set in the elegant Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans Hotel, the Carnival Classic brings together seasoned and emerging players alike in a tournament environment that emphasizes fair play, official FIDE rules in the top section, and the social camaraderie of chess during the holiday weekend. Whether you’re chasing prizes or testing yourself in your class group, the event offers excellent value and a well-organised venue with hotel affiliate rates and free parking.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans Hotel, Four Galleria Blvd, Metairie, Louisiana, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 6-Round Swiss (Open, U1500, Scholastic U1200) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | $90 early (two weeks prior), $100 standard (one week prior), $110 late (two days prior), $120 same-day |
| ⭐ Rating | Top section FIDE-rated, all sections USCF-rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Current USCF membership required; FIDE membership required for Open section |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | $4,000 in prizes |
| 🏨 Venue | Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans Hotel |
| 🔧 Additional | Two byes (½-point each) available if requested prior to Round 3; late arrivals forfeited after 30 minutes |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Item | Prize |
|---|---|
| Open Section – 1st | $1,000 |
| Open Section – 2nd | $500 |
| U2000 Class – 1st | $600 |
| U2000 Class – 2nd | $350 |
| U1500 Section – 1st | $450 |
| U1500 Section – 2nd | $300 |
| Scholastic U1200 – 1st | $350 |
| Scholastic U1200 – 2nd | $250 |
| Largest Upset | $100 |
| Highest-scoring Female Player | $100 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Open section: Game/90 minutes + 30-second increment (G/90; i30), played under FIDE Laws of Chess.
Pairings conducted Swiss style.
Unrated players may be assigned provisional ratings (highest quick/blitz rating, plus adjustments if unrated).
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Open | FIDE-rated (no norms awarded) |
| U1500 | Players rated under 1500 (USCF) |
| Scholastic U1200 | Players rated under 1200 (USCF) |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 17 | 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 7:00 PM | Blitz Side-Event (USCF G/5; d2) |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 9:00 AM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 2:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 2:00 PM | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
Register online through the official page.
Entry fee tiers: $90 early (2 weeks out), $100 standard (1 week out), $110 late (2 days out), $120 same day.
Current USCF membership required; FIDE membership required for Open section.
Re-entry permitted on Day 2 with two half-point byes for Day 1 at a $50 fee.
👥 Organizer
Organised by the Downriver Chess Club of New Orleans.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: available via Downriver Chess Club
Website: http://www.downriverchess.com
🏨 Venue
The event will be held at the Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans Hotel, Four Galleria Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001, USA. Complimentary parking is available in the hotel’s attached garage.
🛎️ Accommodation
Sheraton Metairie Hotel offers a special group rate of $123/night for participants.
Comfort Inn & Suites at Copeland Tower (2601 Severn Ave, Metairie) also offers a group rate for “Downriver Chess Club” attendees. Call 504-526-4595 to book.
🚗 How to Get There
Venue is approximately 15 minutes by car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
Free parking in the hotel’s attached garage.
From downtown New Orleans, take I-10 West to Exit 228C (Veterans Blvd/Severn Ave) and follow Galleria Blvd signs.
May your chess be sharp, your strategy bold, and your weekend at the Carnival Classic truly unforgettable!