FIDE Education Commission – International Chess Federation

FIDE EDU announces cooperation with Opening Master x Chesspertise

editor_d — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:05:16 +0000

The FIDE Education Commission is pleased to announce a new cooperation initiative with Opening Master and its advanced chess education platform Chesspertise.

This collaboration represents an important step toward strengthening structured chess education and improving access to modern training tools for chess players, coaches, federations, schools, and newcomers to the game.

FIDE EDU continuously seeks innovative educational solutions that support the development of teachers and students at every level from beginners discovering the beauty of chess to experienced tournament competitors seeking professional preparation.

Chesspertise is a next-generation chess training platform built around the renowned Opening Master database, offering access to:

More than 10.4 million over-the-board (OTB) human chess games
More than 2.2 million correspondence chess games
Structured opening preparation
Tactical training modules
Advanced search and filtering tools
Training and coaching environments
Game analysis functions
Performance-oriented study systems
Data-driven chess improvement tools
Integrated educational workflows for instructors and students

The platform aims to address one of the greatest challenges in modern chess education – fragmentation of training resources by integrating learning, preparation, analysis, and coaching into one unified environment.

Chesspertise is currently available on:

Apple Store (iPad and Desktop/macOS versions)
Google Play Store (Android Tablet version)
Microsoft Windows Store (Windows version)

The FIDE Education Commission particularly welcomes the initiative by Opening Master x Chesspertise to support Licensed FIDE School Instructors worldwide.

As part of this cooperation, Opening Master x Chesspertise has generously offered more than 1,000 complimentary lifetime licenses to FIDE EDU title holders, enabling educators to access the platform and integrate it into their teaching activities. All future certified chess instructors will also receive free access to use the platform.

We believe that modern chess education must combine tradition, pedagogy, technology, and structured data analysis and must be affordable to wide public. Tools such as Chesspertise can help federations, schools, academies, and private coaches create measurable and scalable educational programs for the next generation of chess players.

The FIDE Chess in Education Commission looks forward to future collaboration opportunities with Opening Master x Chesspertise, including educational webinars, instructor support initiatives, and potential federation-level partnerships.

We also encourage individual national chess federations to independently evaluate potential cooperation opportunities with Opening Master x Chesspertise on the national level, particularly in the areas of teacher training, coach education, youth development, and digital chess learning infrastructure.

Chess continues to evolve globally, and educational innovation remains one of the key pillars of its future growth.

FIDE EDU Classroom Contest announced

editor_d — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:34:39 +0000

As 2026 is celebrated as the Year of Chess in Education, the FIDE Chess in Education Commission is pleased to highlight schools worldwide that use chess classrooms as hubs for personal growth and social development. We are proud to announce the 2026 FIDE EDU Classroom Contest! Send us pictures of your chess classroom in action for a chance to win some great prizes:

1^st prize – Social media post by FIDE promoting your school program, free entry on a FIDE School Award application, and one free entry for the Preparation of Teacher’s course, and one free annual subscription to LogiqBoard.

2^nd prize – Social media post by FIDE promoting your school program, free entry on a FIDE School Award application, 50% discount on a Preparation of Teacher’s course, and a 50% discount on an annual LogiqBoard subscription.

3^rd prize – Social media post by FIDE promoting your school program, 50% discount on a FIDE School Award application, 25% discount on a Preparation of Teachers course, and a 25% discount on an annual LogiqBoard subscription.

Entries will be judged on classroom engagement, creativity of classroom activities, the use of chess as an educational tool, and the ability of chess to bring people together. If a picture is worth a thousand words, we seek classrooms that speak for themselves in showing the power of chess to transform lives.

The size of the school or chess club does not matter! Whether you are large institution or grassroots initiative, a school chess club is a place where students come together, play, socialize, learn, and build skills and relationships that will last a lifetime. Show us your classroom so we can show it to the world!

Send photos to abel@riseforthekids.org. Each school may submit up to three photos of their chess classroom; photo must be under 500kB.

Please include the name of your school, city, country, and the name of the chess teacher, coach, or school coordinator. We are eager to see the differences between chess classrooms around the world but also discover the common thread that makes us alike.

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2026. Winners will be announced May 8, 2026.

Every Lesson Counts – Chess in Education Masterclasses

editor_d — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:24:51 +0000

Join us in London, Mindsports Centre for a transformative weekend on October 11-12, dedicated to exploring chess as a powerful educational tool. Whether you’re already teaching chess or simply curious about its potential, this event offers fresh strategies and practical resources to enrich your teaching practice and engage students in new ways. No prior chess experience is required – just a passion for helping children learn and grow. The event is funded by FIDE and the International Olympic Committee, underscoring its global significance and commitment to educational excellence.

