Timur Turlov’s Column
January 2026 Highlights
This column comes after a brief pause, simply because January turned out to be an exceptionally intense and action-packed month.
At the Federation, we are kicking off the year with a major systemic initiative: the voluntary accreditation of chess schools and clubs.
The idea has long been a subject of internal meetings, one-on-one discussions with colleagues, and consultations with experts and government bodies. For a long time, we tried to gauge whether Kazakhstani chess was truly ready for this next step – and whether the regions would embrace the initiative.
I will admit, there were plenty of doubts and apprehensions, because tens of thousands of children, coaches, and parents are involved in chess. It carries immense responsibility, and any reforms here must be handled with utmost care and precision. We are fully aware of that.
Yet now that the final decisions have been made, I am left with a single, crystal-clear conviction: Kazakhstani chess is genuinely ready to reach new heights.
At the Federation, we are kicking off the year with a major systemic initiative: the voluntary accreditation of chess schools and clubs.
The idea has long been a subject of internal meetings, one-on-one discussions with colleagues, and consultations with experts and government bodies. For a long time, we tried to gauge whether Kazakhstani chess was truly ready for this next step – and whether the regions would embrace the initiative.
I will admit, there were plenty of doubts and apprehensions, because tens of thousands of children, coaches, and parents are involved in chess. It carries immense responsibility, and any reforms here must be handled with utmost care and precision. We are fully aware of that.
Yet now that the final decisions have been made, I am left with a single, crystal-clear conviction: Kazakhstani chess is genuinely ready to reach new heights.
In this column, I want to share my vision for how this accreditation system will operate, the deeper purpose behind it, and most importantly, what the chess community should expect.
Let me reassure you right away: the procedure is entirely voluntary, fully digitized, and completely free of charge.
In total, around 8,000 chess schools and clubs operate across every corner of Kazakhstan today. They vary in technical infrastructure, capacity, and overall objectives – and naturally, they function in very different ways.
Some clubs boast famous grandmasters, while others employ more modest coaches. Some prepare players for world cups, while others, more local in scope, focus on neighborhood children and grassroots sports. That is completely normal – the chess market is naturally diverse.
Through digitization, we now want to gain a complete, clear picture of the situation across Kazakhstan: where these venues are located, what condition their facilities are in, where support is needed, which schools have already grown to the point where they can hold joint events with the Federation, and which are only beginning their journey.
Even more importantly, we want to help parents navigate this vast diversity, making informed, well-considered choices about where to send their children.
Let me reassure you right away: the procedure is entirely voluntary, fully digitized, and completely free of charge.
In total, around 8,000 chess schools and clubs operate across every corner of Kazakhstan today. They vary in technical infrastructure, capacity, and overall objectives – and naturally, they function in very different ways.
Some clubs boast famous grandmasters, while others employ more modest coaches. Some prepare players for world cups, while others, more local in scope, focus on neighborhood children and grassroots sports. That is completely normal – the chess market is naturally diverse.
Through digitization, we now want to gain a complete, clear picture of the situation across Kazakhstan: where these venues are located, what condition their facilities are in, where support is needed, which schools have already grown to the point where they can hold joint events with the Federation, and which are only beginning their journey.
Even more importantly, we want to help parents navigate this vast diversity, making informed, well-considered choices about where to send their children.
How will we accomplish this?
Soon, a new module will launch on the Kazchess website. Through it, any chess school can submit an application. My colleagues and I will thoroughly review each submission, evaluating how safe and comfortable the environment is for children: whether there are dedicated classrooms, ergonomic tables and chairs, proper ventilation and lighting, quality chess sets, and much more.
We will also look at who is coaching there and what teaching methodology is being used. If necessary, we will conduct an on-site inspection.
If everything is in order, the school will receive accreditation for two years, the official status of “Recommended by the KCF,” and one of three accreditation levels: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. The detailed criteria have already been established.
If everything is in order, the school will receive accreditation for two years, the official status of “Recommended by the KCF,” and one of three accreditation levels: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. The detailed criteria have already been established.
In this way, we hope to gradually make Kazakhstan’s chess market transparent and clear – bringing greater professionalism and structure to our chess ecosystem. We aim to create a unified database accessible to everyone: the Federation, the government, parents, children, and the schools and clubs themselves.
If some schools choose not to go through accreditation, that is completely fine. As I mentioned, the process is strictly voluntary – my colleagues and I agreed from the outset that this would be a core principle.
That said, we certainly hope market participants interpret our signal correctly: we are launching this initiative for the benefit of all of us, for our collective growth and development.
If some schools choose not to go through accreditation, that is completely fine. As I mentioned, the process is strictly voluntary – my colleagues and I agreed from the outset that this would be a core principle.
That said, we certainly hope market participants interpret our signal correctly: we are launching this initiative for the benefit of all of us, for our collective growth and development.
To give schools and clubs a clear incentive to join, we have put together a package of perks that the Federation will offer to our accredited partners.
