International Social Chess Foundation
The International Social Chess Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education, social development, and global collaboration through chess.
About the Foundation
The International Social Chess Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to using chess as a powerful tool for education, social development, and global connection. We believe that chess is more than a game — it is a pathway to building critical thinking, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Our foundation works with students, schools, and communities across borders to create inclusive opportunities for learning and participation. Through international events, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to make chess accessible to all people from diverse backgrounds.
Mission and Impact
Our mission is to expand access to chess education and use the game as a tool to support learning, personal development, and global connection. We aim to empower young people and communities by fostering critical thinking, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding through inclusive chess programs and initiatives.
Supporting youth participation in educational and international chess events; promoting critical thinking, discipline, and problem-solving skills; encouraging cultural exchange and global collaboration; and reducing financial barriers to learning and competition.
World Youth Leadership Forum
The World Youth Leadership Forum is an international initiative of the International Social Chess Foundation designed to bring young people together from around the world through chess, education, and cultural exchange.
This forum creates a platform where students can develop leadership skills, share ideas, and build meaningful global connections in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Testimonials
Hear directly from students, teachers, volunteers, and participants whose lives have been transformed through our programs.
We want every child, regardless of where they live or their background, to have the opportunity to experience everything chess can offer. Thank you to the World Youth Leadership Forum for providing a platform to collaborate with others around the globe who share in our cause.
Chess in Schools Project
I hope that after the World Youth Leadership Forum this week in Chicago, you will remember not only our games, but also Ukraine – a country where, in a difficult time, children do not lose hope, continue to grow and learn, and look to the future with confidence.
Chess in War
I would like to wholeheartedly thank the International Social Chess Foundation, on behalf of FIDE, for a very well-organized and inspiring conference for young leaders in social chess. This was a great start for future forums to shape young chess leaders — helping them take on important roles and responsibilities in social chess, organize major events in the chess world, reflect on their social chess projects together with like-minded colleagues, and build a network for collaboration. Thanks to the Foundation's financial support, this start has been a great success. It will be a pleasure to continue supporting this initiative and to help make the World Youth Leadership Forum an important forge for future leaders in social chess.
Chair FIDE Social Chess and President of Swiss Chess Federation
The World Youth Leadership Forum was very well organized and brought together some of the most brilliant minds and leaders to share their experiences with the whole community, inspiring future generations to grow up and lead their own projects. I would highly recommend attendance at the 2027 event.
Kindness on Board Foundation
Join the International Social Chess Foundation and help empower youth, expand educational opportunities, and create lasting global impact through chess.
