The First Continental (America) workshop for Chess for Freedom program, organized by FIDE, FIDE America, and Mexican National Chess Federation, was held in Mexico City on May 15, 2025.
Lic. Raul Hernandez Hernandez, President of the Mexico Chess Federation FENAMAC welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for their attendance.
Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, introduced FIDE major social projects for the 2025 Social Chess year. In addition to the Chess for Freedom project—a true leader in international participation—FIDE supports numerous other social programs, including Chess for Hope, Chess for Protection, Chess for Recovery, and Chess for Longevity. FIDE Social Commission provides more details about those projects.
Lic. Jose Antonio Carrilo, President of the FIDE America, introduced numerous social chess projects across the Continent, such as Chess for Connections in Canada, Chess for Life in Colombia, and Chess for Freedom in El Salvador.
In his presentation, Mikhail Korenman representing the Cook County (Chicago) Sheriff Organization and a Council for FIDE Social Commission, provided an overview of the Chess for Freedom project’s history and reported that 51 countries are currently involved. He also shared findings from a research study conducted by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on the potential outcomes of the Chess for Freedom (chess for prisoners) program.
FIDE Arbiter Jose Manuel Barradas presented the history and current status of the Chess for Freedom project in Mexico. Mexico just completed the Third National Championship among the prisoners, with 17 teams represented Federal and local correctional institutions across the country.
Dr. Renato Sales Heredia, a Former National Security Commissioner of the Government of Mexico, discussed the positive impact of chess in prisons in Mexico.
FM Alejandra Zavata Gatindo, Administrative Manager of the Salvadoran Chess Federation, shared insights on team preparation in El Salvador and described how the Chess for Freedom program is expanding in the country.
The following day, the participants traveled to the Federal Female Prison CPS Morelos 16.
Organized by FIDE, the Continental America Championship for prisoners was officiated by the IA Nebojsa Baralic and IA Ana Srebrnic
El Salvador’s male and female teams won the Open and Women’s sections, respectively, while the Trinidad and Tobago youth team claimed victory in the Youth section.
More details about the championship will be provided in a follow-up report covering all continental championships.