Second Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners: Registration now open
The FIDE Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners returns for its second edition, set to take place across four continents in May 2026. This event builds on the momentum of the inaugural continental championships in 2025 and is part of FIDE’s ongoing Chess for Freedom initiative – a programme designed to expand opportunities for intellectual engagement, personal development, and social reintegration through chess. The first Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, held in May 2025, marked a major milestone in the Chess for Freedom programme, bringing together teams from correctional institutions around the world in structured online competition. That pioneering event demonstrated the power of chess to create connection and opportunity even in challenging circumstances, reinforcing the value of regular regional championships as a complement to FIDE’s established intercontinental events. The 2026 Continental Championships will again feature separate regional competitions for the following continents: Africa – May 12, 2026 Americas – May 14, 2026 Europe– May 19, 2026 Asia – May 21, 2026 Each continental championship will take place over a single day, with teams from correctional facilities within the region competing online on Chess.com. The format will vary based on the number of entries, using round robin or Swiss systems to ensure competitive balance and engagement. National federations and correctional institutions are invited to register teams representing: One men’s correctional facility team One women’s correctional facility team One juvenile team (players under 20) Countries that organise national prison chess championships may qualify additional teams, expanding access to regional competition. The championships feature rapid time control (10 minutes with a 5-second increment) and are structured to maintain fair play and security, with oversight and technical support coordinated by FIDE and its partners. As in the first edition, the focus remains on providing meaningful competitive opportunities while upholding the integrity of the event and the dignity of participants. Continental champions will be recognised with official titles and certificates, and all participants will receive acknowledgement for their achievements. FIDE encourages participating institutions to share reports and photos, where permitted by local regulations, to highlight the ongoing impact of chess behind bars. Registration is open until 1 May 2026, with no entry fee required. The 2nd Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners represent the continued evolution of the Chess for Freedom programme, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a constructive force for inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth around the globe. Registration & key dates Registration deadline: May 1, 2026 Registration: Click [HERE] to register Technical meeting: Week of May 5, 2026 (via Zoom) Correctional institutions must complete the online registration form and confirm their team’s participation via email to Mikhail Korenman at mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org.
FIDE Infinite Chess Project finds a kindred spirit in Los Angeles
On a recent weekend in the Greater Los Angeles area, the air in the tournament hall wasn’t just filled with the quiet clicks of chess clocks and the scratch of pencils on score sheets. It was filled with a powerful sense of purpose. The occasion was the 2026 Greater LA School Chess League, a tournament that, in its second year, has more than just grown in size – it has blossomed into a profound partnership between a local non-profit and a global movement for social good. Organized by the Kindness On Board Foundation (KOBF) and co-hosted by the Diamond Bar High School Chess Club, this year’s event was a resounding success. Participation surged from 26 teams in 2025 to an impressive 46 teams, representing 32 schools from across the sprawling metropolis. But what truly set this tournament apart was its heart. This year, the Kindness On Board Foundation proudly hosted the event as a fundraiser for FIDE’s Infinite Chess Project, a global initiative dedicated to teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The Los Angeles chess community responded with characteristic generosity. Thanks to the contributions of participating families, the event raised nearly $7,000 to support the Infinite Chess Project’s mission. For Jonathan Chen, founder and director of the Kindness On Board Foundation, the event was a perfect reflection of his organization’s name. “This tournament is more than a competition – it is a celebration of kindness, teamwork, and commitment,” said Jonathan Chen. “We are proud of what we are building together and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.” The connection with the Infinite Chess Project was made tangible by the presence of two of its key figures. Traveling from Canada was Ala Mishchanka, a FIDE Infinite Chess Project ambassador and co-author of the project’s handbook. With over 21 years of experience as a Special Needs Educational Assistant in Toronto, Mishchanka brought not only her official role but also a lifetime of on-the-ground expertise. She delivered an inspiring and informative lecture to the KOBF’s volunteers on supporting children with autism, a session that was deeply appreciated by the local team. In her opening ceremony speech, Mishchanka shared the heartfelt origin story of the Infinite Chess Project, which began in 2019 at a chess school in Belarus. Inspired by two remarkable chess players, Anastasia Sorokina and Natalia Popova, the project started with a simple question from a parent: could his son with ASD also join the chess lessons? From that moment, a global family was born. “Today, 28 countries have joined the Infinite Chess family,” Ala Mishchanka told the assembled players and families. She highlighted the project’s comprehensive achievements, including a unique methodological guide for teachers and parents, which she co-authored and which has now been translated into seven languages. “Our mission,” she explained, “is to unlock the unique potential of these extraordinary children, using the infinite, predictable logic of chess to build foundational skills for life.” The virtual presence of Maria Tamkovich, Secretary of the FIDE Social Commission and coordinator of FIDE Infinite Chess, further underscored the international collaboration. Maria’s words of encouragement resonated with the volunteers, young players, and their families, reinforcing that they were part of something much larger than a single local tournament. The event was a testament to grassroots organisation and community spirit. Jonathan Chen extended sincere thanks to Diamond Bar High School and Chess Club advisor Eric Sorensen, whose unwavering support over three months of preparation was instrumental. As the tournament drew to a close, the focus shifted from the scores on the board to the impact off it. In a moving ceremony, Ala Mishchanka took the stage to present one of FIDE’s highest social recognitions. She explained that the FIDE Social Chess Award was established during the FIDE Year of Social Chess to recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the social impact of chess. Its primary aim is to highlight efforts that go beyond competitive play, demonstrating how chess can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion, education, empowerment, and community building. “By recognizing exemplary contributions, the award encourages national federations to support social chess initiatives, celebrate local heroes, and share inspiring stories that demonstrate chess’s broader societal value,” Ala Mishchanka announced. “And now, I have the great honour to present one of FIDE’s highest recognitions for such a hero – the Kindness On Board Foundation.” She highlighted the global impact of the foundation’s support: “Thanks to your support, Infinite Chess students in South Africa, Gambia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka have received not only additional groups and chess lessons but also new equipment and supportive materials. Thank you very much on behalf of FIDE and all Infinite Chess partners.” The award was a powerful culmination of the day’s events, cementing the partnership between the local foundation and the global initiative. The 2026 Greater LA School Chess League proved that a chess tournament can be a powerful platform for change. By weaving together competition, fundraising, and education, the Kindness On Board Foundation and the Infinite Chess Project have built a lasting bond, demonstrating that the most meaningful victories are the ones we achieve together.