From August 4–5, Alexandria (Washington D.C. area) will host a unique international summit exploring how chess can support cognitive growth, inclusion, and innovation in education.
The conference aims to open a dialogue between schools, researchers, EdTech innovators and chess federations on the role chess can play in education and the cognitive development of children.
By showcasing research-backed approaches to integrating chess into early and primary education, the conference will challenge conventional thinking about education and development.
Organised by the International School Chess Federation in partnership with FIDE, the pioneering international conference brings together leading voices from education ministries, federations, schools, and EdTech – including representatives from more than 20 countries.
Speakers include renowned chess educator and journalist Leontxo Garcia, psychologist and chess education expert Jose Francisco Suarez, and John Foley, Director of ChessPlus which creates strategy games for education.
“Chess is more than a board game – it’s a powerful educational platform that develops critical thinking, strategical planning and problem-solving skills, which are all essential for the 21st century,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board.
“We are looking forward to this conference as it will not only bring many of the top experts in the area together to present their research, but it will also be an opportunity to discuss, debate and exchange views and open spaces for new opportunities for chess in education and vice versa,” Reizniece added.
What to expect from the event
The two-day summit will feature 15 distinct topics, with keynote speakers and presentations focusing on the role of chess in education.
On the first day, the conference will focus on the role of chess in early childhood education integration, as well as on the role of strategic leadership in global chess education, and how leveraging technology can create more inclusive learning environments. The first day will also include events on the connection between chess and maths as well as the links between chess and strategy games. One of the panels is dedicated to creating policies aimed at getting more public partnerships for chess programmes.
Day two will expand into broader impact areas, exploring commercial opportunities for chess school programs, from marketing to business development.
The conference will conclude with a Masterclass by Kenneth Regan, American professor, statistician, and computer scientist.
Registration and information
The Smart Moves Summit 2025 is aimed at professionals working in the fields of education, educational development and strategy, as well as chess and EdTech tools. The conference will be held at the Episcopal High School 1200 N Quaker Ln, Alexandria, VA 22302.
Full programme details and registration information are available at worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit/.
About the organisers
The International School Chess Federation (ISCF) is dedicated to the global promotion and integration of chess within the educational system globally. Launched in September 2024, the ISCF operates as an affiliated body of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess competitions. FIDE was recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999. Headquartered in Lausanne, FIDE was initially founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”). It was one of the very first International Sports Federations, alongside the governing bodies of Football, Cricket, Swimming, and Auto Racing. It is now one of the largest, encompassing 201 countries as affiliate members, in the form of National Chess Federations.