Kasparov Chess Foundation

Javokhir Sindarov on his game vs. Jorden van Foreest: “I know this exact position! I remember the game between Garry Kasparov and Judit Polgár, where Kasparov had rook and knight, and he checkmated. I know how to checkmate here when the white king is on g1 or h1. If the knight comes to e3 and the Black king gets to g3, even without pawns, it’s always winning.”
He was referring to the 1996 game between Garry Kasparov and Judit Polgár, where Kasparov converted the rook-and-knight vs. rook endgame successfully. Interestingly, Sindarov also had rook and knight vs. rook earlier in the event against Anish Giri, though that game ended in a draw.

Garry Kasparov Judit Polgar

♟️ The Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026 is coming to Radenci, Slovenia! 🇸🇮
From June 25–30, players from around the world will gather at the beautiful Congress Center of Hotel Radin for six unforgettable days of chess, competition, learning, and friendship!
🏆 Open Tournament
💰 Prize Fund: €25,000
⚡ 9-round Swiss (BAM system)
🎯 Blitz Tournament + Kasparov Chess Day
👥 Special prizes for women, juniors, seniors & rating groups
Whether you are fighting for the top prizes, gaining experience, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of international chess — Friendship Festival 2026 promises a unique experience for every chess lover.
📍 Radenci, Slovenia
📅 June 25–30, 2026
🌐 www.kcfworldfestival.org⁠�
Registration is now open! ♟️🔥

The Kasparov Chess Foundation Young Stars program held another exciting qualifying training session in Europe, this time at the FC Bayern Academy in Munich, Germany.

Led by FIDE Senior Trainers Roman Vidonyak, Michael Khodarkovsky, and Adrian Mikhalchishin, the session brought together a strong international group of young players:

🇩🇪 Shen Tingrei
🇩🇪 Anton Belin
🇺🇦 Oleksiy Nakonechnyj
🇬🇧 Bodhana Sivanandan
🇬🇧 Supratit Banerjee

Some of the participants will continue their journey at the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival in Slovenia (June 25 – July 5), where they’ll gain even more experience on the international stage.

And the stakes are high: the best qualifiers will earn a spot at an exclusive training session with Garry Kasparov this July, held alongside the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 in Zagreb, part of the .

Garry Kasparov Adrian Mihalcisin

Mark your calendars for June 25 – July 5, 2026, as the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) heads to the beautiful town of Radenci, Slovenia, for the flagship KCF World Friendship Chess Festival.

This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a celebration of the “universality of chess.” Whether you’re a seasoned Grandmaster or a rising junior talent, this festival offers a unique blend of high-stakes competition and community spirit.

What’s on the Board?

The festival is packed with events designed for every type of player:

The Open Tournament (June 25–30): A 9-round Swiss system challenge with a professional time control (75 min + 30 sec/move). With Elo-specific prize groups ranging from Under 1750 to 2400+, everyone has a chance to play for more than just glory.

The Blitz Championship (June 28): Need more speed? The 11-round Blitz tournament is the perfect way to test your instincts and rapid-fire calculation.

Kasparov Chess Day: A highlight for many, this dedicated day features lectures, activities, and a simultaneous exhibition (Simul) where you can witness the brilliance of elite chess minds in action.

KCF Academy Chess Camp (July 1 – July 5): Intensive chess training tailored to your skill level, combined with sports and motivational workshops.

KCF Trainers’ Conference (July 2 – 3, 2026): A premier professional development event held alongside the festival in Radenci, Slovenia. Organized by KCF in collaboration with the European Chess Academy, this conference is designed for chess coaches, educators, and organizers looking to enhance their training methodologies and stay at the forefront of chess education.
https://www.kcfworldfestival.org/

Garry Kasparov KCF Academy