As 2025 draws to a close, the FIDE Infinite Chess Project looks back on a year of profound expansion, deepened impact, and heartwarming milestones. What began as a dedicated initiative to make chess accessible has blossomed into a global movement, proving that the 64 squares are a universal canvas for learning, growth, and connection for children with autism and co-occurring conditions.
From the bustling cities of Chicago and Almaty to the communities of Malawi and Menorca, the Infinite Chess network has grown vibrantly. In 2025, our program became active in 28 countries, touching the lives of over 270 children. We welcomed new partners in Azerbaijan, Malawi, Pakistan, and expanded our family within the USA and India. This growth is a testament to a shared global belief: that every child, regardless of neurotype, deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and cognitive benefits of chess.
A cornerstone of this year’s success was our enhanced collaboration with the Kindness on Board Foundation. Beyond their crucial fundraising support, they launched their own group in California, embodying the project’s spirit. As their founder, Jonathan Chen, shared, “This is just the beginning. We’re learning, growing, and so excited to see these young minds flourish one move at a time.” This sentiment is echoed in the words of a parent from their group, Ethan’s mom, who found hope in her son’s newfound enthusiasm: “After numerous attempts in piano and swimming, he told me with joy that he liked the class very much, I was finally relieved.”
The FIDE Social Chess Year provided a powerful platform to amplify our mission, moving beyond weekly lessons to foster a worldwide community.
- Empowering Educators: We held online and offline seminars, uniting 66 teachers, tutors, and researchers from 30 countries to share adaptive teaching strategies and compassionate mentorship approaches.
- Diplomatic and Practical Bridges: The in-person visit to the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi was a landmark, opening doors for future collaboration and allowing for direct, impactful knowledge exchange with specialists and students.
- Celebrating Champions: From the special tournament in Ulaanbaatar, where GM Bilguun Sumiya inspired participants, to the inclusive “Chess for Champions of Determination” event in New Zealand, we saw chess tournaments reimagined—prioritizing joy, participation, and celebration over pure competition.
- Global Conversations: Events like the “Infinite Spectrum” online meetup and the third annual Autism Talks in Kazakhstan created vital spaces for sharing stories, strategies, and solidarity, highlighting how chess serves as a powerful tool for awareness and inclusion.
The 2025 activities perfectly demonstrated our core philosophy: chess is a universal language of logic, focus, and connection. Through sensory-friendly environments and adaptive teaching, we witnessed children building not just chess skills, but life skills—confidence, patience, and social interaction. The project nurtures both the mind and the heart, creating a supportive community for learners, families, and educators alike.
Looking Forward to 2026
As we pause for the winter break, we do so with immense gratitude for our partners, the FIDE Planning and Development Commission, the International Olympic Committee, the Kindness on Board Foundation, and every local sponsor, teacher, and parent who makes this program possible. The expansion in countries like Turkey, Kenya, Spain, and South Africa shows a sustainable, community-driven model taking root.
The 2025 chapter of the Infinite Chess Project is a story of tangible progress and intangible moments of triumph. It’s in a child’s smile after mastering a move, a parent’s sigh of relief, and a teacher’s breakthrough with a student. We step into 2026 energized, committed to deepening our impact and continuing to prove that in the world of Infinite Chess, every child can find their strategy for success.
Join us on this journey. Together, we are making chess truly infinite.
