FIDE and ISCF declare 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education

ISCF and FIDE announce 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education

Building on the success of the 2025 Year of Social Chess, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) and FIDE have officially declared 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education, a global initiative focused on integrating chess into school learning and expanding its educational value for children worldwide.

The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between ISCF and FIDE on October 20, 2025, at NGS School in Astana (Kazakhstan). The agreement marks a new phase of joint efforts to develop scholastic chess and bring it closer to the classroom as a universal tool for intellectual and social growth.

Under the memorandum, ISCF and FIDE will jointly organise a series of international school team tournaments the World Schools Team Championship League 2026 (WSTCL) — which will become the flagship event of the global “Chess in Education 2026” programme.

The competition will consist of two stages: continental tournaments across Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, and a Grand Final bringing together the winning teams from each continent.
Beyond competition, the initiative will include a range of educational and cultural events, aimed at promoting chess as a learning tool and highlighting its role in developing critical thinking, emotional intelligence and inclusivity in schools.

The memorandum was signed by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and ISCF President Timur Turlov.

Timur Turlov, President of the International School Chess Federation:

“For us, education has always been at the heart of what we do. Through chess, we help children build confidence, discipline and empathy — the qualities that shape not only a player, but a person. After a year dedicated to Social Chess, it feels natural to move forward with a focus on Education, working hand in hand with FIDE to bring chess into more classrooms around the world.”

“This collaboration is about creating opportunities for schools, for teachers, for every child who discovers the power of chess as a language of logic, creativity and connection,” Turlov added.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted that education remains one of the organisation’s top priorities:

“Education is the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life, and chess is a proven and powerful tool to support that mission. After the success of the Year of Social Chess, we are continuing with new projects and partnerships that make chess a true part of learning.”

The “Chess in Education 2026” initiative represents a shared vision of both organisations to make chess a global educational movement and a bridge between cultures, communities and generations.