#ChessForFreedom – International Chess Federation

Second Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners: Registration deadline approaching

editor_d — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:58:24 +0000

The FIDE Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners will return for its second edition in May 2026, with competitions scheduled across four continents.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 event, this initiative is a cornerstone of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom programme – a global effort to expand opportunities for intellectual engagement, personal development, and social reintegration through chess.

The first Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, held in May 2025, marked a major milestone in the Chess for Freedom programme, bringing together teams from correctional institutions around the world in structured online competition. That pioneering event demonstrated the power of chess to create connection and opportunity even in challenging circumstances, reinforcing the value of regular regional championships as a complement to FIDE’s established intercontinental events.

The 2026 Continental Championships will again feature separate regional competitions for the following continents:

Africa – May 12, 2026
Americas – May 14, 2026
Europe – May 19, 2026
Asia – May 21, 2026

Each continental championship will take place over a single day, with teams from correctional facilities within the region competing online on Chess.com. The format (round-robin or Swiss) will be determined by the number of registered teams to ensure competitive balance and maximum engagement.

National federations and correctional institutions are invited to register teams representing:

One men’s correctional facility team
One women’s correctional facility team
One juvenile team (players under 20)

Countries that organise national prison chess championships may qualify additional teams, expanding access to regional competition.

The championships feature rapid time control (10 minutes with a 5-second increment) and are structured to maintain fair play and security, with oversight and technical support coordinated by FIDE and its partners. As in the first edition, the focus remains on providing meaningful competitive opportunities while upholding the integrity of the event and the dignity of participants.

Continental champions will be recognised with official titles and certificates, and all participants will receive acknowledgement for their achievements. FIDE encourages participating institutions to share reports and photos, where permitted by local regulations, to highlight the ongoing impact of chess behind bars.

Registration & key dates

Registration deadline: May 1, 2026 (no entry fee)
Registration: Click [HERE] to register
Technical meeting: May 5, 2026 (via Zoom)

Correctional institutions must complete the online registration form and confirm their team’s participation via email to Mikhail Korenman at mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org.

On May 5, three technical meetings will be held at 8:00 CET, 13:00 CET, and 16:00 CET. Team representatives are required to attend one of them.

So far, 84 teams have registered for the competition:

Europe – 24 men’s, 6 women’s and 4 juvenile teams
Asia – 13 men’s, 5 women’s and 5 juvenile teams
Africa – 4 men’s, 4 women’s and 5 juvenile teams
Americas – 12 men’s and 2 women’s

Notably, teams from Belgium, Albania, and Madagascar will make their championship debuts in 2026.

The 2nd Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners reflect the continued evolution of the Chess for Freedom programme – reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a constructive force for inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth around the world.

Regulations for 2nd Continental Online Chess Championships for Prizoners (PDF)

Second Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners: Registration now open

editor_d — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:40:09 +0000

The FIDE Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners returns for its second edition, set to take place across four continents in May 2026.

This event builds on the momentum of the inaugural continental championships in 2025 and is part of FIDE’s ongoing Chess for Freedom initiative – a programme designed to expand opportunities for intellectual engagement, personal development, and social reintegration through chess.

The 2026 Continental Championships will again feature separate regional competitions for the following continents:

Africa – May 12, 2026
Americas – May 14, 2026
Europe– May 19, 2026
Asia – May 21, 2026

Each continental championship will take place over a single day, with teams from correctional facilities within the region competing online on Chess.com. The format will vary based on the number of entries, using round robin or Swiss systems to ensure competitive balance and engagement.

National federations and correctional institutions are invited to register teams representing:

One men’s correctional facility team
One women’s correctional facility team
One juvenile team (players under 20)

Countries that organise national prison chess championships may qualify additional teams, expanding access to regional competition.

Registration is open until 1 May 2026, with no entry fee required.

The 2nd Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners represent the continued evolution of the Chess for Freedom programme, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a constructive force for inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth around the globe.

Registration & key dates

Registration deadline: May 1, 2026
Registration: Click [HERE] to register
Technical meeting: Week of May 5, 2026 (via Zoom)

Correctional institutions must complete the online registration form and confirm their team’s participation via email to Mikhail Korenman at mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org.

FIDE representatives visit Mongolia to support social and educational chess activities

editor_d — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:30:57 +0000

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 coordinator of the Chess for Freedom program.

