Record Participation in FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners
What started as a small chess program inside a Chicago jail has now become a global movement. The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has broken all previous records — bringing together 135 teams from 57 countries from October 14 to 16, 2025.
From Chicago to the World
The journey began in 2012, when the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago launched its first chess program for inmates. In 2019, they organized their first international event. By 2021, they teamed up with FIDE to create the inspiring Chess for Freedom initiative — helping inmates worldwide build life skills through the power of chess.
A Championship with Purpose
The FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners is the highlight of this program. It coincides with the International Day of Education in Prison on October 13, celebrating education as a basic human right and a key to rehabilitation.
This year’s event also marks one of the closing moments of the Year of Social Chess, which promotes inclusion and empowerment through chess. The event has three stages — the Group Stage (Oct 14), Championship Stage (Oct 15), and Finals (Oct 16).
Global Record and Debut Nations
This edition set a new participation record — 135 teams from 57 nations. The Open section had 89 teams, the Women’s section 26, and the Youth section 20. New countries like Eswatini, Guyana, Lesotho, Poland, Aruba, and St. Kitts and Nevis joined for the first time. Each team played online games with a 10-minute clock and 5-second increment from move one.
A Message of Hope
At the opening, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich spoke about the power of chess in changing lives.
“We all make mistakes in life. But as long as we are alive, we can learn,” he said, encouraging players to grow through the game.
Dana Reizniece, FIDE Managing Director, added:
“Chess teaches focus, resilience, and consistency. It gives hope — hope that growth and change are possible.”
Global Broadcast and Real Stories
The event was broadcast live for almost 13 hours, featuring commentary, guest talks, and inspiring stories from around the world — from Australia to America.
In Australia, Education Coordinator Tom Noiprasit shared how chess helps inmates develop communication and emotional control.
In Singapore, GM Goh Wei Ming observed improved behavior and health among inmates who joined chess sessions.
In the UAE, inmates trained with coaches and played online, supported by the Dubai Police — even winning the 2024 Open section!
In the Americas, chess has opened new learning opportunities for prisoners, with nations like Aruba and St. Kitts and Nevis joining this year.
The Power of Change
Mikhail Korenman, from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, said:
“I never expected it to grow so much. Every year, more countries join — it’s truly amazing.”
A Personal Story from Ghana
Former inmate Elifas Nyame from Ghana, now a mentor, shared:
“Life is like chess — you face challenges, adapt, and keep moving forward. With patience, you can win.”
Group Stage Highlights
Open Section Qualifiers:
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Group 1: Mongolia 1, India 1
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Group 2: Mongolia 2, India 2
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Group 3: Zimbabwe, Spain 2
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Group 4: Serbia 2, England
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Group 5: Armenia, Eswatini
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Group 6: Serbia 4, Georgia
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Group 7: Serbia 5, Romania 1
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Group 8: Mexico 1, El Salvador 2
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Group 9: El Salvador 1, Mexico 2
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Group 10: Mexico 3, USA – KS – Norton
Women’s Section Qualifiers:
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Group 1: Mongolia, Kazakhstan
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Group 2: England, Serbia
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Group 3: Georgia, Ukraine
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Group 4: El Salvador 1, El Salvador 2
Youth Section Qualifiers:
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Group 1: India 1, India 3
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Group 2: England, Ghana 3
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Group 3: Ghana 1, Malawi
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Group 4: Serbia, Ecuador 1
The championship continues with the next stages promising more inspiring stories and powerful examples of how chess changes lives — even behind bars.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
