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.