Hosted by National Scholastic Chess Foundation and Kasparov Chess Foundation, the Conference to Spotlight Cognitive and Classroom Benefits of Chess
New York, NY – September 3, 2025 – The National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) and the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) today announced The Chess in Education Conference, set to take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in New York City. The one-day event will convene certified teachers and school administrators, college professors and administrators, chess coaches and instructors certified by US Chess or FIDE, and professionals working in youth service organizations to explore how chess fosters educational growth, resilience, and cognitive development — all through the lens of modern mindset theory.
Featured Speakers & Discussions
The Chess in Education Conference will showcase leading voices from the worlds of chess, psychology, and education, each addressing how chess can shape learning, growth, and mindset. Speakers and topics include the following:
- World Champion Garry Kasparov – The legendary World Champion and founder of the Kasparov Chess Foundation will deliver a special address reflecting on the power of growth mindsets in driving performance.
- Dr. Barry Hymer & Grandmaster Peter Wells – Drawing from their acclaimed book Chess Improvement: It’s All in the Mindset, Dr. Hymer and GM Wells will lead the keynote session, presenting that chess education should emphasize mastery, purposeful play, and resilience over myths of “natural talent.”
- Dr. Jeff Bulington – The director of the Franklin Chess Center will explore the justification question in chess education.
- Panel on the Philosophy of Games and Learning Through Play — Scholars including Samantha Ooley (Purdue University), Dr. Troy Seagraves (Purdue University), and Dr. Loren Schmidt (Heritage University). Moderator, Dr. Jeff Bulington.
- Dr. Brian Kisida, University of Missouri, Columbia, and Dr. Matthew Pepper, Basis Policy Research – Present a paper exploring the differences between male and female performance in scholastic chess.
- GM Alex Onischuk, director of the chess program at Texas Tech University, Dr. Josue Velasquez Martínez, Research Scientist and Lecturer at MIT, and FM William Graif, former president of the chess club at the University of Chicago – Discuss challenges, change, and opportunity in the world of collegiate chess.
The Organizations Behind the Conference
National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF)
A non-profit organization devoted to integrating chess into education, the NSCF advances professional development, curriculum support, and resources to educators aiming to leverage chess as a tool for cognitive and personal growth. For more information, please visit http://nscfchess.org.
Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF)
Founded by World Champion Garry Kasparov, KFC’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children worldwide by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool. A non-profit educational organization, KCF also organizes tournaments, conferences, and festivals worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Location: Quorum by Convene, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York,10020
Registration & Program: For schedule, venue, and registration details, please visit: New York Chess in Education Conference
