FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) are set to make 2026 a landmark year for integrating chess into educational systems across the globe. This strategic shift from the 2025 Year of Social Chess highlights the organizations’ commitment to bringing the game into classrooms and enhancing educational outcomes through chess.
The Collaboration for Chess in Education
On October 20 at NGS School in Astana, FIDE and ISCF formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of cooperation. This agreement aims to coordinate global efforts to promote scholastic chess. The initiative stems from a proposal made by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich during the Smart Moves Summit in Washington, D.C., where education was identified as a central priority for the coming year.
As part of this collaboration, ISCF will partner with FIDE to launch the World Schools Team Championship League 2026. This new series of international school team events will be the centerpiece of the Chess in Education 2026 program. The competition is designed to unfold in two phases: first, continental championships will take place in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, followed by a grand final featuring the champions from each continent.
In addition to the championship events, both organizations are committed to creating an action plan for supplementary activities that will take place alongside each tournament. These initiatives are aimed at expanding the reach of school chess and promoting it as an effective learning tool. The memorandum was officially signed by Dvorkovich and ISCF President Timur Turlov, marking a significant step forward in their joint mission.
FIDE’s leadership has consistently advocated for chess as a beneficial support for learning. They plan to build on the momentum from the Year of Social Chess by launching new projects that engage more schools and educational institutions in the process. Turlov has emphasized the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities in this initiative, noting support from the Freedom Shapagat Foundation for child-focused social programs. He highlighted that connecting their work with the FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities would add a meaningful dimension to their efforts.
Overall, the Chess in Education 2026 initiative is presented as a pivotal component of FIDE’s global strategy to embed chess in educational frameworks. This approach not only supports students’ cognitive and social development but also aims to foster a love for the game among young learners. The ISCF, established in September 2024 as a FIDE-affiliated organization, is dedicated to enhancing the integration of chess into school systems worldwide. Through its educational programs and support for national federations, ISCF is committed to nurturing students’ growth through the power of chess.