About International Chess Day
International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20th, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924. The idea to celebrate this day as the international chess day was proposed by UNESCO, and it has been celebrated as such since 1966.
Video made with InVideo.
- Did you know? Chess is banned in Russian Antarctic stations, as one 1959 chess match became so heated one player attacked the other with an ice axe.
- Did you know? The first time a computer defeated a human opponent at a variant of chess was in 1956 at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. The human player had learned how to play chess one week before the game.
The Development of Chess
Similar Observances
World Athletics Day 🏅
Discover the history of World Athletics Day, celebrated every May 7th, and find out how you can get involved in the exciting world of track and field.
Read More
Read More
Other Observances on July 20th 2025
National Hot Dog Day 🌭
From its humble beginnings as a street food staple to its iconic status at baseball games and backyard barbecues, the hot dog has become a symbol of community, joy, and all things Americana.
Read More
Read More
