Chess Week 2025 Begins with a Historic Honor
It’s finally here - Pittsburgh Chess Week 2025 kicks off today! From October 1–8, our city will once again celebrate the strategy, creativity, and community that chess brings to people of all ages. What started as a local tradition in 2017 has now become one of Pittsburgh’s signature fall events, and we couldn’t be more excited about this year’s lineup with you.
A Proclamation from Mayor Ed Gainey
We’re honored to announce that Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has officially proclaimed October 1–8, 2025 as Queens Gambit Chess Institute Week in the City of Pittsburgh.
This proclamation is deeply meaningful. It recognizes not only our mission - to use chess as a tool for connection, leadership, and opportunity - but also the incredible people who make this work possible: our students, families, instructors, partners, and supporters. Pittsburgh is becoming a true chess city, and this moment shines a light on the growing movement you’ve helped us build.
64 Hours of Giving: Year Two
Chess Week also marks the return of one of our favorite traditions - 64 Hours of Giving. Inspired by the 64 squares on the chessboard, this campaign challenges our community to raise $10,000 in the first 64 hours of Chess Week.
Last year, hundreds of people came together to show their support, and the impact was felt across our programs. This year, we’re ready to do it again - bigger and bolder. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us bring chess into schools, libraries, and community spaces across Pittsburgh and beyond.
What’s Ahead
Throughout the week, you’ll see chess popping up everywhere - from open boards in Mellon Square, to pop-up events in neighborhoods, to our big downtown celebration. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re making your very first move or sharpening your strategy.
This week is about more than chess. It’s about building a city of thinkers, leaders, and community builders. It’s about celebrating what happens when people gather around a board and discover new possibilities together.
We hope you’ll join us - on the lawn at a pop-up, at our movie night, downtown for the celebration, or online during 64 Hours of Giving. However you take part, you’re helping make Pittsburgh a national leader in using chess as a force for good.
Here’s to a powerful week ahead. Let’s make our moves, together.
