FIDE opened registration for ChessMom 2026, expanding a program that debuted at last year's Budapest Olympiad. The initiative funds travel, accommodation, and childcare for professional women players competing at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
The setup is straightforward. Mothers get financial and logistical support to bring their children and a caregiver to the tournament. This removes a massive barrier that keeps talented female players off the board during their parenting years.
Budapest proved the concept works. Mothers showed up, competed seriously, and the chess world didn't collapse. Now FIDE is doubling down.
The registration window is early, which gives the Women's Chess Commission time to plan properly. They need headcount to arrange housing, coordinate caregiving rotations, and budget travel costs. The more mothers register now, the better FIDE can structure the program.
This matters because women's chess loses players to motherhood all the time. Elite female players face a choice most male competitors never do: pause your career or skip family. ChessMom doesn't solve everything, but it removes one excuse. A strong player shouldn't have to choose between competing and being present for her kids.
If you're a mother and a player, register. If you know someone who is, send them the link.