Record number of teams and countries compete in FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners
What began as a modest chess programme in a Chicago jail has grown into a worldwide movement. The fifth edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has set a new participation record, with 135 teams from 57 countries competing between 14th and 16th October. The first chess programme for inmates and detainees was launched by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago in 2012. In 2019 they organised their first international tournament. Two years later, they partnered with FIDE. Since 2021, the International Chess Federation and Cook County Sheriff’s Office have been working together on the “Chess for Freedom” programme, aimed at inmates across the world, helping them learn essential life skills through chess. The central event of the programme is the FIDE International Online Chess Championship, which has over the years attracted teams from nearly 60 countries worldwide. The event is held around the mid-October to coincide with the celebration of the International Day of Education in Prison. Observed on 13th October, it highlights the importance of education in correctional facilities as a fundamental human right and a pillar for rehabilitation and improvement. The fifth edition of the Championship for Prisoners takes place between 14th and 16th October and is one of the final events in the Year of Social Chess, which highlighted the role of chess as a tool for inclusion and empowerment. The competition is split into three stages – the group stage (14th), the championship stage (15th) and the finals (16th). This year set a new record, with 135 teams from 57 countries taking part. The lineup includes 89 teams in the Open section, 26 in the Women’s, and 20 in the Youth. Several countries are making their debut, among them Eswatini, Guyana, Lesotho, Poland, Aruba, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Each team has four players, and the games are played entirely online with 10 minutes for each player plus a five-second increment from move one. “We all make mistakes in life. But as long as we are alive, we can learn” The event was opened by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who said that playing chess offers a direct path to self-motivation, logical thinking, stress reduction, and foresight of consequences, all “important pillars for a good life”. “We are all human. We all make mistakes in life. But as long as we are alive, we have a chance to learn from them and correct them. It takes a lot of courage to change, and that is why I want to warmly welcome you all on behalf of the entire chess community and thank you for taking part in this event”, said Dvorkovich in his message to the players. Dana Reizniece, the Managing Director and Deputy Chair of the Management Board of FIDE, who has been deeply involved in social chess programmes around the world, explained why the governing body of chess decided to engage in this project. “Chess teaches us focus, resilience and consistency. It sharpens the mind and allows us to channel the energy in a constructive way. Chess also gives hope. Hope that growth is possible, hope that change is possible.” Global coverage This year’s event is accompanied by a live broadcast which started at 6 AM CET and finished around 8 PM CET – nearly 13 hours in total. Apart from live commentary of the games, the broadcast featured special reports, presentations, and live conversations with guests from Australia to America who spoke about their experiences with the Chess for Freedom project. The life of a chess player in prison: Experiences from Australia to U.S. Tom Noiprasit works as an Education Services Coordinator at the Macquarie Correctional Centre, a maximum-security prison for male offenders located in Wellington, in the Orana region of western New South Wales, Australia. The facility has had a chess team for the past five years. A software engineer and former consultant, Noiprasit moved to teaching before taking a position at the Macquarie Correctional Centre. He noted that a common misconception people have is that education in prison is about “fixing people,” when it is more about helping them develop skills. As Noiprasit explains, the ambitions of people in prison are not much different from those on the outside – they want a job, a career, and they want to have a house to build their own life around. “Our job is not to judge people in prison but to make sure when they come out, they can choose to be what they want to be.” Different prisons have different rules when it comes to using computers for chess or anything else. In most cases, prisons do not allow inmates to use computers. Instead, they are given books and magazines where they can read about chess games and analyse. “It helps them talk to one another and practice social skills as well,” Noiprasit noted. While access to the internet seems like an everyday thing for most people, it’s not the case for those behind bars. “Access to the internet is a big thing and you need to be fully supervising this,” says Noiprasit. Prison officials also have to check very carefully who should be permitted to access the internet. “It could be anything – using the internet could bring up trauma, or an inmate who usually might not do a wrong thing might be tempted to do it.” “Emotional self-regulation and, in particular, the ability to let go are the main skills relevant for inmates when it comes to chess,” Noiprasit concluded. In Singapore, Grandmaster Goh Wei Ming – who visits prisons once a week to play chess – pointed out that “all inmates who participated in the Chess for Freedom programme exhibited much better behaviour, according to prison officers.” “We had a case of a player who had very high blood pressure. When he was playing for the first time, he had a counsellor with him, reminding him to look after his blood pressure. Two years into the programme, he is now much calmer and
FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge: Deadline extended
