What sets KCF Academy apart is its roster of lecturers – some of the greatest legends of the game – including Garry Kasparov, Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, Veselin Topalov, Peter Svidler, and many other world-class trainers.
The Academy serves as a foundation for classical chess education, working in cooperation with players’ personal coaches rather than replacing them. In this way, KCF Academy aims to empower both players and their trainers.
For the year 2026, KCF Academy is enhancing all existing programs and introducing a new Level 5, designed especially for students who have completed Level 4. In addition, there will be a special launch: Training Programs for National Teams, tailored for federations that lack permanent coaches during their preparation for the World Chess Olympiads. KCF Academy´s goal remains the same – to empower players at every stage to reach their full potential and perform at the highest level.
Outstanding Results in 2025
The success of the Academy’s training can best be seen in international competition. In 2025, KCF Academy students achieved remarkable results:
- Lucas Rusu (Romania) – Best score on Board 1 at the European Youth Team Championship
- Anastasiya Hnatyshyn (Ukraine) – Double gold in Girls U16 European Rapid & Blitz Championships
- Solomiya Svitenko (Ukraine) – Gold and bronze in Girls U18
- Tetiana Skarbarchuk (Ukraine) – European Champion, Girls U18
- Maksym Dubnevych (Ukraine) – Bronze medal in Open U18
- Lukas Dotzer (Austria) – Silver medal in Open U16
Are You Interested in one of KCF Academy Training Programs?
From October 11, 2025, KCF Academy kicks off the Preseason Special Program – nine interactive Saturday lectures (90 minutes each) focused on practical thinking, running until December 13, 2025.
The Main Season runs from January 10 to June 24, 2026, offering a complete online chess training experience led by Garry Kasparov and a team of world-class grandmasters.
In addition, next summer will see the launch of the Great Kasparov Festival and Training Camps, offering students even more opportunities to learn and grow.
KCF Academy Scholarships
KCF Academy also announces a major expansion of its scholarship program, further strengthening its commitment to nurturing the next generation of chess talent. The Academy, known for its focus on youth development in chess education, is rolling out scholarships across multiple prestigious international tournaments in 2025.
KCF Academy confirmed that scholarship awards will be granted to winners in every category of the African Youth Championship. By offering access to the training programs, KCF Academy aims to bridge gaps in opportunity and ensure that African talents can compete on equal footing with peers worldwide.
The Academy also plans to extend its scholarship program for World and European Youth Champions, as well as European Rapid Championships, ensuring that promising young players have access to world-class chess education.
Among the first young players awarded a scholarship for KCF Academy 2026 is András Tóth Ilkó from Hungary, one of the brightest rising stars in European youth chess.
By 2025, András had already achieved remarkable success: multiple Hungarian youth championship titles, podium finishes at European Youth Championships in both rapid and blitz, and strong performances representing Hungary on the first board of the U12 national team.
The KCF Academy’s scholarship will provide him with invaluable resources and opportunities on his path toward the international stage. With his dedication and talent, András embodies exactly what the program seeks to nurture: the champions of tomorrow.
As KCF Academy looks forward, its guiding principle remains clear: to nurture the next generation of chess champions while supporting their personal coaches and fostering excellence in the chess community.
Want to learn more? Visit: kcfacademy.org
