In January 2026, KCF Academy is proud to offer members of its community exclusive lectures by World Champions Garry Kasparov, Veselin Topalov, and Antoaneta Stefanova.
Known for his dynamic, fearless style, Kasparov has long believed in investing in the future of chess. Early in his career, he joined his mentor, Mikhail Botvinnik as a trainer at Botvinnik’s legendary school, helping shape the next generation of elite players. He later took this mission worldwide, leading renowned training camps in Spain and across the globe.
For more than 20 years, the Kasparov Chess Foundation has been a driving force in youth chess development. What began in the United States has grown into a global initiative, opening doors for talented young players everywhere. Kasparov remains personally involved, running elite training camps for top prospects from the U.S. and Europe and offering direct mentorship at the highest level.
Beyond the board, Kasparov’s impact continues through his writing. His acclaimed My Great Predecessors series is essential reading for serious players, delivering deep insights into the minds and methods of past world champions. Translated into many languages, the books cement Kasparov’s legacy not just as a legendary competitor, but as one of the game’s greatest teachers.
Don´t forget that the new season at KCF Academy features a rich program of training sessions and lectures from renowned chess stars, designed to develop strategic thinking, deepen understanding of the game, and foster a strong community of passionate learners.
On January 11, KCF Academy hosted an exclusive live masterclass with former World Chess Champion Veselin Topalov. A sneak peek of this entertaining workshop is now available:
JOIN us any time at www.kcfacademy.org
Embark on a complete chess training journey guided by an elite team of international Grandmasters and various guest stars, along with Garry Kasparov: Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, Peter Svidler, and many other surprise star guests. The 2026 season is our most comprehensive yet, featuring weekly workshops, four progressive training levels, and a dedicated Expert Group designed for advanced players (2200+ FIDE or Level 4 graduates).
As a member of the KCF Academy, you’ll join a global chess community, train with some of the best minds in the game, and gain exclusive benefits for our flagship in-person event – the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival in Slovenia (June 25 – July 5, 2026), where students, trainers, and chess enthusiasts from around the world come together.
Join our Saturday Academy lessons, designed for four skill levels and built on the legendary Botvinnik School training system. Unlike many modern programs, our approach preserves the timeless, systematic teaching of classical chess principles. The Botvinnik School shaped nearly all the great champions of the 20th century, including Karpov, Kasparov, Yusupov, Beliavsky, Shirov and many other grandmasters. Now, you can train in that same world-class tradition and meet chess stars online!
Don´t miss your chance to join now – Visit www.kcfacademy.org for more details.
