2026: The Year of Chess in Education

Chess Math
Oct 21, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 1

Following the success of the 2025 Year of Social Chess, the international chess community is moving forward. 2026 has officially been declared the Year of Chess in Education.

📍 On October 20, at the NGS School in Astana, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. This agreement aims to jointly promote and expand scholastic chess worldwide.

The initiative builds on the vision of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, announced at the Smart Moves Summit in Washington, D.C. The focus for 2026 is to make education a key priority.

🌍 Goals of the “Chess in Education 2026” Initiative

The initiative has several ambitious goals:

Integrate chess into school curricula around the world.
Launch the World Schools Team Championship League 2026 (WSTCL) — a new global school chess tournament.
Host Continental Championships in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
Bring together winners for the Grand Final of WSTCL 2026.
Organize educational side-events to promote chess as a learning tool and social connector.

🏫 Voices from FIDE and ISCF

“Education is the foundation for a good and successful life, and chess is a powerful tool to support that goal,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “After the successful Year of Social Chess, we are continuing with the Year of Chess in Education — launching new projects, expanding our reach, and involving more schools around the world.”

Timur Turlov, President of the ISCF, added:

“From early childhood, learning builds a society based on respect, empathy, and equal opportunity. That’s why declaring 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education is such an important step.”

🧩 About the Program

The Chess in Education 2026 initiative represents a major milestone in FIDE’s ongoing efforts to promote chess as a valuable part of learning. This initiative aims to strengthen students’ cognitive and social development, creativity, and problem-solving skills worldwide.

The Importance of Chess in Education

Integrating chess into education can significantly enhance critical thinking skills. Studies show that students who play chess demonstrate improved academic performance. Chess teaches strategic thinking and patience, which are essential skills in both academic and life situations.

Benefits of Chess for Young Learners

Chess is more than just a game; it is a tool for education. The benefits include:

Cognitive Development: Chess enhances memory and concentration.
Social Skills: It encourages teamwork and respect for opponents.
Emotional Growth: Players learn to handle wins and losses gracefully.

How Schools Can Implement Chess Programs

Schools can easily incorporate chess into their curricula. Here are some suggestions:

After-School Programs: Establish chess clubs to engage students.
Classroom Integration: Use chess as a teaching tool in math and logic classes.
Competitions: Organize inter-school tournaments to foster a competitive spirit.

📘 About ISCF

The International School Chess Federation (ISCF) was established in September 2024 as a FIDE-affiliated organization. Its mission is to advance chess within global educational systems. ISCF develops school-based chess programs, supports national federations, and promotes intellectual growth and inclusion through chess education.

Future Prospects

As the Year of Chess in Education unfolds, the ISCF and FIDE are committed to expanding their initiatives. They aim to reach more schools and students, ensuring that chess becomes an integral part of education worldwide.

Conclusion

The declaration of 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education marks a pivotal moment for the international chess community. By integrating chess into educational systems, we can foster a generation of critical thinkers and compassionate individuals. This initiative not only enhances academic performance but also builds a brighter future for all students.

For more information on the initiative, visit FIDE's official website.