Young Stars USA Training

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: youngstars@kasparovchessfoundation.org

KCF Young Stars Shine at U.S. Women’s Chess Championship

Congratulations to our student Alice Lee for earning bronze in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship, and to our alumna Carissa Yip for winning the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship title for the third time!

Photos by Lennart Ootes and Anastasiya Karlovich, St Louis Chess Club. For more information, visit our Facebook Page.

KCF Academy Offers Special Deal For New Subscribers

U.S. Olympiad Team Brings Medals Home

Sept. 23, 2024 — Congratulations to the U.S. Men’s Team for bringing home the silver medal, and the U.S. Women’s Team on its bronze medal at the 45th Olympiad! Students from KCF’s Young Stars program did not disappoint, with Alice Lee taking home the silver on board 4, and Young Stars alum, Carissa Yip, winning the gold on board 2! KCF was one of the official sponsors of the U.S. teams.

For more information, check out our Instagram and Facebook posts.

Live From Budapest – The 2nd Annual Gabor Kallai Memorial

The 2nd Gabor Kallai Memorial took place in Budapest ahead of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, with the Kasparov Chess Foundation as one of the event’s main sponsors. Gabor Kallai was one of the coaches for the KCF’s ‘Young Stars’ program.

Ten participants from five countries, including nine Grandmasters and one WIM, competed in the tournament. GMs Jonas Buhl Bjerre (Denmark) and Andrew Hong (USA) are alumni of the KCF’s Young Stars program, while GM Alexander Motylev is one of our current coaches. GM Alexander Motylev emerged as the winner of the 2nd Gabor Kallai Memorial, scoring 7 points out of 9 rounds.

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For more information, check out our Facebook Page.

KCF Academy Announces 2025 Pre-Season Special Program

The Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 Preseason Special Program, commencing on October 19, 2024. This exclusive program is crafted to enhance your chess skills, boost strategic thinking, and gear you up for the forthcoming season. Participants will benefit from the expertise of top-tier instructors and grandmasters, making this an invaluable opportunity for players aiming to elevate their game and compete at the highest levels. Special Offer: Enroll in the 2025 programs now and gain complimentary access to the Preseason Special Program. Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your chess journey. Register HERE – https://kcfacademy.org/.

KCF Young Star Students Dominate the 2024 National Junior Championships

Two of KCF’s current Young Stars students became first place champions at the recent 2024 National Junior Championships. Congratulations to Alice Lee and Christopher Yoo for winning their respective age groups. Our Young Stars program cultivates the best young players in the United States and Europe with special training sessions. To find out more, visit KCF’s Facebook Page.
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KCF Young Stars Europe – 2024 Training Kicks Off!

The Kasparov Chess Foundation’s “Young Stars” program works with the most promising young players from around the world. KCF was recently in Zagreb, Europe with student talents Ihor Samunenkov (Ukraine), Anastasia Hnatyshyn (Ukraine), Christian Gloeckler (Germany), Shreyas Royal (England), Henry Tudor (Romania), and Lukas Dotzer (Austria), who all too part in the two-day training session with 13th World Champion Garry Kasparov and FIDE Senior Trainer and KCF President, Michael Khodarkovsky. This session took place during the #grandchesstour event in Zagreb, Croatia on July 11 and 12.


To view more pictures, visit our Instagram page.

 

St. Louis Chess Club Welcomes KCF Young Stars

From June 7 – 9, the St. Louis Chess Club hosted a training session as part of the prestigious Young Stars program by KCF and the St. Louis Chess Club. The two-and-a-half day training workshop brought together the brightest young chess talents in the United States, including: GM Christopher Yoo (17 yo), IM Alice Lee (14 yo), GM Andy Woodward (14 yo), and Brewington Hardaway (14 yo, with 2 GM norms).

Joining online were GM Abhimanyu Mishra (15 yo) and Ryo Chen (13 yo, with one GM norm). The legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov led the session, with expert assistance from KCF President and FIDE Senior Trainer, Michael Khodarkovsky. GM Yasser Seirawan stopped by when the students were playing and solving studies.