FIDE has extended the deadline for submissions to the FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge 2025. Participants now have until November 30, 2025, to submit their stories under the theme “Every Move Counts.” The challenge invites filmmakers, educators, and chess promoters worldwide to showcase how chess is changing lives and strengthening communities. From classrooms and rehabilitation centers to local clubs and public spaces, these stories reveal how the game can inspire growth, connection, and inclusion. Participants can enter two categories; Professional or Grassroots (Amateur), and are encouraged to submit short films that highlight the social impact of chess in creative and authentic ways. Winners in each category will receive a FIDE trophy and an invitation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Chess Olympiad, including accommodation for two nights for two guests. Selected stories will also be featured during the 2025 FIDE Social Chess Conference and promoted across FIDE’s official media channels. Participation is open to everyone, regardless of age or nationality. New submission deadline: November 30, 2025 Submit your film here: fide.com/social2025-storytelling-challenge/#send
5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners set to begin
The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will take place from October 14 to 16, 2025, bringing together incarcerated men, women, and youth from correctional facilities around the world to unite through the shared language of chess. Organized in collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (Chicago, USA), this championship is part of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom initiative, which promotes social inclusion, rehabilitation, and personal growth through the game. Now in its fifth year, it has become one of the world’s most meaningful examples of chess’s power to transform lives. This year marks another record in participation, with 135 teams from 57 countries confirmed. The lineup includes 89 teams in the Open section, 26 in the Women’s, and 20 in the Youth. Several countries will make their debut, among them Eswatini, Guyana, Lesotho, Poland, Aruba, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Each team consists of four players, all currently incarcerated. Matches will be played online on Chess.com with a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment. The event will be supervised by FIDE arbiters to ensure fair play and smooth coordination across correctional institutions on different continents. Format October 14: Group StageTeams will be divided into groups and play in a round-robin format. Grouping will be based on geographic region and time zone. October 15: Championship StageThe top two teams from each group will qualify for the Championship Round, which will also follow a round-robin format. October 16: Finals and Placement MatchesThe final stage crowns the champions in the Open, Women’s, and Youth categories. Placement matches will determine the overall team rankings. The Group Stage and the Finals will be broadcast live on FIDE’s official YouTube channel with commentary, interviews, and inspiring human-interest stories. The 2025 commentary team includes Michael Rahal, Angelika Valkova, and Charlize van Zyl, who will guide the audience through the action, highlight the impact of the Chess for Freedom program, and share the stories of participants from around the world. The broadcast will also feature guest appearances from chess officials, arbiters, and correctional representatives, offering insights into how chess education is being introduced in rehabilitation systems worldwide. Around the world, teams get ready Preparations are underway across continents as prisons and federations organize training camps, online test matches, and workshops in anticipation of the Intercontinental Championship. In Malawi, the Prison Service has been especially active following the success of hosting the Chess for Freedom Continental Championship and Workshop earlier this year. Prison teams from Zomba, Bvumbe Youth, Maula, and Kachere facilities have been training regularly with support from the Malawi Chess Federation. At Maula Prison, players recently took part in a training session with the team described by officials as “sharp, focused, and ready to take on the competition!” The country has become one of Africa’s most committed participants in the program, placing second in multiple categories at the continental level. Photo: Dadaz Chess Academy and The Gift of Chess Elsewhere in Africa, Zimbabwe, the winner of the recent Continental Championship, enters as one of the continent’s strongest contenders. Kenya continues to expand its “Chess in Prisons” program through the Correctional Service, beginning with Nairobi West Prison. Beyond Africa, new programs are emerging in Guyana, where the national federation has introduced chess training at the Lusignan Prison, and in Aruba, which is fielding a team for the first time. The United States, Paraguay, Croatia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan have also confirmed their participation, showing how correctional institutions worldwide now recognize chess as a valuable tool for education and reintegration. https://youtu.be/OYkCQf5-fMg About Chess for Freedom The Chess for Freedom initiative was launched by FIDE in partnership with correctional institutions around the world to make chess accessible to inmates as an educational and social tool. It promotes critical thinking, emotional control, and teamwork, helping participants gain valuable skills for reintegration into society. Since the first Intercontinental Championship in 2021, the project has grown into a global movement. Thousands of inmates have taken part in regional and international tournaments, workshops, and educational programs across six continents. This year’s edition, the largest so far, reflects the unifying message of the Chess for Freedom initiative: chess transcends walls, borders, and circumstances, offering a bridge to learning, reflection, and hope. The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will be held from October 14 to 16, 2025, on Chess.com, with live coverage on FIDE’s YouTube channel.
