US Chess Academy

by IMC x Team Liquid

FACE THE GREATEST

This isn't your typical campus chess tournament.

We invite college students across the U.S. and Canada to compete for the chance to sit across the board from World Champion Magnus Carlsen – in person, at IMC's Chicago office – and be crowned the IMC x Team Liquid US Chess Champion.

Compete in a qualifier. Win your tournament. Get flown to Chicago. Face the greatest.

Apply now

HOW IT WORKS

Our campus team will review your registration and be in touch by Wednesday, May 13 with an update on your eligibility status.

Applications close Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Participate in a Swiss-format online tournament via Chess.com. Players will be randomly assigned to one of 20 tournaments taking place on May 19–20, 2026. You'll receive your tournament details once your application has been reviewed and accepted. One winner from each tournament advances to the finals.

The winner of each qualifier will be flown to IMC's Chicago office to compete in the in-person finals round. Finalists will battle it out to determine who will be crowned the IMC x Team Liquid US Chess Champion. Travel and accommodations for qualifying finalists will be covered by IMC.

All twenty qualifying winners will have the opportunity to face Magnus Carlsen in an exclusive simultaneous exhibition match, a rare chance to test your game against one of the greatest players in chess history.

IMPORTANT DATES

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Sunday, May 10 2026
ELIGIBILITY NOTIFICATIONS: Monday, May 11 2026
If eligible, you'll receive your tournament invitation
VIRTUAL QUALIFIERS: Tuesday May 19 or Wednesday May 20, 2026
Online via Chess.com
IN-PERSON FINALS: Sunday-Monday, July 12-13, 2026
Live at IMC's Chicago's office

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

If you’re a college student with a competitive edge, this is your move.
To compete in the US Chess Academy, you must

Be a current college student

Enrolled full-time or part-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate program at an eligible US or Canadian college or university at the time you register. Graduating later this year? You're still eligible - as long as you were enrolled when you signed up.

Be 18 or Older

Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.

Have a chess.com account

Tournaments will be hosted on Chess.com. All competitors must hold a valid Chess.com account and follow Chess.com's Fair Play Policy throughout the competition

*By entering, participants agree to the full competition rules. IMC may ask you to confirm your enrolment at any stage – acceptable proof includes a student ID, university email address, or official enrolment letter. Read the full Terms & Conditions here

JOIN US TODAY

The US Chess Academy will be defined by those who see the board differently. Bring your discipline, your creativity, and your competitive edge. Submit your application and take your seat at the table.

Questions?

Reach out to campusUS@imc.com

Apply now