Organised in collaboration with the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and the ECU Education Commission, the weekend will bring together teachers, tutors, and education specialists to discover how chess can foster lifelong skills. Through a series of interactive Masterclasses, participants will gain hands-on tools and insights that can be immediately applied in the classroom. You’ll also receive a booklet on all Masterclass materials and enjoy opportunities to connect with fellow educators over lunch and refreshments, which are included with your ticket.With only 60 places available on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a rare opportunity to learn from the best and bring the benefits of chess into your educational practice.

Book your tickets HERE.

Meet the presenters:

Jerry Nash

Jerry (BA, MDiv, MA) serves as Chairman of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission and as National Chess Education Consultant for Chess in Education – US, a US-based non-profit focused on enabling educators to use chess as an educational tool in the classroom. He is also an educator who believes in the power of chess to enable student – and teacher – success.

Jerry will lead the interactive workshop Chess for Critical Thinking Development, introducing practical examples of using chess to build Higher Order Thinking (HOT) skills.

Rita Atkins

Rita serves as Secretary of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission. She holds a degree in Mathematics and Physics as well as a Diploma of Education from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, and an MSc in Computing Science from Imperial College, London. She has taught mathematics and physics in the UK and in Ireland for over a decade. As a former competitive chess player, Rita strongly believes that chess is a great educational tool, and she is a frequent speaker at chess educational conferences. She is the co-creator of LogiqBoard, the online shareable chessboard suitable for classroom use.

Rita will explore Problems on the Chessboard for Gifted and Talented Studentsin her masterclass.

Anzel Laubscher

Anzel Laubscher is a FIDE Senior Lead Instructor, main lecturer for FIDE EDU courses, and a member of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission. She is a Woman International Master, South African National Team member since 1998, and a Master Coach. With sixteen years’ curriculum development and lecturing at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Anzel has overseen coach training for the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee. She is an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, legal advisor, mediator, and active in sports dispute resolution.

In her masterclasses Anzel will guide attendees through From Classroom Chess to Chess Club the Educational Way.

Alla Khachatryan

Alla is Senior Course Administrator for all FIDE EDU training courses. She is also a FIDE Lead School Instructor with a strong commitment to chess education and expertise in training educators on how to teach the game and use it for skill development. She has contributed to international and national conferences, led educational projects, and promoted chess in education through research-based initiatives in her native Armenia.

Passionate about helping teachers discover new ways to engage students in the classroom, she will present How to Teach Chess Basics Effectively in the Classroomin London.

John Foley

John is Director of ChessPlus (UK) and an active member of the ECU Education Commission, where he co-authors teacher training courses such as The SMART Method to Teach Chess and Mathematics through Chess. He is President of Kingston Chess Club and formerly served as Training Director at Chess in Schools and Communities. His career includes consultancy, research analysis, and legal work, with degrees from Oxford and Lancaster Universities. Foley’s publications include Checkmate! The Wonderful World of Chess (2023), and several co-authored resources for chess education.

Brigitta Peszleg

Brigitta is a dedicated chess educator who began her journey in education in 2006 after earning a degree in Education Sciences. Since 2015, she has taught chess in primary schools across London through Chess in Schools and Communities. Her roles include Chess Educator, Training and Event Manager at ChessPlus, Teacher Trainer with ChessPlus and the European Chess Union (ECU), and Secretary of the ECU Education Commission. Brigitta leads training initiatives, develops educational resources, and co-authored the Chess and Strategy Games in the Classroom Programme, training teachers throughout the UK.

Brigitta and John will present Chess and Strategy Games in the Classroom (Games from the ECU107 Training course).

Hari Neocleous

Hariis a primary maths and chess teacher from London with over 20 years of experience in education. In her classes, she demonstrates how chess serves as a powerful pedagogical tool, offering rich opportunities to cultivate problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and learner confidence. Drawing on her extensive classroom experience, Hari brings a unique perspective to LogiqBoard as well. She integrates chess into creative math and logic-based activities, showcasing innovative approaches to both chess instruction and mathematical thinking.

Hari will demonstrate Teaching Mathematics through Chess (Maths tasks from the ECU102 Training course).

Daniel Gormally

Daniel Gormally is a Chess Grandmaster residing in Alnwick, Northumberland. He received the Grandmaster title in 2005 and represented England at the European team championships that year.In 2024, he won both the British rapid play championship and the English blitz championship.At age 49, Daniel continues to participate actively in international tournaments. He has authored several chess books, such as “Mating the Castled King” and an autobiographical work titled “A Year in the Chess World.”Daniel also served as an official commentator at the British championships in Liverpool, alongside Nicholas Pert.