During the visit, the delegation was honored to be received by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Khassuuri Gankhuyag, who was presented with the Social Chess Year Award in recognition of Mongolia’s outstanding achievements and long-term contributions to social chess programs and community development initiatives.

The FIDE representatives also held an official meeting with the Chess Federation of Mongolia at the State Parliament building, together with its Deputy President, Galbadrakh Janchiv, Member of Parliament. During the meeting, the Mongolian side shared information about the country’s social and educational chess achievements, as well as its organizational structure and long-term development strategies.

Two leading chess academies – ABChess Academy and Steinitz Academy – presented their training programs, development policies for junior and youth players, and socially oriented chess projects. The parties exchanged views on international best practices and discussed potential opportunities for future cooperation.

André Vögtlin and Dr. Mikhail Korenman also visited the Women’s Federal Correctional Facility, whose team has participated in all Chess for Freedom championships and has won the competition three consecutive times. The delegation met with Colonel Batbayar Bumdari, Head of Prison No. 407.

In recognition of their contributions to the Chess for Freedom program and their support of socially impactful chess initiatives, representatives of the correctional facility were also presented with the Social Chess Year Award.

A particularly inspiring meeting took place with former members of the Mongolian women’s prison chess team. They shared their personal stories and experiences before, during, and after their participation in the Chess for Freedom program. Their testimonies demonstrated that chess is not only a game, but a powerful rehabilitative tool that fosters confidence, discipline, emotional resilience, and hope.

This visit marked an important milestone in strengthening Mongolia’s international cooperation, promoting the exchange of best practices with global chess organizations, and laying a strong foundation for future collaborative initiatives in the field of social and educational chess.

A Move for Freedom and Redemption in El Salvador

editor_d — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:39:22 +0000

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 rehabilitation effort.

Among the distinguished guests were:

José Carrillo Pujol, President of FIDE Americas
Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board
Dinora Acevedo, INDES (National Institute of Sports of El Salvador)
Samuel Diaz, Director of the Santa Ana Penitentiary Industrial Complex
Erick Hernandez, Treasurer of FIDE Americas
Saul Montoya, Vice President of Salvadoran Chess Federation

Their presence underscored both national and international commitment to the transformative power of chess.

Plan Cero Ocio: Building skills and discipline

As part of Plan Cero Ocio, participants receive chess training five times a week, providing structure, focus, emotional control, and the opportunity to develop skills that support reintegration. Their dedication led to extraordinary success at the 5th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners:

Gold — Women’s Team
Silver — Men’s Team

These achievements are supported by the tireless work of INDES’ Inclusive Sports Department which coordinates technical support with the Salvadoran Chess Federation. Special mention goes to International Master Roberto Calderin, who coached the teams for four months, guiding and advising the players daily.

Regional coordination and long-term development are further strengthened by the support of FIDE Americas.

Voices from the inside

The most powerful words came from the participants themselves:

“Chess gives me structure. Training every day helps me stay focused and calm. It’s the first time in years I feel like I’m improving at something.”

“When I play, I feel free. It reminds me that my mind still belongs to me — and that I can make better decisions, one move at a time.”

These reflections capture the essence of what Chess for Freedom aims to achieve: discipline, dignity, hope, and the ability to think forward — on the board and in life.

FIDE’s commitment in the 2025 Year of Social Chess

As part of the 2025 Year of Social Chess, FIDE is proud to stand with El Salvador in advancing programs that use chess as a bridge to education, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. This ceremony was not just about medals — it was about human transformation.

Chess changes lives. And on this occasion, these players proved it on a national and global stage.

5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: India, El Salvador and Iran claim titles

editor_d — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:27:35 +0000

India won the male competition after a decisive Armageddon game in a tense final match against El Salvador. The women’s tournament was also closely contested, with El Salvador taking the title after beating Ukraine. The Youth competition title went to the all-female team from Iran, which defeated England.

The fifth FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for prisoners concluded after three days of play with winners crowned in the Male, Women’s and Youth categories.

The event unfolded across three stages: group qualifiers (14 October), the championship stage (day two), and the finals, which concluded today.