FIDE World U9-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025: Registration deadline extended
FIDE and the Turkish Chess Federation invite all the member federations to participate in the FIDE World U9-U17 Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025. The event will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 15 December (arrival) to 21 December (departure) 2025. The competition will feature five age categories: U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17, with separate open and girls’ events. Players who placed 1st–3rd at the FIDE World School Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2024 are granted the personal right to participate in the corresponding (or higher) age category, provided they meet the age requirement as of 1 January 2025. FIDE member federations are encouraged to register their participants and may enter an unlimited number of players. Registration deadline has been extended to November 15, 2025 E-mail: youthrapidblitz@fide.com Invitation letter (PDF) Official website: youthrapidblitz2025.tsf.org.tr/
Celebrating 40 years of the European Chess Union: A legacy of unity, growth, and excellence
FIDE and the global chess community warmly congratulate the European Chess Union (ECU) on the momentous occasion of its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985 in Graz, Austria, the ECU has grown into one of the most active and influential continental federations within FIDE, uniting 54 national chess federations across Europe. Over the past four decades, the ECU has played a vital role in advancing chess at all levels — from grassroots and school programs to elite competitions. It has organized countless continental events, including its flagship European Individual Championships and the European Club Cup, as well as numerous team and youth tournaments, helping to shape generations of European chess talents. Beyond the board, the ECU has championed innovation and inclusivity, promoting educational chess initiatives and gender equality in the sport. “I hope that FIDE and the ECU will work together to rebuild and refresh the foundation of European chess in the years to come. FIDE is ready to partner with you and assist in this endeavor. We are committed and await the guidance of this General Assembly on what we should prioritize next year to promote chess in Europe and globally,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich at the ECU General Assembly, held during the European Team Championship in Batumi. The FIDE President was the guest of honor at Saturday night’s gala celebrating the European Chess Union’s 40th anniversary. In recognition of their efforts and contributions, Arkady Dvorkovich presented ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili and ECU Secretary General Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou with the FIDE Medal of Merit. As the ECU enters its fifth decade, it continues to look ahead with ambition — building on a rich legacy of excellence, cooperation, and passion for chess. Happy 40th Anniversary to the European Chess Union!
European Team Championship 2025: Ukraine and Poland lead with three rounds to go
After Round 6 of the European Team Chess Championship 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, Ukraine and Poland hold the sole leads in the Open and Women’s sections, respectively. Ukraine scored a narrow victory over France, thanks to GM Igor Kovalenko (UKR, 2669), who defeated GM Pierre Laurent-Paoli (FRA, 2570). GM Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR, 2633) had a promising opportunity to score a full point against GM Marc’Andria Maurizzi (FRA, 2624) but missed the key idea to transpose into a winning pawn endgame, and the game ended in a draw. The encounters on the second and fourth boards were solid and also concluded in draws. With this result, Ukraine preserved its sole lead in the tournament with 11/12 match points. The Netherlands emerged victorious against Serbia, posting a convincing 3–1 win to stay within striking distance of the leaders. GM Anish Giri (NED, 2759) defeated GM Alexandr Predke (SRB, 2634), while GM Jorden Van Foreest (NED, 2697) outplayed GM Alexey Sarana (SRB, 2661). The games on the remaining two boards were drawn. The Netherlands trails Ukraine by just one team point, while Azerbaijan, which defeated Armenia 2.5–1.5, now sits in third place. In the Women’s Championship, Poland extended their lead to three match points after a commanding 3–1 victory over Georgia. IM Alina Kashlinskaya (POL, 2450) beat GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO, 2496), and IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya (POL, 2394) prevailed over GM Nino Batsiashvili (GEO, 2469), while the other two games were drawn. Poland leads with a perfect score of 12/12, followed by Germany, Ukraine, and Romania, each with 9 match points. October 11 is a free day, and Round 7 will start on October 12 at 15:00 local time. All results, rankings and pairings can be found HERE. Photo gallery by ECU Live video broadcast of the games with commentaries by GM Alojzije Jankovic and WGM Keti Tsatsalashvili can be found on the ECU TV platform or ECU YouTube channel. Text and photos: European Chess Union Official website: etcc2025.com/
2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships: Registration open
