Young Stars USA Training

By kasparovwordpress | Published: December 20, 2019

The Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) and the Saint Louis Chess Club have been running the very successful Young Stars program for the past seven years. The program has helped develop several American chess prodigies from across the country, including the likes of GM Jeffery Xiong and GM Sam Sevian. Students receive individualized training sessions with Kasparov’s coaching staff and special training sessions with Garry Kasparov himself.

The second weekend of December saw a new training session with promising American players. The following attended the camp:

Standing: Khodarkovsky, Kasparov

Sitting: Jacobson, Yip, Wu, Lee, Yoo, Mishra

– IM Brandon Jacobson (NJ)- only one GM norm left for the title, as he has crossed 2500
– IM Christopher Yoo (CA)- 2nd highest rated 13-year old in the World
– IM Abhinav Mishra (NJ) – the youngest IM in the world, at the age of only ten years, nine months and three days;
– IM Carissa Yip (MA) – rated #1 in the previous rating list among all US Women players. Member of the Olympic team and competing for first board.
– WIM Rochelle Wu (CA) – Youngest member of the 2019 U.S. Women’s World Championship team
– WCM Alice Lee (MN) – 10-years old freshmen of the program, 2019 World Cadets Champion for girls under 10

The session was conducted by the 13th World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov and FIDE Senior Trainer Michael Khodarkovsky at KCF’s headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.

Renowned grandmaster and trainer Dmitry Gurevich attended this session and had the following to say:

“I was fortunate to be present at two sessions of KCF Young Stars years ago: first time with Sam Schmakel and later with Brian Luo. Both of these students are very talented and bright. Sam became an IM and Brian stopped playing, unfortunately. But, talent aside, this generation is on a totally different level.
Dmitry Gurevich gave great praise to this new group of Young Stars
For example, years ago Garry would go for length to explain some interesting but basic endgames. Now he wouldn’t touch them because they are too simple for the modern youngsters. Brandon, Carissa, Abhimanyu and others are much stronger than the top boys and girls 10-12 years ago.
On the other hand their strength is based on computer  analysis and preparations and what will come out of it remains unclear.
Garry Kasparov seems to be enjoying working with his young students now as much as he did back then.  The audience was engaged and responded enthusiastically. I don’t know anybody better and more charismatic than Kasparov, to share his wisdom with the youngsters and give them the resources to reach their peak. We can only wait and see what happens next.
Thanks to Michael, the organization was superb now as it was years ago. My student Alice Lee was invited for the next KCF session, and I am looking forward to attend it in Saint Louis in June.”

Young Stars has open admission for talented kids from all over the World to apply to this elite program. Candidates may apply by submitting the application found here: KCF YoungStars Application. The program is open for talented players that are nine (9) years of age on January 1, 2020, and not older than thirteen (13) years of age on January 1, 2020.

Send the full applications to: office@kasparovchessfoundation.org

MINDSETS: The Chess in Education Conference to Take Place on December 6 in New York City

By kasparovwordpress | Published: September 3, 2025

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

Kasparov Chess Foundation Honored with U.S. Chess Federation’s Meritorious Service Award

By kasparovwordpress | Published: August 2, 2025

We are proud to share that the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) has been recognized with the U.S. Chess Federation’s 2025 Meritorious Service Award — one of the organization’s highest honors. The award was presented during the U.S. Open at a luncheon held in Middleton, WI and recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the promotion and advancement of chess in the United States.

This national honor reflects more than two decades of work by KCF to bring the benefits of chess to young people across the country and around the world — especially in underserved communities. From launching scholastic programs in all 50 states to developing international partnerships and elite training programs for rising stars, KCF has remained steadfast in its mission: to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children worldwide.

We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Chess Federation for this recognition, and to the teachers, coaches, parents, and partners who have helped us share our vision of chess as a tool for learning, growth, and opportunity.

Here’s to the next chapter of inspiring the next generation — one move at a time.

Grandmaster Alex Onischuk graciously accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

Rising Stars Shine in Zagreb at Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Young Stars Europe Training Session

By kasparovwordpress | Published: July 8, 2025

The next generation of chess talent gathered this past week in beautiful Zagreb, Croatia, for an intensive training session hosted by the Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Young Stars – Europe program. This elite program, created by Garry Kasparov, is dedicated to identifying and mentoring the most promising young chess players across the continent—and this session was another powerful step in that mission.