In most international chess competitions – from the Olympiad to continental team championships – players typically leave the board once their own game concludes, retreating to analyse their moves or decompress in private while their teammates fight on. But in the prison chess championship, the atmosphere was strikingly different. Here, players lingered long after finishing, following the remaining boards to offer quiet encouragement and moral support to their teammates. Even through prison facility cameras, the sense of solidarity was palpable – a team spirit born not just of competition, but of shared circumstance.

In the Men’s final, India faced El Salvador in a tightly contested four-match series. El Salvador started with a 3:1 win only to be defeated by India with 3:1 in the second match. In round three, India scored a narrow victory 2.5:1.5 but in the final round they were completely dominated by El Salvador with 3:1. The results took them to tiebreaks: in the Armageddon match, Indian top-board was better, securing the crown for the team. Mongolia took third place after beating Serbia 3 in the Blitz playoffs.

El Salvador also stood out in the Women’s competition, where their team beat Ukraine. Despite the narrow loss in the first match (2.5:1.5), El Salvador stormed back winning all three remaining matches with 3:1. El Salvador also had a team in the fight for third place (El Salvador 2) in the Women’s event, but they fell to Mongolia.

The Youth competition saw England and Iran face off in the finals. The all-female Iranian youth team defeated England 3:1 in the first match, while the second ended in a draw. Third place went to India, defeating Ecuador in both matches 3.5:0.5.

Starting with 42 teams in 2021, the fifth edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship featured 135 teams from 57 countries. After five years, certain countries have shown consistent strong performance, specifically, Mongolia, Serbia and India who have so far (with the exception of Serbia this year) have consistently won a medal.

“The true victory lies in the personal transformation that chess has unlocked”

In his congratulatory message to the winners, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that “although today we recognise those who have come up first, every single player who participated is a winner”.

The FIDE President went on to say that “the true winners of this event were not determined by the final round result or the scoresheet. In fact, the true victory lies in the personal transformation that chess has unlocked, and I hope you will see it through”.

The successful conclusion of the FIDE Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners is a notable highlight of the Year of Social Chess which celebrated the game’s transformative power, providing the means for self-improvement and change.

“I hope chess will continue to be a loyal part of your life, guiding you and making you happy, challenging you to move forward and improve. The games are over, but the future is wide open. Make your next move really count, make it your best move”, Dvorkovich concluded.

Written by Milan Dinic

About the Chess for Freedom project

The Chess for Freedom project officially started in May 2021 with an online conference and an exhibition tournament with four participating countries. In October of the same year, the first International Online Chess Championship for Prisoners was held, growing each year and attracting more teams and countries.

The goal of the project is to use chess as a tool for education, personal development and change, helping inmates prepare for life after release from prison.

In prisons, just as in broader society, the impact of sport and games can be far-reaching. The experiences demonstrate that chess improves behaviour, helping to reduce inmate violence and developing communication skills, while promoting positive use of leisure time. Chess also drastically improves the decision-making capabilities of a group of people that, very often due to the lack of opportunities and access to proper education, has ended up in jail after making a wrong choice in life.

The project is closely coordinated with the Chess For Freedom Network which operates under the auspices of the FIDE Social Commission.

To get involved or get more information about the project, please visit: chessforfreedom.fide.com.

Record number of teams and countries compete in FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners

editor_d — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:55:37 +0000

What began as a modest chess programme in a Chicago jail has grown into a worldwide movement. The fifth edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has set a new participation record, with 135 teams from 57 countries competing between 14th and 16th October.

The first chess programme for inmates and detainees was launched by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago in 2012. In 2019 they organised their first international tournament. Two years later, they partnered with FIDE. Since 2021, the International Chess Federation and Cook County Sheriff’s Office have been working together on the “Chess for Freedom” programme, aimed at inmates across the world, helping them learn essential life skills through chess.

The central event of the programme is the FIDE International Online Chess Championship, which has over the years attracted teams from nearly 60 countries worldwide. The event is held around the mid-October to coincide with the celebration of the International Day of Education in Prison. Observed on 13^th October, it highlights the importance of education in correctional facilities as a fundamental human right and a pillar for rehabilitation and improvement.

The fifth edition of the Championship for Prisoners takes place between 14th and 16th October and is one of the final events in the Year of Social Chess, which highlighted the role of chess as a tool for inclusion and empowerment. The competition is split into three stages – the group stage (14^th), the championship stage (15^th) and the finals (16^th).

