Chess Academy-US | IMC Trading

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

01

Step 1

APPLY

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.

Register Here

02

Step 2

QUALIFY

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.

03

Step 4

Compete in the in-person finals at IMC Chicago

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.

Go

04

Step 4

Face the greatest

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.

Go

IMC trader Murad focused during a chess game in a library setting

ENTER THE IMC CHESS TOURNAMENT

The top 8 players from each regional tournament will enter local finals at their regional IMC office.

Interior of Team Liquid’s Utrecht office showcasing esports trophies and branding

WINNER’S EXPERIENCE IN THE NETHERLANDS

Winners of the regional IMC office games win a week at the TL Chess Academy in Utrecht.

Magnus Carlsen wearing Team Liquid Chess jersey featuring IMC sponsorship

MEET THE LEGENDS

The Netherlands experience includes online meet-and-greets with Team Liquid talent including Magnus Carlsen and Fabiana Caruana.

US Chess Academy

Presented by IMC x Team Liquid