US Chess Women's Program Awards 23 2026-27 Grants

US Chess is pleased to announce 23 grant awards (consistent with last year) under the US Chess Women’s program. With support from the Saint Louis Chess Club, US Chess annually offers grants to nonprofit affiliate members who are promoting programs that support women and girls in their respective communities. The 2026 grant recipients are:

Affiliate Name	Location
MVP Chess Center	Alexandria, VA
Girl Chess Power and Beyond	Sugarland, TX
ChessKids & NNvChess	Reno, NV
Kindness On Board Foundation	Diamond Bar, CA
Behind it All Foundation	St. Louis, MO
RISE Scholars	San Rafael, CA
Chess Education Foundation	Louisville, KY
Minnesota State Chess Assoc.	Wayzata, MN
Strategic Moves Chess Center	Jacksonville, NC
Tennessee Chess Assoc.	Nashville, TN
Texas Chess Assoc.	Lubbock, TX
Mechanics' Institute	San Francisco, CA
Kentucky Chinese American Assoc.	Lexington, KY
Chess A2Z	Portland, OR
Congregation Beth Tefilla	Scottsdale, AZ
Girl Scouts of Greater LA	Northridge, CA
NYC Chess Connections	New York City, NY
Chess Girls DC	Washington, DC
Hampton Roads Chess Association	Virginia Beach, VA
Massachusetts Chess Association	Wakefield, MA
FEMChess	Fremont, CA
Wonderstead School	Birmingham, AL
The Berkley School	Berkeley, CA

According to DeVaughn Croxton, the US Chess Director of Programs, “US Chess is so proud of the efforts of our awardees to promote the growth and retention of female players. These grants help bolster the efforts of our affiliates to strengthen the chess community across the country. These grants are part of a larger program initiative to elevate women and girls in chess and are funded by the Saint Louis Chess Club.”

Be on the lookout for impact stories posted to Chess Life Online highlighting the wonderful activities that these organizations will host. Congratulations to the 2026 Women’s Grant awardees!