Announcement of New Youth Overseas Tournament Support Programs

The Japan Chess Federation will implement the following three programs targeting players who achieve outstanding results in the Japan Youth & Cadets Championship, as part of its initiatives to realize the youth development goals set out in Vision 2030.

1. Invitation Slot Allocation System
2. Travel Grant Program for Youth Players Participating in Overseas Tournaments
3. Online Coaching Arrangement Support

Through these programs, we aim to strengthen youth players by increasing opportunities to participate in international tournaments.

Invitation Slot Allocation System

Previously, winners of each category (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18) of the Japan Youth & Cadets Championship could obtain invitation slots for multiple tournaments multiple times upon request. Under this new system, one invitation slot will be allocated to each of the top three players in both the Open and Girls sections, placing emphasis on providing more top players with opportunities to gain international experience.
Players receiving invitation slots will be provided with accommodation and meals by the organizers (typically twin rooms and three meals per day).

Tournaments covered by the system (as of January 2026)

Event	Eligible Categories
FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12	U8, U10, U12 (Open, Girls)
FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships	U14, U16, U18 (Open, Girls)
Asian Youth Chess Championship	U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 (Open, Girls)
Asian Schools Chess Championship	U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 (Open, Girls)
Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship	U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 (Open, Girls)

Eligibility Conditions and Operation

After the Japan Youth & Cadets Championship, eligible players will receive a form by email to select up to three preferred tournaments from the five listed above for participation using an invitation slot. Provisional allocations will then be made, and the results will be communicated by email.
In principle, each eligible player may use only one invitation slot. However, if no other eligible players request a slot for a given tournament, the same player may be allocated additional slots.
If the top three players do not request invitation slots, or if a withdrawal occurs after allocation, slots will be reassigned to players ranked fourth or below in order of their results in the championship.
For tournaments with odd-numbered age group categories, if multiple eligible players fall within the same group, priority will be given to the higher-ranked player in the corresponding age category of the selection event. In case of a tie, the older player will be prioritized.

Notes

Even if a player is selected through an invitation slot, all expenses not covered by the organizer must be borne by the player.
Events not covered by this system:
- - FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad: As this is a team event, this system does not apply. Selection will continue to be based on the Japan Youth results as before.
  - FIDE World Junior Chess Championship, Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championship, Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships: As these are U20 events, selection will continue to be based on FIDE rating as before.

Travel Grant Program for Youth Players Participating in Overseas Tournaments

A total of 12 players (winners of each category U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, and Girls) in the Japan Youth & Cadets Championship will be eligible for partial travel grants for participation in the five tournaments listed above.
By providing partial travel support, this program aims to help players with outstanding results take on further challenges in international tournaments.

Grant Details and Application Method

A portion of transportation expenses will be subsidized within the following limits depending on the destination region. Regional classification is based on the continental classification of each country as listed on the FIDE official website.
- Asia: JPY 30,000 per tournament
- Other regions: JPY 60,000 per tournament
  Number of applications: Up to once per player per fiscal year
Within two weeks after the tournament, please contact the Japan Chess Federation (japanchess.info@gmail.com) by email. Upon receipt, an application form will be sent. After confirming the application details, the grant will be provided if the conditions are met.

Notes

For players residing outside Japan, the amount will be determined based on travel distance and other factors.

Online Coaching Arrangement Support

For Youth Players participating in the five tournaments listed above who wish to have pre-tournament preparation or post-game reviews during the event, the Federation will arrange suitable coaches capable of providing online sessions, provided there are multiple applicants.

Support Details

Pre-tournament: Group lessons.
During the tournament: Approximately 15 minutes of individual game review (post-game analysis) per person after each round.

Fees

Coaching fees are to be fully covered by the individual players.
Specific fees and session details will be determined based on the final number of participants and the assigned coach.

Notes

The duration and frequency of group lessons (estimated up to 6 hours total) will be adjusted flexibly, considering the number of applicants and cost-sharing among players.
Detailed information regarding fees and schedules will be provided individually once the number of participants is confirmed.

Effective Date

This program will apply to tournaments for which participation is decided from April 2026 onward.

Important Notes

Players registered with a JPN FIDE ID, or those planning to obtain one, are eligible.
The “fiscal year” in this program refers to the period from the conclusion of the Japan Youth & Cadets Championship to the start of the next championship.
The contents of this program may be subject to change depending on circumstances.
International tournaments may be subject to changes in venue, schedule, or other details due to international conditions and various factors.