Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence: International Chess School Marks a Milestone

This year, the International Chess School (ICS) proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary—three decades of shaping minds, raising champions, and spreading the love of chess across the globe.

Since its founding in 1995, ICS has grown from a regional chess training initiative into a trusted home for aspiring players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to titled professionals.

Over the years, ICS alumni have earned national and world titles, represented their countries in international tournaments, and become trusted chess ambassadors themselves. 

As ICS enters its fourth decade, the mission remains the same: to continue empowering students through world-class mentorship and providing cutting-edge curricula as a tool for critical thinking, self discipline, and decision making.

Here’s to 30 years of checkmates, breakthroughs, and bold moves—and to many more ahead!

Visit www.internationalchessschool.org to learn more or to support our mission.

The 19th Annual KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship

The Kasparov Chess Foundation, the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, and the United States Chess Federation have organized the largest and most prestige girls-only tournament in the USA; the 19th Annual KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship.

The tournament was open to all girls under 18 years old as of January 1, 2024. 471 players from 35 states participated in the following categories: Under 8 years old, under 10, under 12, under 14, under 16, and under 18; sections.

The Champion in each age category qualified to represent the USA at the World Cadet (U8, U10, U12) and World Youth (U14, U16, U18) Championships in accordance with US Chess Scholastic National and International Invitation Events and Awards.”

2023 CHAMPIONS

Under 18 Nastassja Matus, Plymouth MN Success Academy HS of Liberal Arts, New York, NY
Under 16 Ellen Wang, New York, NY Stuyvesant HS, New York, NY
Under 14 Chloe Gaw, New York, NY Success Academy Hudson Yards, New York, NY
Under 12 Audrey Zhou, Scarsdale, NY Brearley, New York, NY
Anvitha Penagalapati, San Jose, CA
Anagha Sinkar, Huntersville, NC
Under 10 Sophie Li, Gainesville, FL Speyer Legacy, New York, NY
Under 8 Elizabeth Xia, Lincolnshire, IL Oak Hall, Gainesville, FL

Pictures from the official page:
http://allgirls.rknights.org/index.php/2023-all-girls-national-championship/