What better way to end the year than with a high-stakes chess tournament featuring the world’s top players, a one-million-euro prize fund, and popular fast-paced time controls? The 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships offers exactly this to chess players and fans around the globe. This year, from December 25-31, the annual event heads to Doha, Qatar – a world-class setting for a world-class competition. Registration is now open, and FIDE invites all eligible players to take part in one of the most exciting events on the chess calendar. Register now Tournament Overview Rapid: Open section: 13 Swiss rounds Women’s section: 11 Swiss rounds Blitz: Two-stage format: Swiss stage: 19 rounds (Open), 15 rounds (Women) over two days Knockout stage: Only the top four players from the Swiss stage proceed to the semifinals (Open and Women). Matches in the knockout are over four games, and ties after these lead to a “sudden death” game. Prize fund Open Rapid Championship: €350,000 Open Blitz Championship: €350,000 Women’s Rapid Championship: €150,000 Women’s Blitz Championship: €150,000 Eligibility Players with a FIDE rating of 2550 (Open section) or 2250 (Women’s section) or higher in any recent FIDE rating list (Standard, Rapid, or Blitz) are eligible to participate. Reigning national champions also qualify regardless of rating. Players who do not meet the above criteria may be nominated by the FIDE President and/or the organiser. Registration Entry fee: $100 for the Open section and $50 for the Women’s section. Late entry fee: Double the original fee if paid less than 10 days before the tournament. Travel & accommodation support Open section players rated above 2750 and women’s section players rated above 2500 will have travel and accommodation covered. The 2024 medalists (gold, silver, bronze) will have full accommodation covered. Accompanying person fee: Accompanying person’s fee in amount of 100 USD must be paid by 1 November 2025, which covers: Transportation during the event: airport-hotel-airport, hotel-playing hall-hotel; Accreditation; Visa support; General admission ticket Registration can be done HERE. The deadline for submitting entries is November 01, 2025. All foreign players and their accompanying persons shall stay only in the official hotels, which can be booked while completing the registration form. Regulations for 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships: Open (PDF) Women’s (PDF) With exciting formats, strong incentives for top performers, and full global attention, the stage is set in Doha for one of the landmark events of the chess calendar.
FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025 reach midpoint
As the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 passed their halfway mark in Durrës, the atmosphere remains electric. Hundreds of young players from around the world have battled through six rounds with determination, discipline, and sportsmanship — embodying the spirit of chess that unites nations beyond borders. The tournaments across all categories have been fiercely contested, with each round bringing new surprises. Remarkably, after Round 6, only three sole leaders have emerged among the six events: GM Jagadeesh Siddharth (Singapore) tops the standings in the U18 Open, WIM Manon Schippke (France) leads the U18 Girls, and FM Mark Smirnov (Kazakhstan) heads the U14 Open — all scoring 5.5/6. At least two participants are tied for first place in each of the other three tournaments. On October 10, players will enjoy their only rest day, taking the opportunity to recharge before the decisive three rounds ahead. Standings after Round 6: U14 – Girls, U14 – Open, U16 – Girls, U16 – Open, U18 – Girls, U18 – Open “It’s a good time for chess around the globe” In his remarks during the championship, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed optimism and pride in the current growth of chess worldwide: “I think it’s a good time for chess around the globe. We have so many events — various levels for top players, young players, senior players, and team competitions. Every month there are several events under the FIDE umbrella, and many federations are developing quite successfully — especially in Asia, with countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and others.” He also emphasized the social and educational mission of chess, noting how governments are increasingly recognizing its power to teach focus, logic, and resilience: “It’s not just about playing chess or professional competition. The social mission of chess is developing, especially in education. We are trying to make sure it’s inclusive, that everyone is in one boat — and that the boat keeps moving forward.” A message to the young players The FIDE President took a moment to share a personal message with the young participants, who represent the future of the game: “Young players are the future of our chess. I can see they are really fighting, developing their skills, and even using AI tools to train — it’s a different world now. But I hope they also continue learning from good coaches, going deeper into the game. My message is simple: keep your love for chess alive. Play with joy, have fun, and through that, you will become great champions.” Albania’s warm hospitality FIDE President expressed gratitude toward the hosts, acknowledging the strong efforts of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH): “I would like to thank Albania for hosting this great event in such a nice environment. Our Albanian friends are making sure that everyone feels comfortable here, showing their best talents. We hope to have even bigger events in Albania in the future.” Photos: Vlera Zenjullahi and Dardan Bajrami Official website: fideworldyouth.achf.org.al/