This year set a new record, with 135 teams from 57 countries taking part. The lineup includes 89 teams in the Open section, 26 in the Women’s, and 20 in the Youth. Several countries are making their debut, among them Eswatini, Guyana, Lesotho, Poland, Aruba, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Each team has four players, and the games are played entirely online with 10 minutes for each player plus a five-second increment from move one.

“We all make mistakes in life. But as long as we are alive, we can learn”

The event was opened by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who said that playing chess offers a direct path to self-motivation, logical thinking, stress reduction, and foresight of consequences, all “important pillars for a good life”.

“We are all human. We all make mistakes in life. But as long as we are alive, we have a chance to learn from them and correct them. It takes a lot of courage to change, and that is why I want to warmly welcome you all on behalf of the entire chess community and thank you for taking part in this event”, said Dvorkovich in his message to the players.

Dana Reizniece, the Managing Director and Deputy Chair of the Management Board of FIDE, who has been deeply involved in social chess programmes around the world, explained why the governing body of chess decided to engage in this project.

“Chess teaches us focus, resilience and consistency. It sharpens the mind and allows us to channel the energy in a constructive way. Chess also gives hope. Hope that growth is possible, hope that change is possible.”

Global coverage

This year’s event is accompanied by a live broadcast which started at 6 AM CET and finished around 8 PM CET – nearly 13 hours in total. Apart from live commentary of the games, the broadcast featured special reports, presentations, and live conversations with guests from Australia to America who spoke about their experiences with the Chess for Freedom project.

The life of a chess player in prison: Experiences from Australia to U.S.

Tom Noiprasit works as an Education Services Coordinator at the Macquarie Correctional Centre, a maximum-security prison for male offenders located in Wellington, in the Orana region of western New South Wales, Australia. The facility has had a chess team for the past five years.

A software engineer and former consultant, Noiprasit moved to teaching before taking a position at the Macquarie Correctional Centre. He noted that a common misconception people have is that education in prison is about “fixing people,” when it is more about helping them develop skills.

As Noiprasit explains, the ambitions of people in prison are not much different from those on the outside – they want a job, a career, and they want to have a house to build their own life around.

“Our job is not to judge people in prison but to make sure when they come out, they can choose to be what they want to be.”

Different prisons have different rules when it comes to using computers for chess or anything else. In most cases, prisons do not allow inmates to use computers. Instead, they are given books and magazines where they can read about chess games and analyse. “It helps them talk to one another and practice social skills as well,” Noiprasit noted.

While access to the internet seems like an everyday thing for most people, it’s not the case for those behind bars. “Access to the internet is a big thing and you need to be fully supervising this,” says Noiprasit.

Prison officials also have to check very carefully who should be permitted to access the internet. “It could be anything – using the internet could bring up trauma, or an inmate who usually might not do a wrong thing might be tempted to do it.”

“Emotional self-regulation and, in particular, the ability to let go are the main skills relevant for inmates when it comes to chess,” Noiprasit concluded.

In Singapore, Grandmaster Goh Wei Ming – who visits prisons once a week to play chess – pointed out that “all inmates who participated in the Chess for Freedom programme exhibited much better behaviour, according to prison officers.”

“We had a case of a player who had very high blood pressure. When he was playing for the first time, he had a counsellor with him, reminding him to look after his blood pressure. Two years into the programme, he is now much calmer and off medication. It’s nice to know that chess can be therapeutic in that sense,” Ming said.

In the UAE – which is also participating in the Chess for Freedom project – inmates also get to enjoy chess classes and work with coaches. As the Secretary General of the Dubai Chess & Culture Club, Saeed Shakari explained, players have access to chess sets and online chess platforms where they can play and practice, thanks to strong support by the Dubai Police and their commander. This investment paid off, as in 2024 the UAE inmates won the open section of the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners.

“The inmates have improved over time. Some have left prison and have improved not just in chess but also in their everyday lives. Chess taught them how to act in life and to be responsible for their own decisions,” Shakari said.

In the Americas, the Chess for Freedom project has been a catalyst for opening broader educational opportunities for inmates. With Aruba and St. Kitts and Nevis joining the competition for the first time this year, the project has received wide backing from state stakeholders across the board. Jose Carrillo, FIDE Continental President for America, spoke to the broadcast and said that many of the inmates are provided with internet access and training to improve their chess skills.

