eThekwini Chess Association

Congratulations to the Durban University of Technology Chess Team. 🎉 We are incredibly proud to celebrate our team as the University Sports South Africa (USSA) 2025 Runners-Up.

A truly remarkable achievement.

Photo credit: 📸 KwaZulu - Natal Chess Association KZNCA

Introducing: The Browns’ School × Infinite Chess Project 🌟
South Africa 🇿🇦

✨ Supported by KZN Chess Academy and Erick Takawira, The Browns School has been part of the FIDE Infinite Chess project for three years—using chess to nurture focus, confidence, and life skills among learners.

Over the past year, students aged 15–18 showed exceptional commitment, often spending their lunch breaks playing chess and joining mainstream groups to sharpen their skills. Several graduating learners have even expressed plans to join chess clubs after school—proof of a lasting passion ignited by the game.

♟️ The impact goes far beyond the board. Parents shared powerful reflections:

“Chess has helped Thapelo become more organised and focused on tasks. He has become calmer and takes time to think before acting.”
“There has been a definite improvement. Chess has positively influenced his homework, and he now works independently.”
“She is thinking on her feet more quickly than before. Her abilities, analytical skills, and independence have all improved.

These voices highlight how chess is shaping behaviour, emotional control, and critical thinking—both in and out of the classroom.

As part of FIDE’s Social Chess Year, we celebrate how The Browns’ School is using chess to build stronger minds, social skills, and a foundation for lifelong learning, with more to come in 2026. ♟️✨

Know a social chess project making a difference?
Share it with us at [email protected]
— your story could inspire the world 🌍

FIDE Social Commission