Susan Polgar Foundation

♟️ About Susan Polgar Foundation

The Susan Polgar Foundation (SPF) is a United States-based nonprofit chess organization founded by Grandmaster Susan Polgar in 2002. Its mission centers on promoting the educational, social, and competitive benefits of chess for young people, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for girls. The foundation organizes national youth competitions, supports chess education, and works with chess organizations around the United States. SPF is especially associated with the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational, the Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys, and elite events connected with the SPICE Cup. Its programs combine competitive chess with educational development and have created pathways from scholastic competition to high-level national and international play. The foundation also promotes chess as a tool for developing concentration, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and other transferable skills. Susan Polgar remains the foundation’s President and Founder and is the primary public figure associated with its programs. In 2026, SPF continued its national tournament activity with the 23rd Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational in June. Moreover, the foundation is preparing two major November events in Bellevue, Washington: the 21st Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys and the 20th Annual SPICE Cup Open.

📜 History and Development

Susan Polgar established the foundation in 2002 to expand access to chess and use the game as an educational and competitive tool for young players. In particular, the organization has maintained a strong focus on increasing opportunities for girls in chess. The Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational began in 2004 and has since been staged in several US cities as well as online. Its historical host locations have included Phoenix, Oakbrook, Lubbock, Webster Groves, and online platforms. Consequently, the event has developed into one of the foundation’s longest-running programs. The foundation later expanded its tournament portfolio through the Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys and through support for SPICE competitions. These events provide different competitive pathways, from scholastic sections to tournaments where experienced titled players can pursue international norms.

👧 Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational

The 23rd Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational took place online on June 6–7, 2026. The event was open to eligible young female players residing in the United States, with state chess federations able to nominate representatives. Competition began with a six-round Swiss tournament. Afterward, the leading four players advanced to a playoff stage using short matches and, when necessary, Armageddon games to determine the result. The Invitational has a long record of bringing together strong young female players. Previous champions include players from the United States and several other countries, while recent winners have included Ruiyang Yan, who won the 2025 edition with 5.5/6.

🏆 National Open for Girls and Boys

The Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys (SPFNO) was created in 2006 to provide additional national-level competition for young chess players. The event includes both open and girls’ sections and combines championship competition with additional scholastic sections. The 21st SPF National Open is scheduled for November 7–8, 2026, at the Hilton Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington. The championship program includes K–5, K–8, and K–12 Open and Girls sections. These sections will use a five-round Swiss format with a G/60 +30 time control, while the K–12 sections will also receive FIDE rating. Additional one-day scholastic sections will accommodate younger and developing players. Moreover, the program includes workshops, blitz, puzzle-solving activities, a simul, and educational sessions. The 2026 edition is being organized operationally with the Washington Chess Federation, whose president Josh Sinanan serves as Chief Organizer.

🌍 SPICE Cup

The foundation also supports the SPICE Cup, an elite tournament series associated with the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence. The 20th Annual SPICE Cup Open is scheduled for November 4–9, 2026, at Hilton Bellevue. The event is co-hosted by the Susan Polgar Foundation and Washington Chess Federation. The tournament will use a nine-round Swiss format and will receive both US Chess and FIDE rating. Entry is restricted to sufficiently high-rated players, and GM, IM, WGM, and WIM norms are possible. In addition, the tournament offers a $12,500 guaranteed prize fund, including special prizes for the top female player and top senior.

🎓 Chess Education and Youth Development

Beyond tournament organization, the Susan Polgar Foundation promotes chess as an educational activity. Its programs emphasize skills such as logical thinking, concentration, planning, decision-making, pattern recognition, and perseverance. The foundation has developed several initiatives around youth chess and educational outreach. Its broader project history includes instructional resources, programs designed to encourage girls to participate in competitive chess, and cooperation with schools and other chess organizations. The combination of educational work and structured competition remains central to SPF’s approach. Therefore, players can progress from introductory scholastic chess to national invitational events and, for stronger competitors, elite FIDE-rated tournaments.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

GM Susan Polgar serves as President and Founder of the Susan Polgar Foundation. She has remained directly involved in the foundation’s tournament and educational programs and regularly participates in seminars, workshops, simultaneous exhibitions, and other activities connected with SPF events. Paul Truong is Co-Founder and Vice President. The foundation also maintains a board that includes professionals from chess, business, law, media, and other fields. The organization works with local and state chess partners when staging major events. Its 2026 partnership with the Washington Chess Federation, for example, supports both the Susan Polgar Foundation National Open and the SPICE Cup in Bellevue.