Louisiana Open 2026 takes place from May 23-24, 2026 in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. This is a chess tournament in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 2026. The event runs as a one-section Swiss tournament with class prizes, dual US Chess and FIDE rating, and a fully guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, the tournament uses a mixed classical structure with a faster time control on Saturday and a longer control on Sunday.

Moreover, Louisiana Open 2026 gives players a focused Memorial Day weekend chess event in Lafayette. Because the tournament uses one unified section with class prizes, it can attract a broad range of competitors while still keeping one main field. Furthermore, the long-running Lafayette Chess Club setting adds extra value for players who want a traditional over-the-board chess tournament in Louisiana.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament offers a fully guaranteed total cash prize fund of USD 1,600. In addition, the event uses one main section with class prizes rather than separate rating sections.

Specific class prize breakdowns have not been confirmed in the published summary. However, the guaranteed total cash fund is confirmed.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a five-round Swiss system across two days. First, Rounds 1 through 3 use G/60 with a 30-second increment. After that, Rounds 4 and 5 use G/90 with a 30-second increment. Therefore, the weekend begins with a faster classical pace and finishes with longer games on Sunday.

In addition, the event is both US Chess rated and FIDE rated. Players may also request up to five half-point byes, and zero-point bye options are available as well. Because of that flexibility, the event can work for players with different weekend schedules.

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament runs as a single section with class prizes. As a result, all participants compete in one main field while still playing for rating-based awards.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

The Lafayette Chess Club organizes Louisiana Open 2026 as part of its established tournament activity in Lafayette. In addition, the club has a long local presence and regularly hosts chess events for area players. Because of that continuity, the event offers a familiar competitive setting for players who want a weekend chess tournament in Louisiana.

• Address: 120 E Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508, USA

• Email: wildwolftcl@att.net

• Phone: +1 337 981 1821

• Website: https://www.lafayettechessclub.org/

🏨 Venue

Discovery Inn & Suites, 120 E Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508, USA

The playing site gives the event a practical hotel-based setup in Lafayette. In addition, the venue is closely associated with Lafayette Chess Club activity, which can make the tournament environment feel familiar for returning players. Meanwhile, the location on Kaliste Saloom Road offers straightforward local access.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the venue easily through Lafayette’s main road network. In addition, the hotel setting can make arrival and on-site tournament logistics more convenient during the weekend.

Meanwhile, players traveling from outside Lafayette can plan a short local transfer after arriving in the city. Because the event takes place in a hotel venue, the site can work well for both local competitors and visiting players.

If you want a Memorial Day weekend chess tournament in Louisiana with one main section, class prizes, and dual US Chess and FIDE rating, Louisiana Open 2026 offers a focused and practical option in Lafayette.