Held at the Chess Club e4 Zagreb, the training brought together some of Europe’s most talented juniors for a series of rigorous workshops, sparring sessions, and personalized coaching under the guidance of our world-class mentors.

The training was led by Grandmaster Alexander Beliavsky, one of the most respected figures in modern chess education, with support from FIDE Trainer Željko Krnetić. Together, along with KCF President, Michael Khodarkovsky, and Garry Kasparov himselv, they provided deep insights into opening preparation, middlegame strategy, endgame technique, and tournament psychology — equipping our young stars with the tools they need to rise to the top of the international chess scene.

This session featured a handpicked group of outstanding participants, including:

  • Marta Garcia Martin (Spain)
  • Arda Zor (Turkey)
  • Jona Lutz (Germany)
  • Simon Bekavac (Croatia)
  • Borys Fylymonenko (Ukraine)
  • Stefan Krstić (Serbia)
  • Jasmin-Deniz Knezović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
  • David Kovačević (Montenegro)
  • Nikolaj Sliacan (Slovakia)
  • Stjepan Dujmović (Croatia)

Each student demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, with many already boasting national and international accolades. The camaraderie and shared ambition among this group of rising stars was truly inspiring to witness.

Special thanks go to Chess Club e4 Zagreb for their generous hospitality, and to the dedicated families and federations supporting these players’ journeys.

As we continue our mission to support young talent through the Kasparov Chess Foundation Global network, events like this reaffirm our belief in the power of chess to change lives — and in the extraordinary potential of these young minds to change the game itself.

To learn more about our KCF’s Young Stars program, visit How to Apply to Young Stars. To view more pictures from the training session, check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Apply Now: Train with Garry Kasparov and the World’s Best Chess Coaches!

By kasparovwordpress | Published: June 10, 2025

The Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Young Stars program is now accepting applications from talented young players around the globe! This elite training program — personally overseen by Garry Kasparov — is your chance to learn from legendary grandmasters and world-class trainers. If you’re a rising chess talent, aged 9 to 13, this is your moment.

How It Works: An expert panel will select top applicants by region.

These candidates will be invited to exclusive in-person training sessions with Kasparov’s team of renowned coaches. The most exceptional players will advance to a final round — culminating in a training session with Garry Kasparov himself. Preliminary sessions will take place around the world based on where the selected applicants are located. Admissions are rolling, and new candidates may join the program after completing the full admission process.

How to Apply:

Submit the following to office@kasparovchessfoundation.org:

  • Cover Letter
  • Completed Application Form
  • PGN file with at least six annotated games (wins/losses, both colors – no engine assistance)
  • Three recommendation letters (from coaches, federations, or strong peers)
  • Chess Resume with key achievements
  • $100 application fee – pay via PayPal or Credit Card via KCF’s Contribution Page.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a program that has launched the careers of many top players. Apply today and take your game to the next level — with guidance from the greatest of all time!

For questions or more information, email office@kasparovchessfoundation.org.

The Young Stars program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or gender.

Future Grandmasters Train with a Legend: Garry Kasparov Leads Young Stars in Exclusive NYC Session

By kasparovwordpress | Published: June 2, 2025

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.

Pics From The Twenthieth Annual All-Girls Nationals

By kasparovwordpress | Published: April 8, 2025

The 20th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) All-Girls National Chess Championship kicked off with excitement on opening day, April 4, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. Organized in partnership with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and US Chess, this milestone event celebrates two decades of empowering young female chess players.

With a record-breaking 546 players registered from 33 states, Washington DC, US Virgin Islands, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the championship set a new benchmark, showcasing the growing popularity and engagement of girls in the chess community. Players from across the nation have gathered to compete, form friendships, and share their passion for chess.

University of Texas at Dallas Triumphs at 5th Annual KCF University Cup in a Thrilling Tie-Breaker

By kasparovwordpress | Published: February 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025 — The 5th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) University Cup concluded on Sunday, February 2, 2025, with an electrifying finish as University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) claimed the championship title after a dramatic tie-breaker showdown. The prestigious global online chess tournament, played on lichess.org, saw well over 100 teams from 26 countries across all continents competing in a nine-round Swiss system format with rapid time controls.

A Nail-Biting Championship

The battle for first place came down to UTD and Gunadarma University from Indonesia, both securing 8 match points. The first tie-breaker ended in a 2:2 draw, pushing the decision to a dramatic second tie-breaker, where UTD emerged victorious. As champions, they take home the coveted KCF University Cup for the first time. And, the team receives a training session with legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov.

