FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships 2025: Registration deadline extended
The organizing committee of the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships U8, U10, and U12 has announced the extension of the registration deadline to July 13, 2025. The competitions will take place from September 18 (arrival) to October 01, 2025 (departure) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. National Federations can register one official player in each category: under 8, 10, and 12 (Open and Girls). The total of six official players and one head of delegation with a valid FIDE ID from the National Federation are invited by the Organizers. All players must not have reached the age of 8, 10 or 12 in their respective categories before January 1, 2025. Personal rights also are granted to the top 3 players in each category of the last World Cadet Championships (2024), the Continental Cadet Champions of 2024 (1st ranked) and the players placed 1-3 in the 2025 FIDE World Cup for youngsters. National federation may register additional players and accompanying persons and being responsible for all related costs. As part of the event, the World Cadet Chess Solving Championship will be held on September 25, across the same six age and gender categories as the over-the-board competitions. For inquiries, please contact: worldcadet@fide.com The invitation letter with all the details can be found here:calendar.fide.com/event_files/3266/WCCC_2025_Invitation.pdf
Smart Moves Summit 2025: Where chess meets learning
From August 4–5, Alexandria (Washington D.C. area) will host a unique international summit exploring how chess can support cognitive growth, inclusion, and innovation in education. The conference aims to open a dialogue between schools, researchers, EdTech innovators and chess federations on the role chess can play in education and the cognitive development of children. By showcasing research-backed approaches to integrating chess into early and primary education, the conference will challenge conventional thinking about education and development. Organised by the International School Chess Federation in partnership with FIDE, the pioneering international conference brings together leading voices from education ministries, federations, schools, and EdTech – including representatives from more than 20 countries. Speakers include renowned chess educator and journalist Leontxo Garcia, psychologist and chess education expert Jose Francisco Suarez, and John Foley, Director of ChessPlus which creates strategy games for education. “Chess is more than a board game – it’s a powerful educational platform that develops critical thinking, strategical planning and problem-solving skills, which are all essential for the 21st century,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board. “We are looking forward to this conference as it will not only bring many of the top experts in the area together to present their research, but it will also be an opportunity to discuss, debate and exchange views and open spaces for new opportunities for chess in education and vice versa,” Reizniece added. What to expect from the event The two-day summit will feature 15 distinct topics, with keynote speakers and presentations focusing on the role of chess in education. On the first day, the conference will focus on the role of chess in early childhood education integration, as well as on the role of strategic leadership in global chess education, and how leveraging technology can create more inclusive learning environments. The first day will also include events on the connection between chess and maths as well as the links between chess and strategy games. One of the panels is dedicated to creating policies aimed at getting more public partnerships for chess programmes. Day two will expand into broader impact areas, exploring commercial opportunities for chess school programs, from marketing to business development. The conference will conclude with a Masterclass by Grandmaster and renowned economist Kenneth Regan about chess. Registration and information The Smart Moves Summit 2025 is aimed at professionals working in the fields of education, educational development and strategy, as well as chess and EdTech tools. The conference will be held at the Episcopal High School 1200 N Quaker Ln, Alexandria, VA 22302. Full programme details and registration information are available at worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit/. About the organisers The International School Chess Federation (ISCF) is dedicated to the global promotion and integration of chess within the educational system globally. Launched in September 2024, the ISCF operates as an affiliated body of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess competitions. FIDE was recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999. Headquartered in Lausanne, FIDE was initially founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”). It was one of the very first International Sports Federations, alongside the governing bodies of Football, Cricket, Swimming, and Auto Racing. It is now one of the largest, encompassing 201 countries as affiliate members, in the form of National Chess Federations.
FIDE extends sanction against GM Christopher Yoo worldwide
The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) Appeal Chamber has rendered its final decision in Case 05/2025(A), extending the disciplinary sanction imposed by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) against GM Christopher Yoo to a worldwide level. Following a request from the USCF, FIDE has determined that the one-year suspension issued by the USCF – effective from November 15, 2024, to November 14, 2025 – shall now apply globally. During this period, GM Yoo is barred from participating in any FIDE-rated events. This follows a disciplinary process arising from an incident at the US Chess Championship, where GM Yoo physically assaulted a member of the broadcast team. The EDC Appeal Chamber concluded that the USCF’s investigation and sanction were conducted fairly and in line with due process. In addition, GM Yoo will be subject to a five-year probation period through November 14, 2030. Any similar misconduct during this time may lead to further disciplinary action. The full decision can be found here: ethics.fide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Case_05_2025A_decision-final.pdf