Take a look at the short abstract of live lecture by IGM Adrian Mikhalchishin about important tactical motifs from Olympiad:

And guess what? The upcoming lessons will be even more exciting and packed with insights! 

The KCF Academy has attracted around 500 participants from 100 countries during its pilot program launched in January, 2024. This global initiative has garnered attention from elite players, including several grandmasters, who have participated in our program. We were very proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of KCF Academy participants in various tournaments worldwide.

A special congratulations went out to French International Master Marco Materia, who won the title of the 2024 European Youth Champion Under-16 category. Here is what Marco says about his experience with KCF Academy. 

The second lecture of the Preseason Program broke down the most instructive games from the U.S. Championship 2024. One of the World leading players and KCF friend IGM Fabiano Caruana deservedly won the title. Congratulations to Fabiano for his victory and claiming one of the most prestigious titles in chess history, joining legends like Harry Pillsbury, Frank Marshall, Samuel Reshevsky, Reuben Fine, and Bobby Fischer.

This year’s championship featured fascinating heavy piece endgames - what chess masters call the fourth stage of the chess game. These endgames were rich with insights and tactical depth. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn from the best! 

Here is a short sneak peek into IGM Mikhalchishin lecture on the U.S. Championship. 

This season, KCF Academy made a significant leap in supporting women’s chess by implementing groundbreaking initiatives designed to nurture and elevate female talent in the chess world. The Academy’s first lectures have garnered attention not only for their top-tier chess education but also for their meaningful support of women’s teams, young female talents, and refugees through accessible and inclusive training opportunities.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by women in competitive chess, KCF Academy has created special conditions for women’s clubs and national teams. This progressive approach aims to bolster the growth of women’s chess communities worldwide by addressing both training access and financial support, providing a solid foundation for female players to grow their skills and confidence. Women’s clubs and national teams are now able to receive high-quality coaching and participate in sessions that were previously out of reach, enabling them to prepare rigorously for competitions and represent their countries with pride and skill.

In a powerful demonstration of inclusion, KCF Academy has reserved free spaces for talented young girls and refugees, understanding that these players often face barriers to accessing quality chess education. One standout beneficiary of this initiative is Alina Prochaeva, a Ukrainian refugee currently residing in Spain. Alina’s story is an inspiring testament to her resilience and talent: after relocating, she honed her skills and went on to become the U16 Spanish Chess Champion. KCF Academy’s support has allowed her and others like her to access training that nurtures their abilities and opens doors for further accomplishments.

The first series of lectures has already set a high standard for chess training. Coaches at KCF Academy, aware of the specific needs and aspirations of their players, are using these sessions not only to improve tactical skills but also to foster a supportive environment where women and young talents feel empowered to compete at the highest levels. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the lectures provide a sense of belonging and encouragement often absent from other training programs.
By launching these lectures with a clear vision for inclusivity and excellence, KCF Academy is contributing to a brighter future for women’s chess. As the season progresses, this initial round of support and training promises to reshape the landscape of women’s competitive chess, encouraging more young women to pursue their passion and inspiring others through stories of resilience like Alina’s.

Don’t miss your chance out - join us now for the preseason or subscribe to the Main Academy Program – our 4 Level Training Program, starting January 2025, featuring top lessons from Garry Kasparov and other world-class players and trainers!

For more information, visit our website at https://kcfacademy.org