19th Annual KCF All Girls Nationals Breaks Attendance Record

April 15th, 2024 — The 19th annual All Girls Nationals was organized by Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation (RKCF) and sponsored by Kasparov Chess Foundation, RKCF, and US Chess. The tournament consisted of six sections based on age: Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18. To view the complete standings, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unleash Your Inner Grandmaster: Kasparov Chess Foundation’s KCF Academy.org Revolutionizes Chess Learning

In the ever-evolving world of chess, where strategy meets intellect, the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) has taken a bold step forward with the launch of its groundbreaking e-learning platform – KCF Academy.org. This new initiative promises to transform the way chess enthusiasts learn and improve their game, offering a unique opportunity to engage with top-tier Grandmaster coaches from around the globe through live video lessons. With the launch date set for January 6, 2023, the chess community is abuzz with excitement as players of all levels eagerly anticipate the chance to elevate their skills.

The Rise of Online Learning in Chess

The advent of technology has ushered in a new era for chess education, breaking down geographical barriers and making it possible for players to connect with expert coaches from anywhere in the world. KCF Academy.org embodies this spirit of accessibility, catering to chess enthusiasts regardless of their location or skill level.

One of the key advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Traditional chess instruction often requires players to adhere to fixed schedules and locations, limiting accessibility for many. However, with the KCF Academy.com, players can now access lessons at their convenience, fitting chess practice seamlessly into their busy lives.

Live Video Lessons with Grandmaster Trainers

What sets the KCF Academy.com apart is its commitment to providing top-notch instruction from some of the best Grandmaster coaches globally. Imagine having the opportunity to learn directly from chess legends who have not only mastered the game themselves but are also skilled educators. The live video lessons offered by the KCF Academy.org bring this dream to life.

These live sessions go beyond pre-recorded tutorials, allowing for real-time interaction between the coach and the students. This personalized approach enables coaches to address individual concerns, answer questions, and tailor their instruction to the specific needs of each student. It’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of one-on-one coaching, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of chess.

A Global Network of Grandmaster Coaches

One of the most exciting aspects of the KCF Academy.org is the diverse array of Grandmaster coaches and trainers we bring to the table. These esteemed coaches hail from different corners of the globe, bringing a rich tapestry of playing styles, strategies, and cultural influences to the learning experience.

Players can choose from a roster of Grandmaster coaches based on their expertise, teaching style, and availability. This diversity ensures that there’s a coach for every player, whether they’re a novice looking to grasp the basics or an advanced player seeking to refine their skills. The global network of coaches fosters a sense of community among students, creating an environment where chess enthusiasts from around the world can come together to learn and grow.

Tailored Lessons for All Skill Levels

The KCF Academy.org doesn’t just cater to the elite; it welcomes players of all skill levels. From beginners taking their first steps on the chessboard to seasoned players aiming for mastery, the academy offers a curated curriculum designed to meet the needs of every learner.

For beginners, the academy provides a solid foundation in the rules and fundamentals of chess. As players progress, the curriculum becomes increasingly sophisticated, delving into advanced strategies, opening theories, and endgame tactics. The goal is to ensure a continuous learning curve, keeping players engaged and challenged at every stage of their chess journey.

Interactive Learning Tools and Resources

To complement the live video lessons, the KCF Academy.org offers a suite of interactive learning tools and resources. From puzzle-solving platforms to analysis tools, students have access to a wide range of materials to reinforce their understanding of key concepts.

The academy’s user-friendly interface makes navigation seamless, allowing players to track their progress, revisit lessons, and measure their improvement over time. Additionally, the platform encourages a sense of friendly competition, with leaderboards, tournaments, and challenges to motivate players and foster a sense of community.

Limited Time Offer: Sign Up Before January 6

As the anticipation builds for the official launch of the KCF Academy.org on January 6, chess enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to seize this golden opportunity to elevate their game. The initial days of the launch come with a unique offer – a chance to sign up for the service with exclusive benefits.

Whether you’re a casual player looking to enhance your skills or a serious competitor striving for mastery, the KCF Academy.com promises a transformative learning experience. The combination of live video lessons with world-class coaches, a diverse curriculum for all skill levels, and interactive learning tools positions this e-learning platform as a game-changer in the world of chess education.

Conclusion

The Kasparov Chess Foundation’s KCF Academy.org represents a bold leap forward in the realm of chess education. By harnessing the power of technology and bringing together a global network of Grandmaster coaches, the academy offers a unique and unparalleled learning experience. As the countdown to the January 6 launch continues, chess enthusiasts have a limited window of opportunity to sign up and embark on a journey that could redefine their relationship with the game. Don’t miss out on the chance to unleash your inner Grandmaster – KCF Academy.org is poised to make chess history.