Scaling impact across the Americas
Taking place alongside the World Schools Team Championship 2026 · American Continental Stage, this ministerial dialogue brings together decision-makers from across the continent to share successful experiences, foster cross-border collaboration and expand access to impactful Chess in Education initiatives.
Across the world, Chess in Education is moving from pilot projects to national policy. Governments are embedding chess into school systems to develop the cognitive, executive and socio-emotional skills that define success in the 21st century. With FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) declaring 2026 the Year of Chess in Education, the Americas have a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter together.
Join ISCF-CCA «Smart Moves Americas: Governments That Think Ahead» today.
Who attends
Ministers of Education and Sports, government officials, chess delegations, federations, schools, and international organizations.
Format
One day of keynote addresses, ministerial dialogue and institutional exchange focused on practical implementation, policy leadership and regional cooperation.
Outcome
A shared roadmap for expanding Chess in Education across the Americas, supported by new partnerships, practical priorities and coordinated regional action.
The Americas at one table
International organizations represented
Part of the World Schools Team Championship 2026
While the region's strongest school teams compete in the American Continental Stage in Costa Rica, governments and institutions gather alongside the boards — turning the energy of the championship into education policy for the continent.
About the WSTC →One day. Every move counts.
WSTC 2026 Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks and the first move of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 — American Continental Stage.
DoubleTree by Hilton CariariRegistration & coffee break
Accreditation for the ISCF CCA Conference. Welcome coffee and networking.
“From Vision to National Action”
High Level Panel Session. Ministers and institutions on turning commitments into national programs.
School Awardings Ceremony
Recognition of the schools leading chess in education in Costa Rica.
“Beacons of Chess” Agreement Signing Ceremony
Formal signing of the Beacons of Chess agreement.
Memorandum Signing Ceremony
Signing of the memorandum between the participating institutions.
Lunch
Networking lunch for delegations and speakers.
“Playing the Long Game: Building Sustainable Chess in Education”
Round Table Session. What it takes for a national program to last beyond a single administration.
Coffee break
Coffee break and informal networking.
“One Board. Millions of Classrooms”
Panel Session. Expanding access to high-quality Chess in Education so every classroom can become a place where thinking, learning and opportunity grow.
Conference Closing
Closing remarks and key takeaways.
This movement has a track record
Government, federations and educators at the Smart Moves Summit 2025.
Cariari Country Club
A landmark club in Ciudad Cariari, minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and San José — the stage for both the conference and the World Schools Team Championship 2026 American Continental Stage.
The interactive map loads on demand.
Take your seat at the table
Join ministers, institutions, and education leaders shaping the future of chess in education across the Americas.
Ministerial & institutional
Government delegations, education authorities, and international organizations.
Federations, schools & press
Chess federations, academic institutions, partners, and accredited media.
Limited capacity · Official registration open
Questions and delegations: info@chessedusummit.com
Moved by a shared vision
International School Chess Federation
The global federation integrating chess into school systems — organizer of the World Schools Team Championship.
Confederation of Chess for Americas
The continental body uniting the national chess federations of the Americas.