In London Danielwill share techniques for Optimising Strategies for Chess Minigames

FIDE Chess in Education Commission (EDU) courses & events September–November 2025

editor_d — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:10:28 +0000

Dear Member Federations,

FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission continues to accelerate its provision of training for Lecturers and Teachers of Educational Chess, offering a series of high-level online and in-person opportunities in autumn 2025.

The Preparation of Lecturers (PoL) course leads to the FIDE titles of Lead School Instructor (LSI) and Senior Lead Instructor (SLI). It is intended primarily for those who will train teachers, helping to expand the global community of educators capable of teaching chess in an educational way.

The Preparation of Teachers (PoT) course leads to the FIDE title of School Instructor (SI). This 3-day (15-hour) training equips participants with pedagogical methods, digital tools, and practical strategies for teaching chess as an educational tool.

Alongside these core courses, EDU also supports events that showcase innovation and best practices in the field, such as the “Every Lesson Counts” masterclasses in London.

The schedule of the FIDE EDU upcoming courses and events is below:

For more details visit the Chess in Education website: edu.fide.com/

To join, please register via the following links:

29th PoT online course – Sept 26-28
Register: cloud.fide.com/s/qD7RBPYYAXmMLjr

First Arabic PoT online course – Oct 3-5
Register: cloud.fide.com/s/gXzeznmz9Q6ZHeA

French PoT online course – Oct 24-26
Register: cloud.fide.com/s/SYZqgJj5yKrbaXc

Every Lesson Counts Masterclasses, London – Oct 11-12

Organised in collaboration with the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and the ECU Education Commission, the weekend will bring together teachers, tutors, and education specialists to discover how chess can foster lifelong skills. Through a series of interactive Masterclasses, participants will gain hands-on tools and insights that can be immediately applied in the classroom. You’ll also receive a booklet on all Masterclass materials and enjoy opportunities to connect with fellow educators over lunch and refreshments, which are included with your ticket. With only 60 places available on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a rare opportunity to learn from the best and bring the benefits of chess into your educational practice.

Tickets: tickettailor.com/events/chessplus/1842399

Our dedicated Chess in Education website has further details: edu.fide.com/

Non-FIDE EDU Course Certification announced

editor_d — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:15:05 +0000

FIDE EDU is pleased to announce the approval of certification for non-FIDE courses. Recognizing the development of many high-quality educational programs suitable for teachers, FIDE EDU aims to support professional growth and facilitate license renewal for FIDE EDU titles through this new certification initiative.

The EDU Course Certification is a four-year credential awarded to courses offered by federations, organizations, or individuals that apply and meet the established criteria.

Course content may range from a focus on chess skill development to a broader blend of skill development that includes chess skills, teacher methodologies, and curriculum connections (including transversal and interdisciplinary applications) for chess. Online, in-person, and blended formats (combining online sessions with in-person or self-study components) are all welcome.

Benefits of course certification for vendors:

Assistance in marketing to a broader, motivated audience.
Quality assurance for potential customers.
FIDE logo on the course certificate.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the review process normally takes up to six weeks.

For more information, please, visit:

Purpose Statement – edu.fide.com/non-fide-courses/purpose-statement

FIDE Handbook – handbook.fide.com/chapter/NonFIDEEDUCourseCertification

24th “Preparation of Teachers” course by FIDE Education Commission announced

editor_d — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:35:24 +0000

Dear chess friends,

Save the dates: April 18-20, 2025, for our 24th edition of the “Preparation of Teachers” course – a golden opportunity to become a certified FIDE School Instructor!

Conducted in English, this 3-day online course is designed to boost your teaching skills using chess as an educational tool. Learn innovative methods for the 4C’s (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity).

Bonus: Successful candidates get lifelong access to OPENING MASTER PREMIUM chess databases.

Read the detailed course description here.

Presented by Lead School Instructors Anzel Laubscher and Boris Bruhn, this course is perfect for teachers, chess educators, beginner and advanced players with basic chess knowledge, and anyone with experience working with children.

The course is limited to 20 participants, so register before April 14 by completing and submitting the registration form.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at edu.courses@fide.com

Newly revised “Preparation of Lecturers” course announced

KN — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:00:08 +0000

Dear Chess Friends,

Are you ready to take your teaching skills to the next level and prepare other educators for the introduction of Educational Chess in their practices?

