KCF Academy Opens the New Season on January 10
Your chance to train and talk with Garry Kasparov and other World Stars , LIVE!
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, when legendary GM Veselin Topalov. Participants will have the unique opportunity to train live, ask questions and engage in interactive discussions.
Veselin Topalov has etched his name into the annals of chess history with his remarkable achievements, especially fruitful were the years from 2005 to 2014. Renowned for his dynamic style of play, Topalov emerged as one of the most formidable players on the world stage
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 others surprise guest. 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, Balashov, Beliavsky, and many more. 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 – June 30, 2026)
- 25 % Discount on KCF training camp registration fee (Slovenia, July 1 – July 5, 2026)
📍 Live on Zoom | 🎥 All sessions recorded | 🌍 Open worldwide