BrainChess Academy has unveiled the BrainChess Schools Chess Championship 2026, a continental primary school chess tournament scheduled for October 3, with organisers expecting participation from 200 schools and more than 1,000 student players.

The championship, which will bring together primary school teams from across Africa, is aimed at using chess to promote critical thinking, teamwork, leadership and educational excellence among young learners.

Organisers also expect more than 1,500 attendees at the event, which BrainChess Academy described as part of its broader effort to expand access to chess education and create opportunities for children to develop strategic thinking, confidence and resilience through competition.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BrainChess Academy, Abidogun Peter, said the tournament would provide a platform for young people from different African countries to connect and develop skills through chess.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s brightest young minds. Through the BrainChess Schools Chess Championship, we are building a platform that nurtures critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, and meaningful connections across borders,” Peter said.

He added that the academy believed children should have access to opportunities that could help them develop their potential through chess.

Vetrinox Capital is the headline sponsor of the 2026 championship. BrainChess Academy said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, youth development and supporting opportunities for young Africans.

Beyond the competition, the championship is intended to promote cultural exchange and collaboration among participating schools while encouraging relationships among young people from different parts of the continent.

BrainChess Academy said it is working with schools, educators, corporate organisations, government institutions, development partners and members of the chess community towards the delivery of the event.

Registration for the championship opened in the first week of August 2026, with eligible primary schools across Africa invited to participate.

The academy said further details on registration, the tournament format, participating countries and other event activities would be communicated through its official channels.

BrainChess Academy also invited organisations interested in supporting education, youth development and innovation to explore sponsorship and strategic partnership opportunities around the championship.