Or perhaps your ambition is to lead FIDE Preparation of Teachers courses that award the FIDE School Instructor title? If so, then the freshly revised FIDE Preparation of Lecturers (PoL) course is for you!

Mark Your Calendars: July 19-21

Where: Online, in English

Duration: 15 hours

The new updated PoL course offers a two-tier qualification:

Lead School Instructor (LSI): The first tier of qualification enables lecturers to train colleagues and award participation certificates to participants. Join us on July 19-21 for this part of the course.

Senior Lead Instructor (SLI): The second tier of qualification allows lecturers to present the FIDE Preparation of Teachers course to obtain the School Instructor (SI) title. This part of the PoL course is a one-day online course to be held on August 31.

Candidate lecturers may wish to obtain only the first level of qualification by choice.

The objectives of the course:

Develop and enhance the skills of effective teaching of chess basics to other educators,
Develop and enhance the skills of effective teaching of educational chess to other educators
Enhance the ability of using active and interactive teaching methods,
Improve positive professional communication skills.

Target audience: Professionals with experience in chess and education.

Eligibility Criteria:

Chess-playing ability (club level or higher)
SI title holder
At least two years’ teaching experience either in a school or as a chess trainer
Familiarity with various PoT presentation tools

Read the detailed course description here .

Investment:

LSI Course Fee for the first tier: €150

Title Award: Upon successful completion, meeting assessment criteria, and payment of €70 title fee.

SLI Course Fee for the second tier: €200, due upon successful completion of the first tier.

Title Award: Upon successful completion, meeting assessment criteria, and payment of €100 title fee.

Special Announcement for Previous Title Holders:

All LSI and CEL titles obtained before 2023 are automatically upgraded to LSI titles!

Receive a FREE soft copy of the new PoT coursebook.

Enroll in the first tier of the PoL course (LSI title course) at no cost!

Application Deadline: July 15

Limited Spots Available! Only 20 participants (first come, first served).

Ready to join? Complete the registration form here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at edu.courses@fide.com

About Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an institution independent of any sports organization which provides for services in order to facilitate the settlement of sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation by means of procedural rules adapted to the specific needs of the sports world.

The CAS was created in 1984 and is placed under the administrative and financial authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).

The CAS has nearly 300 arbitrators from 87 countries, chosen for their specialist knowledge of arbitration and sports law. Around 300 cases are registered by the CAS every year.

Official website: tas-cas.org/

FIDE Chess School Award established

editor_d — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:28:17 +0000

FIDE Education Commission is pleased to announce its new initiative: the launch of the FIDE Chess School Award.

The award is established to enhance the quality and position of chess in the primary and secondary education systems around the world. We wish to provide recognition and motivation for existing Chess in Education activities and programs in schools through a certification process. The second objective is to inspire new schools to increase their level of involvement in educational chess. The FIDE Chess School Award provides an effective means to achieve these goals.

Photo: Vincent Masole, FIDE School Instructor in Botswana

Schools with inclusive programs that involve most of their students, many from varying abilities and backgrounds, have an excellent chance of receiving the award. Schools that celebrate diversity and demonstrate high social awareness in their communities, with a focus on commitment and shared interest between students, educators, and parents for a holistic, game-based approach to education beyond the traditional academic subjects, will also be granted the award.

Several aspects of school chess are examined. There are ten questions altogether, and applicants are asked to answer each question in as much detail as possible and provide supporting evidence. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards can be obtained depending on meeting all or some of the criteria. Applications are accepted in English, Spanish, Russian, and German languages, and we may add additional languages in the future. The application fee for the award is €150. Two application cycles are planned in each year. In the current cycle, applications are invited until March 31, with the awards announced in June. Please apply via the FIDE EDU website. For more information, see the FIDE Handbook or write to education@fide.com.

Here are some reasons for applying:

The FIDE Chess School certificate and logo can be displayed in school, used in school publications, and promoted on the school website.
National Chess Federations will be notified about all FIDE Chess Schools in their country.
For recognition, award winners will be listed on the FIDE EDU website. Schools will thus make themselves visible to organisations looking for reliable partners for social activities.
FIDE Chess Schools will form a wider community with increased connectivity to one another. Being part of our network opens opportunities for collaboration with other schools and participation in broader chess events.
Online vendors will provide a platform for joint training events and a multitude of chess activities.
FIDE EDU will host discussion forums for teachers of FIDE Chess Schools to share best practices and educational resources. Speakers will be invited to share their experiences with using chess as an educational tool.
Additional incentives for schools participating in the FIDE Chess School Award will be provided as they become available.