As part of the Year of Chess in Education, the FIDE EDU Classroom Contest has been launched, inviting schools to submit photos of their chess classrooms. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2026, with winners set to be announced on May 8, 2026.

Immediate Circumstances

Entries to the contest will be evaluated based on classroom engagement, creativity of classroom activities, and the innovative use of chess as an educational tool. The contest aims to highlight the importance of chess in fostering critical thinking and strategic skills among students.

2026 is recognized as a pivotal year for educational initiatives surrounding chess, reflecting a broader trend in integrating games into learning environments. This initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in classrooms, with students utilizing generative tools for various academic tasks.

However, the rise of AI has prompted educators to reconsider assessment designs. Attempts to create ‘AI-proof’ assignments have proven unreliable, leading to the realization that the AI-resistant classroom is a myth. Instead, educators are challenged to design AI-ready classrooms that foster authentic learning experiences.

Maddie Devericks, a senior secondary education major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a student teacher at Beadle Middle School in Omaha, expressed her enthusiasm for teaching. “This whole new exciting version of myself just suddenly came out when I was with students,” she remarked, highlighting the transformative nature of classroom engagement.

Devericks noted, “It’s been so fun seeing the students get more comfortable with me as I’ve been in the classroom,” illustrating the positive dynamics that can develop in educational settings.

As the contest approaches, educators and students alike are encouraged to reflect on how chess can enhance learning, while also navigating the challenges posed by AI in educational contexts. The upcoming contest serves as a reminder of the innovative potential within classrooms and the importance of adapting to new educational landscapes.

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