Chess in Prison Programme by European Chess Union

With chess, even confinement can lead to freedom.
The Chess in Prison Programme, led by the European Chess Union, uses the power of chess to support rehabilitation and personal growth among inmates across Europe. Through lessons with real chess masters, tournaments, and daily practice, participants build logic, patience, and resilience—skills that extend far beyond the board. In a space often marked by limitation, chess opens up a path toward reflection, responsibility, and reintegration.