Shaping the Future of Chess: Kasparov Mentors America’s Brightest Young Talents at Exclusive NYC Training Session

In mid-December, some of the most promising young chess talents in the United States gathered in the heart of New York City for a rare and prestigious opportunity — an intensive training session with World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov. Hosted as part of the joint Young Stars program by the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) and the St. Louis Chess Club, the event brought together a remarkable lineup of rising stars for three days of immersive instruction, strategic analysis, and inspiration.

Held from December 13–15 at KCF’s headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, the semi-annual training was reserved for a select group of elite youth players. This winter’s cohort included Grandmasters Abhimanyu Mishra and Andy Woodward, GM-elect Brewington Hardaway, International Masters Alice Lee and Ryo Chen, and FIDE Master Tani Adewumi — each already making waves on the national and international chess scene.

At the helm was none other than Garry Kasparov himself, widely regarded as the greatest chess player of all time. Assisting him was Michael Khodarkovsky, President of KCF and a FIDE Senior Trainer with decades of experience coaching champions. Together, they led a series of advanced training sessions designed to sharpen the players’ tactical instincts and deepen their strategic understanding.

Throughout the workshop, participants tackled complex studies, dissected recent games in group analysis, and engaged in spirited discussions — often fielding direct questions from Kasparov himself. It was a rare chance not only to learn from a legend, but also to showcase their own growth and potential on the board.

The Young Stars program, established to nurture the next generation of chess champions, is more than just a training initiative — it’s a launchpad for future greatness. With alumni who have gone on to become top-ranked players globally, the program continues to deliver on its mission: to empower youth through the intellectual rigor, discipline, and creativity of chess. For more information on how to apply, click here.

For the young prodigies who gathered in New York, the December session was both a milestone and a motivation — a reminder that the path to the top is forged not only through talent, but through dedication, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence.

For more pictures from the event, check out Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Facebook page.