‘Queen’s Gambit’ Chess Program Launched

The Bermuda Chess Association is promoting the Queen’s Gambit Challenge, a free online coaching program for women by the World Chess Governing Body, FIDE.

A spokesperson said, “Chess is steadily growing in Bermuda, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Bermuda Chess Association [BCA]. The association has launched initiatives aimed at expanding chess education in schools and promoting women’s participation in the game.

“A significant milestone in this journey was the Chess in Education seminar held in early March, which saw the participation of 22 educators from 14 different schools across the island. This seminar not only focused on teaching chess but also on integrating it into the educational curriculum, highlighting its benefits for cognitive development and critical thinking skills among students.

“Following the success of the seminar, the Bermuda Chess Association has expanded its initiatives to highlight the free online chess coaching specifically for female players offered by the World Chess Governing Body, FIDE, under the initiative called the Queen’s Gambit Challenge.

“This program began last weekend and has already attracted 28 female participants, ranging in age from 6 to 65. This diverse group showcases the inclusive nature of the initiative, inviting women of all ages to engage with the game.

“The coaching sessions are facilitated by International Masters, including Jomo Pitterson from Jamaica and Leonid Sandler from Australia, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the program.

“In addition to the female players, 12 Bermudian school children and 11 educators—who recently earned the FIDE School Instructor [SI] title at the seminar—are also participating in these training sessions. This collaboration between educators and players aims to create a supportive community that fosters growth and learning in chess.

“The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to develop the skills of female chess players in Bermuda and to assemble a Bermuda Women’s squad for the 2026 Olympiad in Uzbekistan. By empowering women and providing them with the resources and training they need, the BCA hopes to elevate the level of competitive chess on the island.

“As chess continues to gain momentum in Bermuda, the commitment of the Bermuda Chess Association to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all players is commendable. With ongoing efforts and community engagement, the future of chess in Bermuda looks brighter than ever.”

For more information, please feel free to email the Bermuda Chess Association at bermudachess@gmail.com. The association also hosts club nights: All players: Every Wednesday at the Bermuda National Library from 6.30pm to 9.30pm | Women players: First Tuesday of every month at Bermuda National Library from 7pm to 8pm.

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