The 2026 Greater LA School Chess League tournament in the Greater Los Angeles area raised nearly $7,000 for FIDE's Infinite Chess Project, which teaches chess to children with autism and developmental disabilities. Organized by the Kindness On Board Foundation and co-hosted by Diamond Bar High School Chess Club, the event saw participation grow to 46 teams from 32 schools. The tournament highlighted community support and earned the foundation a FIDE Social Chess Award.
The 2026 Greater LA School Chess League marked its second year with significant growth and a focus on social impact. Participation increased from 26 teams in 2025 to 46 teams representing 32 schools across the Greater Los Angeles area. The event, organized by the Kindness On Board Foundation (KOBF) and co-hosted by the Diamond Bar High School Chess Club, served as a fundraiser for FIDE’s Infinite Chess Project, raising nearly $7,000 through contributions from participating families.
Jonathan Chen, founder and director of KOBF, described the tournament as “more than a competition – it is a celebration of kindness, teamwork, and commitment.” He added, “We are proud of what we are building together and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.” The Infinite Chess Project, a global initiative, aims to teach chess to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Ala Mishchanka, a FIDE Infinite Chess Project ambassador from Canada and co-author of its handbook, attended the event. With over 21 years as a Special Needs Educational Assistant in Toronto, she delivered a lecture to KOBF volunteers on supporting children with autism. In her opening speech, Mishchanka shared the project's origins in 2019 at a chess school in Belarus, inspired by players Anastasia Sorokina and Natalia Popova after a parent inquired about lessons for his son with ASD.
“Today, 28 countries have joined the Infinite Chess family,” Mishchanka stated. She noted the project's methodological guide for teachers and parents, translated into seven languages. “Our mission,” she explained, “is to unlock the unique potential of these extraordinary children, using the infinite, predictable logic of chess to build foundational skills for life.” Maria Tamkovich, Secretary of the FIDE Social Commission and project coordinator, participated virtually, offering encouragement.
Jonathan Chen thanked Diamond Bar High School and advisor Eric Sorensen for their support during three months of preparation. At the closing ceremony, Mishchanka presented the FIDE Social Chess Award to KOBF. Established during the FIDE Year of Social Chess, the award recognizes contributions to chess's social impact, including inclusion and education.
“By recognizing exemplary contributions, the award encourages national federations to support social chess initiatives, celebrate local heroes, and share inspiring stories that demonstrate chess’s broader societal value,” Mishchanka announced. She highlighted the foundation's global effects: “Thanks to your support, Infinite Chess students in South Africa, Gambia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka have received not only additional groups and chess lessons but also new equipment and supportive materials. Thank you very much on behalf of FIDE and all Infinite Chess partners.”
