Québec’s winter chess season gains extra energy with the Tournoi d’Échecs du Carnaval 2026, held from February 20-22, 2026 in Québec City, Canada. This 5-round classical open welcomes competitors across four rating groups and forms part of the Tour du Québec circuit, making it an important stop for players seeking both strong opposition and provincial ranking points.
The event takes place at the Centre communautaire Noël-Brulart, where a clear schedule, guaranteed cash prizes, and consistent time controls ensure a smooth and competitive weekend. Juniors benefit from discounted entry fees, and titled players receive free registration, helping attract a wide range of participants.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 20-22, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Centre communautaire Noël-Brulart, 1229 avenue du Chanoine-Morel, Québec (QC), Canada |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating | Section A rated FQE–CFC–FIDE; Sections B, C, D rated FQE |
| 📂 Sections | A (Open); B (<2000); C (<1700); D (<1400 & sub-groups) |
| 💳 Entry fee | See fee table below; $10 discount for juniors (19 and under) |
| 💰 Prize fund | $6,000 guaranteed |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Bring chess sets and clocks; FQE or CFC membership required |
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament guarantees $6,000 across four sections.
| Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st: $1000 | 1st: $750 | 1st: $500 | 1st: $250 |
| 2nd: $600 | 2nd: $450 | 2nd: $300 | 2nd: $150 |
| 3rd: $400 | 3rd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 3rd: $100 |
| 4th: $300 | -1800: $225 | -1500: $150 | -1200: $75 |
| -2200: $250 | — | — | — |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All groups follow:
• 5-round Swiss system
• 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Section A rated FQE, CFC, and FIDE
• B, C, D rated FQE
Organizers apply federation pairing rules and publish pairings before each round.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Open | Rated FQE–CFC–FIDE |
| B | Under 2000 | Rated FQE |
| C | Under 1700 | Rated FQE |
| D | Under 1400 & sub-categories | Rated FQE |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 20, 2026 | Friday | 17:30–18:30 | On-site registration |
| February 20, 2026 | Friday | 19:00 | Round 1 |
| February 21, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| February 21, 2026 | Saturday | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | 15:00 | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
Players register online before February 19. On-site registration remains available on February 20.
Entry fees (online):
| Section A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75 | $70 | $65 | $60 |
Entry fees (on-site):
| Section A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|
| $85 | $80 | $75 | $70 |
Additional notes:
• Juniors (19 & under): $10 discount
• Free for GM, IM, WGM, WIM, FM, WFM
• $35 for National Masters
• Registration requires online form + Interac payment
• FQE or CFC membership required
• Players must bring their own boards and clocks
👥 Organizer
The Club d’Échecs de Sainte-Foy organizes the Carnaval Open and manages all registration, payments, logistics, and Tour du Québec compliance.
Email: Echecs.SainteFoy@gmail.com
Website: https://clubechecsaintefoy.com/carnaval/
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place at the Centre communautaire Noël-Brulart, 1229 avenue du Chanoine-Morel in Québec City. The venue offers multiple large rooms suitable for classical chess and sits near major roads and public transit.
🚗 How to Get There
The community center lies within easy reach of Québec’s main boulevards and offers several nearby parking options. Public transit lines serve the area, allowing convenient access from different parts of the city.
🧾 Other
• Players must bring boards, pieces, and clocks.
• The event counts toward the Tour du Québec annual standings.
Organizer
Club d’Échecs de Sainte-Foy is a community chess club based in Québec City, Québec, Canada. It operates as a local chess organizer for the Sainte-Foy area and the wider Capitale-Nationale region. Moreover, the club supports club play, structured activities, and competitive events.
The club runs regular play sessions, learning activities, and rated competitions for many skill levels. In addition, it is the tournament organizer behind the Tournoi d’Échecs du Carnaval 2026, a marquee open chess tournament in Québec’s winter calendar. The festival centerpiece is a FIDE-rated tournament in classical chess, with additional rating sections for developing players.
Furthermore, Club d’Échecs de Sainte-Foy promotes chess training through youth and adult development activities. As a result, players can combine improvement with meaningful over-the-board competition.