World Champion Garry Kasparov joined IM Kostya Kavutskiy and WGM Sabina Foisor on a live-stream broadcast via Twitch.

Top Performers and Category Winners

Overall Standings:

1. University of Texas at Dallas – 1st place, winning on the second tie-break with 8 match points and 27.5 game points.

2. Gunadarma University – 2nd place, finishing with 8 match points and a higher game point total of 29, but falling short in the final tie-break. They were also recognized as the top team from Asia.

3. Saint Louis University – 3rd place, securing 7 match points and 26.5 game points, with key victories over strong contenders.

Category Winners:

• Top U2200 Team: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) – 7 match points, 25.5 game points. The team also wins an online training session with Garry Kasparov.

• Top U2000 Team: Universitas Brawijaya (B) – 6.5 match points, 23.5 game points.

• Top U1800 Team: American University of Armenia – 5.5 match points, 21 game points.

• Top U1600 Team: American University of Armenia (A) – 5.5 match points, 21 game points.

• Top Mixed Doubles Team: Gunadarma University (B) – 5.5 match points, 22 game points.

Top Team per FIDE Continent:

• Africa: University of Stellenbosch – 6 match points, 25 game points.

• Americas: University of Texas at Dallas – Overall champions and top team from the Americas.

• Asia: Gunadarma University (A) – 2nd place overall and top team from Asia.

• Europe: Lviv State University of Physical Culture (A) – 6.5 match points, 24 game points.

A Global Chess Spectacle

The KCF University Cup once again proved to be a premier global stage for university chess teams. With participants from over 100 teams representing 26 countries, the event showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit in collegiate chess.

Congratulations to UTD_A for their thrilling victory, and to all teams for their outstanding performances in this prestigious international tournament. We look forward to hosting next year’s Sixth Annual Univeristy Cup! For more results see the tournament results page.

Learn Chess from the Legend: Garry Kasparov Live on Sunday, Jan. 26 at KCFAcademy.org

By kasparovwordpress | Published: January 23, 2025
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Get inspired with KCF Academy – Garry Kasparov’s Exclusive Live Lecture on January 26

On January 26, 2025, the KCF Academy subscribers will witness an extraordinary event as Garry Kasparov, the legendary Grandmaster and former World Chess Champion, delivers an exclusive live lecture. This lecture is a must-attend for chess enthusiasts and professional players, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the greatest minds in chess history.

Add to Your Calendar: 18:00 CET, 26.01.2025

How to register: visit www.kcfacademy.org to enroll.

Kasparov, renowned for his dynamic brilliance, understood the importance of fostering the next generation of chess players from an early age. Joining his mentor Mikhail Botvinnik as a trainer at his school, Kasparov embraced the mission of cultivating young chess talents. He later extended this work internationally, holding legendary training sessions in Spain and beyond.

For over two decades, the Kasparov Chess Foundation has been at the forefront of developing young chess talents. Initially focused on the United States, the Foundation has expanded its reach globally, offering unparalleled opportunities to aspiring players. Kasparov himself conducts training camps with top talents from the USA and Europe, providing hands-on mentorship to nurture their growth.

Kasparov’s educational contributions extend to his acclaimed literary works. His series My Great Predecessors has become a cornerstone of chess education, offering invaluable insights into the strategies of past champions. These books, translated into numerous languages, have solidified Kasparov’s legacy as both a player and a teacher.

Under Kasparov’s leadership, the Kasparov Chess Foundation has continually expanded its activities, hosting summer camps for young players and organizing prestigious events like the Kasparov University Cup, 5th edition of which will be held on February 1-2, 2025. Check out this KCF cornerstone online tournament here:  https://kcfuniversitycup.org/

Why It’s Never Too Late to Join the KCF Academy Training Course

If you haven’t enrolled in the KCF Academy training course yet, there’s no need to worry – it’s never too late to join! The Academy’s structure is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring that students can seamlessly integrate into the program at any point. Here’s why:

  1. Access to Recorded Lectures: Every live lecture, including Kasparov’s January 26 session, is recorded and made available to enrolled students. This means that even if you join after the event, you can still benefit from the full depth of his teachings, revisiting the material at your own pace.
  2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The KCF Academy’s training course is meticulously crafted to cover all aspects of chess improvement, from opening theory and middlegame tactics to endgame mastery. Each module is self-contained, allowing new participants to pick up where they’re most comfortable and gradually build their skills.
  3. Interactive Learning Environment: In addition to the recorded content, students have access to live sessions, interactive workshops on Thursdays, and Q&A opportunities with top instructors. This dynamic approach ensures a rich learning experience, regardless of when you join.

