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FIDE Infinite Chess Hosted “An Atypical Day” for Autism Awareness
On April 4, 2026 the FIDE Infinite Chess project hosted “An Atypical Day”, an online event dedicated to International Autism Awareness Day. What unfolded was more than a talk – it was a global moment of listening, learning, and genuine human connection. Participants from 35 countries around the world gathered virtually to step beyond the 64 squares and into the real lives of families living with autism. Through personal stories, expert insight, and an open Q&A, the event deli
Apr 53 min read


Storytelling & Impact Content Masterclass
Following the feedback from Storytelling Challenge participants and chess community, FIDE Social Commission with support of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess organized the online Storytelling & Impact Content Masterclass on 7th March - first event in series of monthly educational activities. This online masterclass offered practical tools, creative inspiration, and professional insight into how impactful films are created – from the first idea to the final cut. More than
Mar 81 min read


Chess for Freedom visits Mongolia to support social and educational chess activities
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Representatives of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) visited Mongolia to become acquainted with the country’s social and educational chess initiatives and to further strengthen international cooperation in socially oriented chess programs. The delegation included André Vögtlin, Chairman of the FIDE Social Commission and President of the Swiss Chess Federation, and Dr. Mikhail Korenman, Counselor to the FIDE Social Commission and founder and coo
Jan 262 min read


Global start of the year with FIDE Conference on Chess in Society and Education in Bhubaneswar
The year has started from the remarkable event wraping the FIDE year of Social chess and introducing the new chapter of Educational chess year. The FIDE Global Conference on Chess in Society and Education opened at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar on 14 January 2026, bringing together education leaders, researchers, social impact practitioners, and chess organisers for a three-day programme. Chair of FIDE SOC Andre Vögtlin opened the conference with review of the FIDE Social Ch
Jan 163 min read


Year of Social Chess 2025: A Global Movement in Motion
Discover the Highlights. Feel the Impact. Join the Mission. 2025 was no ordinary year for the FIDE Social Commission. Declared the Year of Social Chess , it united communities across continents, inspired new partnerships, and proved—more powerfully than ever—that every move can make a difference . From prison championships and refugee empowerment, to autism-inclusive learning, intergenerational connections, health and recovery programmes, and groundbreaking research, Social C
Nov 24, 20251 min read


A Move for Freedom and Redemption in El Salvador
A powerful and emotional moment unfolded at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “El Mágico” González, where inmates participating in El Salvador’s Plan Cero Ocio were brought out of the prison system to receive public recognition for their achievements in the 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners. The ceremony brought together leaders from FIDE, FIDE America, INDES, and the national prison authorities — a testament to the strength of this collaborative reha
Nov 21, 20252 min read


From Kakuma to Kisumu: Refugee Youth Making Bold Moves Through Chess
The transformative power of chess continues to shine in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps in Kenya, where the Chess for Protection initiative is helping young people unlock new opportunities through education, competition, and community engagement. Recently, the Kakuma Chess Club achieved outstanding success at the Victoria East Africa Under-21 Open Chess Championships , fielding ten young players across four categories — Prestige Open, Prestige Ladies, Elite Open, and
Nov 12, 20252 min read


Uniting continents behind bars: 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners
As part of the Chess for Freedom project and in celebration of the FIDE Year of Social Chess , the International Chess Federation is proud to present the 5th edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, taking place from October 14 to 16, 2025. This special event underscores FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a force for positive change, offering hope, connection, and new perspectives to those behind bars. Since its launch, the Intercontinent
Aug 22, 20252 min read


First Continental-America workshop for Chess for Freedom program held in Mexico
The First Continental (America) workshop for Chess for Freedom program, organized by FIDE, FIDE America, and Mexican National Chess...
May 23, 20252 min read


Malawi hosts the Chess for Freedom Continental Championship and Workshop for Africa
The FIDE “Chess for Freedom” program is the largest global initiative of the FIDE Social Commission. In the Year of Social Chess, each...
May 23, 20253 min read


FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge 2025: Every Move Counts
Because behind every move, there’s a story that can change the world. Chess is more than a game – it’s a lifeline, a bridge, a silent...
Apr 28, 20252 min read


Mexico to host the first Chess for Freedom Workshop and Continental Championship for Americas
The 2025 Chess for Freedom Workshop and Continental Chess Championship for Americas, organized by FIDE and Mexico Chess Federation, are...
Apr 23, 20252 min read


Chess for Freedom: Africa's First In-Person Workshop & Championship Set for May 11-14, 2025
The International Chess Federation (FIDE), in collaboration with The Gift of Chess, Dadaz Chess Academy, the Malawi Prison Service, the...
Apr 11, 20252 min read


Online meetup “Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition” announced
We are thrilled to invite you to the “Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition” meetup , a transformative online event focusing on...
Apr 3, 20252 min read


First Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners announced
The first-ever Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners will take place in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the...
Mar 14, 20252 min read


Register to the Social Chess Research Conference!
<p>We are thrilled to invite you to the Social Chess Research Conference, an online event bringing together researchers, educators, practitioners, and</p>
Jan 27, 20251 min read


Milestones of the FIDE Chess for Protection Programme in Kakuma
<p>Kakuma, Kenya — Over the past 18 months, the Chess for Protection Programme has achieved significant milestones, transforming the lives</p>
Jan 27, 20253 min read


WSCIM Highlights: Chess as a catalyst for social change
<p>The second session of the World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon brought together chess activists, experts and promoters from across the</p>
Jan 27, 20255 min read


Highlights from World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon
<p>he Year of Social Chess launched with its first event – an online conference shedding light on innovative ways chess</p>
Jan 27, 20258 min read
Register: World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon
<p>Join the World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon on January 19, 2025! 🌍♟️ Body: FIDE is proud to kick off 2025,</p>
Dec 2, 20241 min read
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