On October 15, three new public Chess Houses opened in Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third most populous city. These facilities, strategically located in Abay Park, Metallurgists Park, and a pedestrian alley in the 17th microdistrict, provide residents with accessible spaces to play, train with coaches, and participate in tournaments. The initiative aims to make chess more accessible to the public, reducing reliance on specialized schools or private clubs.
Enhancing Chess Culture in Shymkent
City leaders and chess officials, including Timur Turlov, who heads both FIDE and KazChess, and Shymkent Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov, were present at the launch event. The largest venue, a 223-square-meter pavilion in Abay Park, serves as the project’s centerpiece. Additionally, two smaller pavilions of 81 square meters each were constructed in Metallurgists Park and along the 17th microdistrict alley, the latter featuring a summer terrace. The Abay Park hall accommodates up to 96 players at dedicated chess tables, while each smaller hall can host up to 48 players at a time.
City officials have observed a steady rise in local interest in chess. They highlighted the importance of the new venues in providing opportunities for residents to meet, practice, and engage in productive leisure activities. This follows the opening of a Chess House for veterans and older residents in Central Park in 2024. Authorities expressed their commitment to prioritizing grassroots sports and supporting promising athletes in the region.
The project was funded by Freedom Holding Corp. through the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Fund, which managed the project from early planning through to completion. Once the facilities are fully operational, Freedom Telecom plans to offer internet services to enhance the experience for players and visitors.
Chess organizers are enthusiastic about Shymkent becoming an active hub for chess, with increasing numbers of events and young players. They believe that broad participation is crucial for developing future champions. The simultaneous opening of three public venues is intended to strengthen the city’s chess culture and enhance its reputation within Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Shyngys Nurgalimov, president of the Chess Players Union, was instrumental in shaping the design of the central venue, with Orda-Stroy Capital LLP serving as the general contractor. Following the opening, a children’s blitz event, the SHYMKENT CHESS HOUSE BLITZ Challenger 2026, attracted over 100 participants. Matches were held concurrently across the three venues: 60 players competed in Abay Park, while 20 players participated in both Metallurgists Park and the 17th microdistrict alley. The tournament was conducted using a nine-round Swiss format with a time control of three minutes plus a two-second increment per move.