Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in Kazakhstan, the FIDE World Schools Team Championship is back — and it’s set to be bigger and more global than ever before!
The 2025 edition of this landmark scholastic event will take place from August 2-7 at the renowned Episcopal High School, approximately 11 km south of downtown Washington D.C.. Organized by FIDE in collaboration with the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) and proudly supported by Freedom Holding Corp., the championship invites teams nominated by their national federations, representing general educational institutions from all over the world.
Specifically aimed at grassroots school chess clubs, the Championship marks another important step in FIDE’s long-term commitment to expanding global outreach for chess in schools. Building on the energy and spirit of the 2023 event in Aktau, Kazakhstan, this year’s championship promises even greater participation – with more countries, more teams, and more bright young talents coming together for a truly one-of-a-kind international competition.
“The inaugural edition in Kazakhstan was a huge success – not just in terms of numbers, but in the atmosphere of excellence and team spirit that defined the event,” said Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE.
“In 2025, we’re taking it to the next level. We expect a record number of teams and look forward to welcoming young chess players from every continent. We are deeply grateful to Freedom Holding Corp. for their unwavering support and commitment. I’m especially excited about the introduction of the Smart Moves Summit, which expands the impact of this championship by bringing together global thought leaders to explore how chess can transform education and empower the next generation.”
The tournament will be played over 8 rounds, in a Swiss format, with each team consisting of four main players, mixed age, one reserve and one non-playing captain. Time control is 45 minutes + 10 seconds per move, with two games per day across four action-packed days.
Smart Moves Summit
Beyond the board, the event will also host the Smart Moves Summit — a conference designed to spotlight the intersection of chess and education. Parents, school leaders, researchers, edtech innovators, chess-related businesses, marketing partners, officials, and many other chess enthusiasts from over 20 countries will come together to share insights, case studies, and future-forward ideas on how chess can shape learning environments and empower students.
Expect inspiring keynotes from top chess influencers, visionary educators, and thought leaders in cognitive science. Take part in practical teacher trainings, interactive panels, and global school partnerships — all focused on how chess builds confidence, critical thinking, and deeper learning in today’s classrooms.
“We wanted to go beyond simply organizing another chess tournament for children. Our goal was to bring together school teachers and experts from around the world to share their experiences and enhance their chess programs with fresh approaches and ideas. This parallel program ensures that coaches, parents, and guests also have a meaningful and enriching experience while their teams compete,” said Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., and President of the International School Chess Federation.
Venue: Episcopal High School
Located just outside Washington, D.C., Episcopal High School offers a stunning campus with state-of-the-art facilities, historic architecture, and a strong tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. It’s a perfect backdrop for a tournament that aims to inspire students to think critically, compete fairly, and connect globally.
The World Schools Team Championship 2025 is a milestone on the international chess calendar – a place where future stars are born, friendships are forged, and school pride shines on the world stage. For federations and schools interested in participating, registration will open soon. All official invitations and procedures will be communicated through FIDE channels.
For inquiries and further information:
E-mail: worldschoolteam@fide.com