In a significant move to foster inclusivity within elite sports, the global chess governing body, FIDE, has officially opened early registration for the ChessMom 2026 initiative.
Announced on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the program is set for its second iteration following a successful debut at the 2024 Budapest Olympiad. This initiative, led by the Commission for Women's Chess, aims to bridge the gap between professional excellence and motherhood, ensuring that female athletes do not have to choose between their careers and their children.
ChessMom is a specialized support system designed for professional women chess players who are mothers of infants. The program provides the necessary financial and logistical framework to allow these players to compete at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan alongside their child and a dedicated caregiver. By removing the emotional and practical hurdles of long-distance separation, FIDE aims to retain top-tier female talent in the competitive circuit.
For the 2026 edition, FIDE has significantly broadened the scope of the program to accommodate more players.
The registration process requires a collaborative effort between the player and their respective national federation. Early registration is currently open to help organizers gauge participation and streamline visa and logistical requirements.