The FIDE World Schools Team Championship is back. After a successful debut in Kazakhstan, the global scholastic chess event returns—this time in the United States.
A Global Gathering in Washington, D.C.
The 2025 edition will take place from August 2–7 at Episcopal High School, just 11 km from downtown Washington, D.C. The tournament is organized by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), with support from Freedom Holding Corp.
Teams will represent schools nominated by national chess federations. Participants will come from educational institutions around the globe.
Supporting School-Level Chess
This event targets grassroots school chess clubs. It’s part of FIDE’s long-term mission to grow chess in schools and connect young talent worldwide.
The 2023 event in Kazakhstan set a high standard. In 2025, even more teams and countries are expected to join.
“The atmosphere in Kazakhstan was unforgettable,” said Emil Sutovsky, FIDE CEO. “Now, we’re taking it to the next level—with more teams and broader impact.”
Smart Moves Summit: Where Chess Meets Education
Alongside the tournament, FIDE will host the Smart Moves Summit—a global conference exploring how chess supports education.
Attendees will include:
- Parents and teachers
- School leaders and edtech innovators
- Chess businesses and officials
The summit will feature keynote talks, expert panels, training sessions, and case studies. Topics include using chess to improve critical thinking, confidence, and learning outcomes.
“We wanted more than just a tournament,” said Timur Turlov, President of the ISCF and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. “This summit allows coaches, educators, and guests to learn and connect.”
Tournament Format
- 8 rounds played in Swiss format
- Teams: 4 players (mixed age), 1 reserve, 1 captain
- Time control: 45 minutes + 10 seconds per move
- Two games per day over 4 days
The Venue: Episcopal High School
This historic campus provides modern facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a fitting stage for students to compete, grow, and build international friendships.
Join the Championship
The World Schools Team Championship is a key event on the chess calendar. It celebrates youth, talent, and teamwork on a global scale.
Registration details and official invitations will be shared soon via FIDE channels.
For more information, contact: worldschoolteam@fide.com
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this exciting event here at Gamelevate and for more chess news around the world!