How to Enroll

Joining the KCF Academy training course is straightforward. Visit the official KCF Academy website, select your preferred membership plan, and gain instant access to the wealth of resources, including past and future lectures.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to learn from Garry Kasparov and elevate your chess skills. Whether you’re an aspiring champion or a passionate amateur, the KCF Academy offers the tools and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Sign up today and take your first step toward chess mastery!

For more information, visit our website at https://kcfacademy.org

KCF University Cup Winners Train with Kasparov

By kasparovwordpress | Published: January 14, 2025

Please see excerpts from an article originally published by ChessBase.

Meeting a childhood hero

By GM Bartlomiej Macieja, UTRGV Chess Coach

Garry Kasparov is an undisputed legend of chess. Who has not heard of his intense world championship duels vs Anatoly Karpov in the 80s, or spectacular games and tournament achievements in the 90s? No wonder, chess enthusiasts all over the world dream about meeting, shaking hands, training and having a conversation with the legendary world champion.

Every year, the winning team of the top two sections of the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup receives an invitation for a training session with the legendary world champion. This is what makes the online team tournament of university students so attractive.

In the fourth edition of the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup, 494 students representing 117 universities of 25 countries from 6 continents fought hard to make their dream come true. No wonder that the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup is often viewed as an unofficial world university championship.

The tournament was held on the lichess.org platform. The Chief Arbiter was IA/IO Grant Oen, and the Technical Director was Chacha Nugroho.

This year, IM Kostya Kavutskiy was in charge of live commentaries. On the second day, he was joined by GM Alexander Lenderman. It is worth mentioning that none other than Garry Kasparov joined the commentary studio for half an hour. Therefore, it was a unique opportunity for university students to have their games analysed by the legend!

Garry Kasparov, a chess legend revered worldwide, continues to inspire new generations through the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup. This unique online tournament offers university teams the chance to earn a coveted reward: a training session with Kasparov himself. In its fourth edition, 494 students from 117 universities across six continents competed fiercely online. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley triumphed, securing their dream session with the former world champion.

To read the full article, visit ChessBase.

Exclusive January Lecture Series at KCF Academy

By kasparovwordpress | Published: January 6, 2025

1/6/2025 – The Kasparov Chess Foundation is thrilled to announce the lineup for the KCF Academy Premium Package Lecture Series in January 2025! This month’s program features an extraordinary roster of world-class chess legends who will share their insights, strategies, and personal experiences to help elevate your game to new heights.

Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.

This isn’t just another chess tutorial—it’s your all-access pass to the strategies, insights, and techniques that define modern grandmaster play.

Mark your calendars for these exclusive online lectures:

January 12, 2024 – Fabiano Caruana

Dive into the mind of a modern chess powerhouse! Fabiano Caruana, one of the strongest players in the world and a former World Championship contender, will reveal his secrets to precision play and decision-making under pressure.

January 19, 2024 – Levon Aronian

Renowned for his creative and dynamic style, Levon Aronian will share his insights with KCF Academy subscribers.

January 26, 2024 – Garry Kasparov

The series culminates with none other than Garry Kasparov, the 13th World Chess Champion and a living legend. Kasparov will discuss his approach to mastering key phases of the game and provide invaluable advice on maintaining peak performance.

Watch Garry Kasparov’s special video invitation to mark the launch of the second season of the KCF Academy. This season promises an even more dynamic learning experience, guided by expert mentors and driven by Kasparov’s vision for chess education. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative journey!

How to Attend

These lectures are exclusively available to Premium Package members of KCF Academy.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn directly from some of the greatest minds in chess. Reserve your spot and get ready to take your chess skills to the next level! For more information, visit our website at https://kcfacademy.org.

Why Choose KCF Academy?

  • Interactive Sessions: Engage with instructors and fellow participants in real-time, ensuring a dynamic and interactive learning experience
  • Insights from renowned chess masters and experts, live lectures from Garry Kasparov, Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana and many others!
  • Comprehensive program divided into 48 In-Depth Lessons
  • Access to lectures recordings via the website desktop app
  • Plenty of homework, quizzes, and digital materials to foster independent learning