Chess According to the Ethiopian Calendar

In early June, the Friends of the MRCF team played a friendly match against a new participant of the African Chess League – the Ethiopian Theophilus Chess Sports Club

In a tight contest, the Moscow Region team secured a 107:79 victory. The top individual performances were delivered by Yury Vereshchagin, Ekaterina Smirnova and Aleksandr Kokorev.

Unlike most chess organizations in the region, TCSC systematically integrates chess into state, educational and social practices, serving not only as a sports club but also as a platform for social development. This cross-sectoral approach makes the club one of the few examples of the comprehensive use of chess as a tool for social transformation on the African continent.

TCSC combines sports training, an educational mission, and active social work. Registered as a non-profit organization, the club brings together players, coaches, and community leaders, viewing chess as an instrument for intellectual development and social unity.

Special attention is paid to its social mission – making chess accessible to youth and underprivileged groups, as well as strengthening  intercultural ties through the game.

TCSC has significant experience in integrating chess into various fields:

• cooperation with government agencies and ministries;

• conducting training sessions for military personnel and civil servants;

• successful performances at the national level, including victories in interagency competitions (2023–2025);

• development of online communities and tournaments on the Lichess platform with international participation.

An innovative feature of the club is its “chess through music” educational approach, aimed at teaching children by developing concentration and creative thinking.

The club is open to international cooperation and is interested in developing partnerships, including collaboration with Russian chess organizations.

We eagerly look forward to the debut of the Ethiopian club’s team in the African Chess League, the second round of which will take place on June 27!