With 2026 at our doorstep, we know that many of our members are making chess-related New Year’s resolutions. Some might want to break their rating record, some might just be looking to play more. Regardless of your goals, we’re here to help!
The 2026 Chess.com Improvement Challenge gives you a great platform to help you with your resolutions. We designed the challenge to give you that little extra push you may need to crush your 2026 chess goals. We are also offering over $3,000 in prizes for particularly active members who contribute with blog posts, videos, and support other members on their improvement journey! Stay tuned for announcements in the Improvers Club about how to win prizes.
By joining the challenge, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with coaches and other players who are members of our Improvers Club. There, you can ask questions, get inspired by other members, and receive guidance from experienced coaches on the best ways to improve.
In the club, you’ll also find study guides created by GM Arturs Neiksans, WGM Dina Belenkaya, CM Can Kabadayi, and NMs Robert Ramirez, Jeremy Kane, and Dane Mattson.
Participating members will also have the chance to earn monthly prizes. Those include Chessable vouchers, private lessons, and premium memberships.
Throughout the year, we also promote multiple events where you can test your skills. From member tournaments to simuls against strong masters, you’ll be able to practice while playing and having fun!
In 2025, the Chess.com Improvement Challenge was a huge success! More than 40,000 members joined the challenge, with a collective rating gain of 9,688,034 across 43,885,539 games played. You can learn more about last year’s challenge in NM Dane Mattson’s article celebrating the community’s achievements.
Now, it’s time for you to leverage the power of the Chess.com Improvement Challenge to reach your goals! Fill out the official registration form below to join the challenge. Note that we will not share your personal information with anyone.
What’s your biggest chess goal for 2026? Let us know in the comment section below!
