Queens Gambit and Duolingo Bring the Duo Cup Summer Chess Challenge to Pittsburgh Youth

The second tournament in the citywide Duo Cup series will give young players an inclusive opportunity to compete, build confidence, and strengthen their strategic-thinking skills

PITTSBURGH, PA - July 14, 2026 - Queens Gambit Chess Institute, in partnership with Duolingo, will host the Duo Cup Summer Chess Challenge on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Winchester Thurston School.

Open to students in grades 2–8, the Summer Chess Challenge is the second event in the Duo Cup, a four-part youth tournament series designed to make competitive chess more accessible, engaging, and community-centered for Pittsburgh’s next generation of players.

The tournament welcomes students of all experience levels, including those participating in their first formal chess competition. Players will compete in multiple rounds of non-elimination play, giving every student the opportunity to remain involved throughout the tournament while practicing sportsmanship, strategic thinking, confidence, and leadership.

“Chess gives young people the opportunity to make decisions, adapt when a plan changes, and keep moving forward after a difficult moment,” said Ashley Lynn Priore, Founder and CEO of Queens Gambit. “The Summer Chess Challenge creates an environment where students can practice those skills while connecting with other young players from across Pittsburgh.”

The Duo Cup launched in May with the Community Chess Classic at The Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, bringing together students from throughout the region for a welcoming and beginner-friendly tournament experience. The Summer Chess Challenge will build on that momentum while continuing to expand access to structured chess competition.

Rather than focusing solely on wins and losses, the Duo Cup encourages students to approach each game as an opportunity to learn, grow, and try a new strategy. Trained instructors and tournament staff will be available throughout the event to support participants and help create a positive experience for players and families.

The tournament series represents a shared commitment to using chess as a tool for youth development and community engagement. Two additional Duo Cup events are planned for later this year, including a tournament during Chess Week Pittsburgh in October and a final event in December.

Chess Week Pittsburgh will be a citywide celebration of chess, strategy, and community featuring public tournaments, neighborhood chess activities, community partnerships, and opportunities to support expanded youth programming.

“The energy at our first Duo Cup showed us how excited young people are to learn, compete, and be part of a larger chess community,” Priore said. “We’re continuing to build a series where every student feels welcomed, challenged, and proud of what they accomplish.”

The Duo Cup Summer Chess Challenge is open to students in grades 2–8 of all skill and experience levels.

For more information about the Duo Cup and upcoming events, visit www.qgchess.org/duocup.

For media inquiries, please contact info@qgchess.org.