First, there is promotional support: mentions across our social media channels, at offline tournaments, and through other communication avenues. Our goal here is to raise the profile of these schools and help them reach new audiences.
First, there is promotional support: mentions across our social media channels, at offline tournaments, and through other communication avenues. Our goal here is to raise the profile of these schools and help them reach new audiences.
Second, the Federation will share practical resources on managing and scaling a chess school – ranging from website management and social media strategy to marketing, chess content creation, and organizing local tournaments.
We have also dedicated a separate track to team development and training. Accredited schools and clubs will gain exclusive access to the KCF’s seminars, workshops, and educational programs.
In doing so, we aim to systematically raise coaching standards and introduce modern teaching practices across all regions. We believe this will directly enhance the overall quality of instruction in Kazakhstan’s chess schools.
We have also dedicated a separate track to team development and training. Accredited schools and clubs will gain exclusive access to the KCF’s seminars, workshops, and educational programs.
In doing so, we aim to systematically raise coaching standards and introduce modern teaching practices across all regions. We believe this will directly enhance the overall quality of instruction in Kazakhstan’s chess schools.
Ultimately, what does the “Recommended by the KCF” status actually deliver?
As we envision it, this won’t be just a checkmark on 2GIS or Yandex Maps. Nor is it “yet another bureaucratic hassle imposed by the governing body.” Instead, it is a transparent seal of compliance with uniform standards – a tangible mechanism for growth that is clear and accessible to everyone without exception.
I will likely discuss accreditation many more times in the future. But right now, it was important for me to establish a clear overall framework for the market.
If our colleagues in the regions have suggestions or feedback that can help refine our accreditation process, we will certainly review and implement them.
As we envision it, this won’t be just a checkmark on 2GIS or Yandex Maps. Nor is it “yet another bureaucratic hassle imposed by the governing body.” Instead, it is a transparent seal of compliance with uniform standards – a tangible mechanism for growth that is clear and accessible to everyone without exception.
I will likely discuss accreditation many more times in the future. But right now, it was important for me to establish a clear overall framework for the market.
If our colleagues in the regions have suggestions or feedback that can help refine our accreditation process, we will certainly review and implement them.
What else made headlines in January?
Naturally, it is largely a “technical” month: the tournament calendar undergoes its final tweaks and approvals. Yet one major competition did take place in Kazakhstan – perhaps the single most important event of the year for our young talents.
Turkestan hosted the National Youth Championship (U18). This tournament is noteworthy for two reasons. First, its results determine the lineup for the national team that will represent Kazakhstan at major international tournaments throughout 2026. Second, it was held in Turkestan – the new capital of the Turkic Chess Association – a clear signal that the city is confidently establishing itself alongside Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent, where chess has traditionally flourished the most.
Our overarching vision is to transform every regional center in Kazakhstan into a standalone hub for chess talent identification – a center that sets the benchmark for its region and elevates mind sports to the national level.
We are walking this path consciously and consistently, and seeing our efforts come to life is immensely rewarding.
Naturally, it is largely a “technical” month: the tournament calendar undergoes its final tweaks and approvals. Yet one major competition did take place in Kazakhstan – perhaps the single most important event of the year for our young talents.
Turkestan hosted the National Youth Championship (U18). This tournament is noteworthy for two reasons. First, its results determine the lineup for the national team that will represent Kazakhstan at major international tournaments throughout 2026. Second, it was held in Turkestan – the new capital of the Turkic Chess Association – a clear signal that the city is confidently establishing itself alongside Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent, where chess has traditionally flourished the most.
Our overarching vision is to transform every regional center in Kazakhstan into a standalone hub for chess talent identification – a center that sets the benchmark for its region and elevates mind sports to the national level.
We are walking this path consciously and consistently, and seeing our efforts come to life is immensely rewarding.
To wrap up, I would like to say a few words about Amina Kairbekova’s performance in the Czech Republic. Amina took second place at the Marienbad Open international chess festival and secured her third International Master (IM) norm. My heartfelt congratulations!
Now, to officially earn the IM title, Amina needs to reach a FIDE rating of 2400, after which her title will be subject to formal approval by the FIDE Presidential Board. We will all be rooting for her and supporting her every step of the way. If everything goes according to plan, Amina will join that exclusive, informal “IM club” that Meruert Kamalidenova so brilliantly broke into not long ago.
Now, to officially earn the IM title, Amina needs to reach a FIDE rating of 2400, after which her title will be subject to formal approval by the FIDE Presidential Board. We will all be rooting for her and supporting her every step of the way. If everything goes according to plan, Amina will join that exclusive, informal “IM club” that Meruert Kamalidenova so brilliantly broke into not long ago.
Honestly, dear friends, there is a mountain of work ahead and never enough time, but I am glad to stay connected with you here. Let’s keep our finger on the pulse of the chess world, mark these significant milestones, and cheer on our athletes!
Timur Turlov
President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation
President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation