International Chess Day

International Chess Day is an annual chess celebration held on July 20. Players, clubs, and organizations from around the world create and participate in events on International Chess Day to celebrate this remarkable game.

Here is what you need to know about International Chess Day:

What Is International Chess Day?
When Was International Chess Day Started?
How Do You Celebrate International Chess Day?

What Is International Chess Day?

International Chess Day is a worldwide celebration for chess which is sponsored by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. FIDE's motto is "Gens una sumus," which is Latin for "We are one family." International Chess Day is a great way to celebrate that sentiment and to promote and show appreciation for our beloved game throughout the world.

FIDE sponsors International Chess Day every year.

International Chess Day is celebrated on July 20 every year because that is the day when FIDE was founded in 1924. International Chess Day 2020 doesn't just celebrate chess but also FIDE's 96th birthday as an organization.

When Was International Chess Day Started?

The idea for the International Chess Day was first proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was first celebrated in 1966 after FIDE established the event. The UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the International Chess Day in 2019. International Chess Day 2020 marked the 54th consecutive International Chess Day.

How Do You Celebrate International Chess Day?

You can celebrate International Chess Day by merely discussing chess with someone, watching a chess stream, playing chess, or participating in International Chess Day activities. In 2018 Chess.com held a 24-hour arena tournament to celebrate and honor International Chess Day.

Chess.com celebrated International Chess Day 2018 with a 24-hour marathon arena tournament.

In 2019 Chess.com celebrated International Chess Day with a multitude of activities that included 24 hours of Puzzle Rush access for all members, another 24-hour marathon arena tournament with prizes, and all-day streams with special guests.

Chess.com's International Chess Day activities in 2019 included 24 hours of Puzzle Rush and a 24-hour marathon arena tournament.

In 2019 FIDE asked chess players to participate in their tweetstorm for International Chess Day by using the hashtag #InternationalChessDay on social media. According to US Chess, the hashtag was used in almost 4,000 tweets in 2019. These tweets reached an audience of more than 18 million people on Twitter alone.

FIDE's theme for International Chess Day 2020 was "Teach someone how to play chess."

FIDE's International Chess Day design. Image: FIDE.

FIDE was also involved in an online event called "Chess for Recovering Better," organized with the U.N. and attended by government officials and other relevant stakeholders. Several top chess players also participated, including former world champions GM Viswanathan Anand and GM Vladimir Kramnik, former women's world champion GM Hou Yifan, and GM Levon Aronian.

Chess.com's main activities for International Chess Day 2023 can be found here.

What would you like to do to celebrate International Chess Day? Let us know in the comments below!