Legend in Action - Masterclass LIVE by Garry Kasparov - January 18
Your chance to train and talk with Garry Kasparov, LIVE!
In January 2026, KCF Academy is proud to offer members of its community exclusive lectures by World Champions Garry Kasparov, Veselin Topalov, and Antoaneta Stefanova.
On January 18, 2026, you are in for something special. Chess legend Garry Kasparov, former World Champion and one of the greatest players of all time, will host an exclusive live lecture. This one-of-a-kind event provides chess enthusiasts and competitive players with a rare opportunity to learn directly from a true icon of the game.
Save the date: January 18, 2026
Time: 18:00 CET
Register at: https://kcfacademy.org/programs/
Known for his dynamic, fearless style, Kasparov has long believed in investing in the future of chess. Early in his career, he joined his mentor, Mikhail Botvinnik as a trainer at Botvinnik’s legendary school, helping shape the next generation of elite players. He later took this mission worldwide, leading renowned training camps in Spain and across the globe.
For more than 20 years, the Kasparov Chess Foundation has been a driving force in youth chess development. What began in the United States has grown into a global initiative, opening doors for talented young players everywhere. Kasparov remains personally involved, running elite training camps for top prospects from the U.S. and Europe and offering direct mentorship at the highest level.
Beyond the board, Kasparov’s impact continues through his writing. His acclaimed My Great Predecessors series is essential reading for serious players, delivering deep insights into the minds and methods of past world champions. Translated into many languages, the books cement Kasparov’s legacy not just as a legendary competitor, but as one of the game’s greatest teachers.
Don´t forget that the new season at KCF Academy features 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.
Embark on a complete chess training journey guided by an elite team of international Grandmasters and various guest stars, along with Garry Kasparov: Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, Peter Svidler, and many other surprise star 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).
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 and meet chess stars online!
Don´t miss your chance to join now!
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