2026 US Chess Academy – MIT On-Campus Qualifier

2026 US Chess Academy- MIT On-Campus Qualifier  

Presented by IMC and Team Liquid

What if your next chess move took you to Chicago to face the world champion?

The US Chess Academy is a one-of-a-kind program open to all students across US and Canadian colleges and universities — whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love the game. In partnership with Team Liquid, IMC is bringing together the brightest student chess players in the country for a chance to compete at the highest level — and come face-to-face with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.

This is more than a chess tournament. It's an opportunity to step inside one of the world's leading trading firms, connect with IMC's traders, researchers and technologists, and experience what it's like to think fast, compete hard, and perform under pressure — skills that define both great chess players and the people who thrive at the world's top trading firms.

What You'll Do

• Compete on campus at MIT: Your first-round qualifier takes place in person at MIT on Friday, April 24, 2026. Check-in opens at 4:30 PM, with the tournament beginning at 5:00 PM. The exact on-campus location will be shared with students selected to participate. The winner will advance to the championship finals in Chicago.
• Face the greatest: Finalist competitors will take part in a showmatch experience with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen — one of the most exceptional competitive opportunities available to any student chess player.
• Go behind the scenes at IMC: Tour IMC's Chicago office and get a firsthand look at the environment where some of the world's fastest and most sophisticated trading takes place.
• Build your network: Connect directly with IMC traders, researchers, technologists, and recruiters. Whether or not a career in trading is on your radar, this is a rare chance to meet and learn from world-class professionals.

Key Dates

• Applications Close: Sunday, April 19, 2026
• Eligibility Notifications: Monday, April 20, 2026
• MIT Qualifier: Friday, April 24, 2026 @ 5:00PM ET
• Championship at IMC Chicago: Sunday, July 12-Monday, July 13, 2026

What You'll Need

• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student at MIT
• 18 years of age or older
• A valid Chess.com account
• Available to compete in the qualifier on April 24, 2026
• Available to travel to Chicago for the finals on July 12–13, 2026
• Open to all majors and academic backgrounds — all skill levels welcome

Ready to Apply?

Applications are open to all enrolled students regardless of chess rating or experience level. If you love the game and want to test yourself against the best, we want to hear from you.

Apply by April 19, 2026.

For full eligibility requirements and competition rules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.

Questions? Reach out to USChessAcademy@imc.com.