“It’s a step-by-step process, and a growing number of local governments and organisations are getting involved. We love this project and see it growing. In El Salvador or Jamaica, for example, thanks to this programme we found very strong players among the inmates.”

Carrillo hopes that this initiative will help encourage other countries to get involved and, by extension, spread chess to more people.

Mikhail Korenman is a Project Manager and Social Commission Councillor at the Cook County Sheriff’s Department in the U.S. He has been a key instigator of the Chess for Freedom project since 2021.

“I was positively surprised by the first event in 2021, but I never expected it to grow to what it is today. Every year we get more new countries, and very few have dropped out, which is a good sign,” Korenman said.

In 2019, Cook County organised the first international chess tournament for prisoners with seven countries participating, “but for growth, we joined forces with FIDE, which has the system and the energy,” he explained.

Former inmate, Elifas Nyame: “Chess is life on board”

Internet access in Ghana is tied to urban areas, with about a third of the country still not having any connection. Elifas Nyame travelled more than five hours so he could take part in the live FIDE broadcast.

A former beneficiary from the Senior Correctional Centre and one of the students of the Chess for Freedom programme by run by the Mentors Chess Academy in Ghana, he shared what chess meant for him and his life.

“I learnt that life is not always about you, but also about others. Like in chess – you have to adapt to your opponents who are trying to do the same thing as you. It could be other people, it could be financial constraints, but there’s always something fighting against you. With patience and adapting, you can do it”.

Advice to anyone in similar circumstances who might take up chess? “Relax, have patience, think and play,” said Nyame who is now trying to get others to pick up the sport.

You can watch the full broadcast of the first day of the event on FIDE’s YouTube channel:

Results from the group stage

The first day of the tournament saw the group competition unfold with top two teams in each group qualifying for the second stage, which is held on Wednesday, 15^th October.

The results of the group stage, across the Open, Women’s and Youth competition are as follows:

Open

Group 1 (Mongolia 1 and India 1 qualified)

Group 2 (Mongolia 2 and India 2 qualified)

Group 3 (Zimbabwe and Spain 2 qualified)

Group 4 (Serbia 2 and England qualified)

Group 5 (Armenia and Eswatini qualified)

Group 6 (Serbia 4 and Georgia qualified)

Group 7 (Serbia 5 and Romania 1 qualified)

Group 8 (Mexico 1 and El Salvador 2 qualified)

Group 9 (El Salvador 1 and Mexico 2 qualified)

Group 10 (Mexico 3 and USA – KS – Norton qualified)

Women

Group 1 (Mongolia and Kazakhstan qualified)

Group 2 (England and Serbia qualified)

Group 3 (Georgia and Ukraine qualified)

Group 4 (El Salvador 1 and El Salvador 2 qualified)

Youth

Group 1 (India 1 and India 3 qualified)

Group 2 (England and Ghana 3 qualified)

Group 3 (Ghana 1 and Malawi qualified)

Group 4 (Serbia and Ecuador 1 qualified)

Written by Milan Dinic

5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners set to begin

editor_d — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:33:13 +0000

The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will take place from October 14 to 16, 2025, bringing together incarcerated men, women, and youth from correctional facilities around the world to unite through the shared language of chess.

Organized in collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (Chicago, USA), this championship is part of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom initiative, which promotes social inclusion, rehabilitation, and personal growth through the game. Now in its fifth year, it has become one of the world’s most meaningful examples of chess’s power to transform lives.

This year marks another record in participation, with 135 teams from 57 countries confirmed. The lineup includes 89 teams in the Open section, 26 in the Women’s, and 20 in the Youth. Several countries will make their debut, among them Eswatini, Guyana, Lesotho, Poland, Aruba, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Each team consists of four players, all currently incarcerated. Matches will be played online on Chess.com with a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment. The event will be supervised by FIDE arbiters to ensure fair play and smooth coordination across correctional institutions on different continents.

Format

October 14: Group Stage
Teams will be divided into groups and play in a round-robin format. Grouping will be based on geographic region and time zone.

October 15: Championship Stage
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Championship Round, which will also follow a round-robin format.

October 16: Finals and Placement Matches
The final stage crowns the champions in the Open, Women’s, and Youth categories. Placement matches will determine the overall team rankings.

The Group Stage and the Finals will be broadcast live on FIDE’s official YouTube channel with commentary, interviews, and inspiring human-interest stories. The 2025 commentary team includes Michael Rahal, Angelika Valkova, and Charlize van Zyl, who will guide the audience through the action, highlight the impact of the Chess for Freedom program, and share the stories of participants from around the world.

The broadcast will also feature guest appearances from chess officials, arbiters, and correctional representatives, offering insights into how chess education is being introduced in rehabilitation systems worldwide.

Around the world, teams get ready

Preparations are underway across continents as prisons and federations organize training camps, online test matches, and workshops in anticipation of the Intercontinental Championship.

In Malawi, the Prison Service has been especially active following the success of hosting the Chess for Freedom Continental Championship and Workshop earlier this year. Prison teams from Zomba, Bvumbe Youth, Maula, and Kachere facilities have been training regularly with support from the Malawi Chess Federation. At Maula Prison, players recently took part in a training session with the team described by officials as “sharp, focused, and ready to take on the competition!” The country has become one of Africa’s most committed participants in the program, placing second in multiple categories at the continental level.

Elsewhere in Africa, Zimbabwe, the winner of the recent Continental Championship, enters as one of the continent’s strongest contenders. Kenya continues to expand its “Chess in Prisons” program through the Correctional Service, beginning with Nairobi West Prison.

Beyond Africa, new programs are emerging in Guyana, where the national federation has introduced chess training at the Lusignan Prison, and in Aruba, which is fielding a team for the first time. The United States, Paraguay, Croatia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan have also confirmed their participation, showing how correctional institutions worldwide now recognize chess as a valuable tool for education and reintegration.

About Chess for Freedom

The Chess for Freedom initiative was launched by FIDE in partnership with correctional institutions around the world to make chess accessible to inmates as an educational and social tool. It promotes critical thinking, emotional control, and teamwork, helping participants gain valuable skills for reintegration into society.

Since the first Intercontinental Championship in 2021, the project has grown into a global movement. Thousands of inmates have taken part in regional and international tournaments, workshops, and educational programs across six continents.

This year’s edition, the largest so far, reflects the unifying message of the Chess for Freedom initiative: chess transcends walls, borders, and circumstances, offering a bridge to learning, reflection, and hope.

The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will be held from October 14 to 16, 2025, on Chess.com, with live coverage on FIDE’s YouTube channel.

Record number of teams to participate in 5th Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners

editor_d — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:03:07 +0000

The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will be held October 14–16, 2025, bringing together incarcerated players from around the world in a unique celebration of the rehabilitative power of chess. Organized as part of the Chess for Freedom program, a joint initiative by FIDE and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (Chicago, USA), this annual event highlights the role of chess in education, inclusion, and reintegration.

This year’s championship sets a new record with 135 teams representing 57 countries, including 89 men’s teams, 26 women’s teams, and 20 youth teams. Six countries — Eswatini, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Lesotho, Poland, and Aruba — are making their debut, further expanding the global scope of the initiative.

Examples from new participants show the impact of chess behind bars. In Guyana, the Prison Service launched a training and development program at Lusignan Prison with the support of FM Anthony Drayton and the Guyana Chess Federation. Donated chess sets are helping extend the program across the country’s correctional facilities, giving participants valuable skills in problem-solving and critical thinking.

In Aruba, the national federation’s Chess for Freedom program recently inspired incarcerated individuals through competition, focus, and creativity, demonstrating that chess can serve as a tool for empowerment and unity.

The championship will be played on Chess.com with a time control of 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment. The round-robin stage and the finals will be broadcast live on the FIDE YouTube channel, featuring guest appearances from chess officials, prison authorities, coaches, and correctional officers sharing their experiences of teaching chess in prisons.

Now in its fifth edition, the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has become one of the flagships of FIDE Social Year activities. Alongside annual conferences and expanding national programs, growing research continues to confirm the positive outcomes of teaching chess in correctional settings — from improving concentration and discipline to strengthening social inclusion and rehabilitation prospects.

With record participation, inspiring stories, and a truly global reach, the 2025 Championship promises to once again showcase the unifying power of chess — proving that the 64 squares can change lives, no matter the circumstances.

5th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: Registration continues

editor_d — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:19:37 +0000

The countdown is on for the 5th edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, scheduled for October 14-16, 2025. Held as part of the Chess for Freedom project and the FIDE Year of Social Chess, this unique event brings correctional facilities from every continent together through the game of chess.

Teams from the USA, Paraguay, Croatia, Italy, Australia, Czech Republic, Jersey, Portugal, Lithuania, Georgia, Singapore, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Kazakhstan, UAE, Ghana, Bulgaria, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini have already confirmed their participation. With more entries expected, this year’s edition is shaping up to be truly diverse and international.

Registration remains open, and correctional institutions worldwide are invited to join this global initiative.

Registration

Participation is free of charge
Each country may enter up to three teams: men’s, women’s, and youth (under 20)
Teams may include inmates from one or multiple facilities
Registration deadline: September 14, 2025

Event details

Platform: Chess.com
Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment
Group stage: October 14
Championship round: October 15
Finals: October 16

Correctional institutions can register by completing the official form and confirming their entry via email to Tournament Organizer Mikhail Korenman (mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org).

Now in its fifth year, the Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners has become a cornerstone of the Chess for Freedom program. The tournament offers incarcerated individuals the chance to represent their institutions on the international stage, develop skills that encourage discipline and critical thinking, and connect with a wider community beyond prison walls. By promoting education, rehabilitation, and inclusion, the event continues to show the constructive role chess can play in preparing individuals for reintegration into society.

FIDE looks forward to welcoming even more teams to this year’s event.

Uniting continents behind bars: 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners

editor_d — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:52:05 +0000

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 Intercontinental Championship has become a powerful symbol of how chess can transform lives and break down barriers. Organized in collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (Chicago, USA), the tournament gives incarcerated individuals around the world a rare opportunity to represent their institutions, demonstrate their skills, and engage in meaningful competition beyond prison walls.

Teams and Composition

Teams from correctional facilities across the globe are invited to participate, with each country able to register up to three teams: one representing male inmates, one for female inmates, and one for juveniles under 20 years old. Countries that hold national prison chess tournaments may be granted additional teams. In cases where needed, teams can include players from multiple facilities.

Each team is composed of four players with an unlimited number of substitutes, all of whom must be incarcerated individuals. Their names and identities will remain protected unless disclosure is permitted by local laws for media purposes.

Format

The event will take place on Chess.com using a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move. On October 14, teams will compete in round-robin groups of up to eight teams, grouped by time zone to ensure fair play conditions. No two teams from the same country will be placed in the same group.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the Championship Round on October 15. On October 16, the best teams from each category; men’s, women’s, and youth, will battle for the championship title, while the next two will fight for the third-place spot.

To ensure integrity and fairness, strict regulations govern the event. Each site must have a secure connection and a video setup covering the playing area via Zoom. Fair play checks and oversight will be rigorously enforced throughout.

Registration

Participation is free of charge. Correctional facilities must complete the official registration form (forms.gle/2SbUGJCnUSP7RQrs9) and confirm their entry by emailing Tournament Organizer Mikhail Korenman (mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org). The registration deadline is September 14, 2025, with pairings announced on October 7 and a mandatory technical meeting scheduled for the week of September 15.

Winning teams will receive special certificates and global recognition as champions of this remarkable initiative. Final standings will be determined by match points, individual scores, direct encounters, and tie-break criteria.

Continental Championships Recap:
Earlier this year, in May 2025, FIDE successfully introduced the inaugural Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, creating a strong foundation for regional competition and connection. That milestone highlighted the growing momentum of chess as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration. Now, the Intercontinental Championship brings together teams from all corners of the world, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and transformation that defines this FIDE Year of Social Chess.

About the FIDE Year of Social Chess:

2025 has been declared the FIDE Year of Social Chess, a dedicated celebration of chess as a bridge to inclusion and community building. Throughout this year, FIDE emphasizes projects that bring chess to diverse groups, highlighting its role in promoting education, social engagement, and empowerment around the world. The Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners is a powerful example of this mission in action, offering inmates an opportunity to reconnect with society and develop life-changing skills through the game.

Registration form: forms.gle/2SbUGJCnUSP7RQrs9

Tournament regulations (PDF)

More info about the program: chessforfreedom.fide.com