♟️ About the Susan Polgar Foundation

The Susan Polgar Foundation is a nonprofit chess organization founded by Grandmaster Susan Polgar in 2002. The foundation promotes the educational, social, and competitive benefits of chess across the United States. It places particular emphasis on creating opportunities for children and young players, especially girls. Through its programs, the organization presents chess as both a competitive sport and a practical educational tool. It highlights skills such as critical thinking, concentration, planning, decision-making, discipline, memory, and perseverance. Susan Polgar serves as the foundation’s president and founder, while Paul Truong serves as co-founder and vice president.

🏆 Tournaments and Player Development

The foundation has developed and supported several established national chess events. These include the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational, the Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys, the Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and Boys, and the Get Smart! Play Chess! tournament series. In addition, it supports elite competitions such as the SPICE Cup and SPICE Spring Invitational. These events provide competitive opportunities for scholastic players, strong juniors, titled players, and international norm seekers. Moreover, several foundation programs offer recognition, scholarships, training opportunities, and pathways for talented players to continue their development. The foundation also provides educational materials and promotes the inclusion of chess in schools and community programs.

🌍 SPICE Cup and Chess Promotion

The Susan Polgar Foundation co-hosts the 20th Annual SPICE Cup Open 2026 with the Washington Chess Federation. The SPICE Cup has developed into a respected international competition for strong players and title-norm seekers. The 2026 edition features a nine-round Swiss tournament with both FIDE and US Chess rating. Furthermore, GM, IM, WGM, and WIM norms may become available when the final field and individual performances meet all FIDE requirements. The foundation contributes the SPICE Cup tradition, international profile, and connection with Susan Polgar’s wider chess-development work. Meanwhile, the Washington Chess Federation manages major parts of the local organization and participant communication in Bellevue. Together, the two organizations combine elite competition with broader chess promotion and player development.