Argentine Ministry of Human Capital promotes strengthening of School Chess program
Argentina’s Ministry of Human Capital, headed by Sandra Petrovello, through the National Secretariat of Education led by Carlos Horacio Torrendell, has taken a significant step toward strengthening school chess across the country. This valuable initiative emerged thanks to the efforts of distinguished international authorities – Dana Reizniece-Ozola (Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board), Jerry Nash (Chair of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission), and Willy Iclicki (Chair of the FIDE History Commission) – during their visit to Argentina. In line with the projects announced at the School Chess Congress of the Americas, held in Vicente López last year, the National Secretariat of Education, together with the Argentine Chess Federation (FADA) – represented by its Executive Director Mario Petrucci – and FIDE, through Deputy Chair Dana Reizniece-Ozola, has achieved a historic milestone for education and sport through two key actions: The reinstatement of the National Chess Coordinator within the Area of Strengthening Education and Socioemotional Development, a role that will be assumed by Professor Juan Durán. The appointment of 24 provincial representatives – one in each province – who will work together on designing and implementing projects for the Chess in Schools program. Ludovico Grillo, Mario Petrucci, and Alejandro Sass also contributed their expertise to the initiative, supporting the promotion of educational chess in the region. At the same time, the recent creation of the Association of Chess Teachers and Educators (APEA), chaired by Ricardo Luna – a well-known figure with a long track record in school chess – marks another significant advancement. APEA will work in coordination with FADA to expand teacher training and consolidate school programs nationwide. This agreement represents a major milestone in integrating chess into Argentina’s educational system, reinforcing its role as a tool for pedagogy, inclusion, and socioemotional development, in line with the standards promoted by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championship 2025 officially opens in Durrës, Albania
Durrës became the heart of the global chess community this week as the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship U14–U18 2025 officially commenced in this Albanian coastal city. The grand opening ceremony, held at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort, welcomed hundreds of young players, coaches, and guests from around the world, marking the beginning of two weeks of intense and inspiring competition. Organized by the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHS) in partnership with FIDE, the event stands as one of the most significant sporting gatherings ever hosted in Albania — a milestone that reflects both the nation’s growing presence in international chess and its commitment to developing future generations of players. The ceremony brought together an esteemed lineup of speakers and dignitaries, including Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation; Eduart Shalsi, Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation; Fatos Çerenishti, Board Member of the Albanian Chess Federation; Safije Sadiki Shaini, Deputy Minister of Sports of North Macedonia; and Endri Hoxha, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania. In his welcoming remarks, Erald Dervishi expressed heartfelt gratitude to FIDE and the European Chess Union (ECU) for their trust and support, emphasizing that this championship marks a new chapter for Albanian chess. “We are starting this year with great ambition,” Dervishi said. “This is the beginning of our main project to develop chess throughout Albania and elevate it to a higher level as quickly as possible.” Representing FIDE, Dana Reizniece praised the organization and hospitality of the Albanian hosts, underlining the importance of youth championships in shaping the future of the sport: “Events like this are not only about winning trophies but about creating friendships, learning discipline, and sharing the universal spirit of chess,” she said. Eduart Shalsi, Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation, took the stage to thank FIDE, ECU, and all participating nations for their trust in Albania as a host country, wishing the young players a fair and memorable championship. Fatos Çerenishti also addressed the audience, emphasizing the Federation’s continuous effort to grow chess culture and promote the sport across every region of the country. The ceremony concluded with warm messages from Safije Sadiki Shaini and Endri Hoxha, both highlighting the unifying power of sports and the importance of international cooperation in youth development. As the championship officially begins, excitement fills the halls of the Grand Blue Fafa Resort. Young chess prodigies from across the globe are ready to showcase their talent and determination, turning Durrës into a true global stage for the game of kings. The FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2025 stands as both a celebration of intellect and an inspiring symbol of Albania’s rising role in world chess, a place where the next generation of champions takes their first moves toward greatness. Written by Kevin Dishani Photos: Albanian Chess Federation (FSHS) Official website: fideworldyouth.achf.org.al/