The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the launch of its Global Survey on Chess in Education, inviting federations, schools, and partner organizations worldwide to participate before February 28, 2026. This initiative aims to gather essential insights to guide FIDE’s Educational Strategy and Action Plan for 2027–2030, ensuring that chess continues to grow as a powerful tool for learning and inclusion.
In his official message, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of this effort, recalling the success of the 2021 survey which revealed that more than 25 million children and 237,000 teachers and trainers were already engaged in educational chess. Since then, FIDE has expanded training courses, launched certification systems, organized international conferences, and facilitated research projects worldwide.
The new survey will:
- Identify global trends in educational chess and strengthen FIDE’s policies.
- Support visibility and recognition at the highest international levels, with results to be shared with UNESCO, UNICEF, ministries of education, universities, and NGOs.
- Encourage participation by confirming that survey responses will be taken into account when awarding Chess in Education grants in 2026.
- Prepare the ground for a landmark initiative: 2026 has been declared the Year of Chess in Education, celebrating and expanding chess as a medium for learning and growth.
FIDE warmly invites all federations, schools, and partner organizations to contribute to this important effort. By participating, stakeholders will help demonstrate the global power of chess as an educational catalyst, attract new sponsorship opportunities, and empower millions of children, teachers, and communities worldwide.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Russian.
Please read the Presidents s letter and access the Global Survey [HERE].