KCF opens with Veselin Topalov

by Kasparov Chess Foundation
1/6/2026 – It's your chance to train and speak with Garry Kasparov and other world stars, LIVE! The KCF Academy announces the countdown to the official start of its new season on January 10, marking the beginning of another exciting chapter of learning, competition, and growth for our students and chess community. The Chess Star series of the lectures will open with a special highlight on January 11 – a masterclass by the legendary GM Veselin Topalov.
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally.
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before. 

Veselin Topalov has etched his name into the annals of chess history with his remarkable achievements, especially fruitful were the years from 2005 (winner of the World Chess Championship in Argentina) to 2014. Renowned for his dynamic style of play, Topalov emerged as one of the most formidable players on the world stage.

As one of the most distinguished figures in modern chess history, Topalov brings unparalleled experience, insight, and inspiration to the academy, offering students a unique opportunity to learn directly from a former World Champion.

The new season at KCF Academy will feature a rich program of training sessions and lectures from renowned chess stars, designed to develop strategic thinking, deepen understanding of the game, and foster a strong community of passionate learners.

Save the Dates: January 10 – June 24, 2026.

Embark on a complete chess training journey guided by an elite team of international Grandmasters and various guest stars, Garry Kasparov, Fabiano Caruano, Levon Aronian, Peter Svidler and many other surprise guests. The 2026 season is our most comprehensive yet - featuring weekly workshops, four progressive training levels, and a dedicated Expert Group designed for advanced players (2200+ FIDE or Level 4 graduates) on Saturdays.

As a member of the KCF Academy, you’ll join a global chess community, train with some of the best minds in the game, and gain exclusive benefits for our flagship in-person event – the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival in Slovenia (June 25 – July 5, 2026), where students, trainers, and chess enthusiasts from around the world come together.

Join our Saturday Academy lessons, designed for four skill levels and built on the legendary Botvinnik School training system. Unlike many modern programs, our approach preserves the timeless, systematic teaching of classical chess principles. The Botvinnik School shaped nearly all the great champions of the 20th century, including Karpov, Kasparov, Yusupov, Beliavsky, Shirov and many other grandmasters. Now, you can train in that same world-class tradition!

Weekly program:

  • Wednesday Workshops – Thematic training for all students
  • Saturday Four-Level Program – Level-based lessons for players 1400–2000+
  • Sunday Masterclasses – Exclusive lectures from elite Grandmasters

Packages:

  • 🟨 Basic (€300) – Wednesday + Saturday training
  • 🟦 Premium (€450) – Wednesday + Saturday + Sunday Masterclasses
  • 🟪 Expert (€300) – For 2200+ FIDE or Level 4 graduates (Wednesday + Sunday)

All packages (except Preseason) include:

  • Study materials on the KCF Academy App
  • 3-month Chess.com Diamond Membership
  • Special perks from ChessBase (discounts on software & tools)
  • Signed certificate from Garry Kasparov
  • 50% Discount on KCF Festival registration fee (Slovenia, June 25–30, 2026)
  • 25% Discount on KCF training camp registration fee (Slovenia, July 1–5, 2026)

📍 Live on Zoom | 🎥 All sessions recorded | 🌍 Open worldwide

Don´t miss your chance to join now – Visit www.kcfacademy.org for more details.

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The vision of the Kasparov Chess Foundation is primarily to use the many benefits of chess to help children worldwide. KCF does this through a variety of different programs, which you can find at KasparovChessFoundation.org
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