2027 EU Chess Academy - Expression of Interest

The Chess Academy Europe is a one-of-a-kind programme open to all students across universities in the EU and the UK, whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love the game. In partnership with Team Liquid, IMC is bringing together the brightest student chess players in Europe for a chance to qualify through an online Swiss-format tournament on Chess.com and, if you advance, travel to Amsterdam to compete in the championship finals against the best student players on the continent.

This is more than a chess tournament. It's an opportunity to step inside one of the world's leading trading firms, connect with IMC's traders, researchers and technologists, and experience what it's like to think fast, compete hard, and perform under pressure.

• Compete at the highest level: Qualify through an online Swiss-format tournament on Chess.com and, if you advance, travel to Amsterdam to compete in the championship finals against the best student players in Europe.
• Play a world-class grandmaster: All finalists take part in a showmatch experience with an elite grandmaster — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit across the board from one of the game's best.
• Learn from the best: Finalists will take part in an exclusive masterclass led by top grandmasters, an opportunity to hear how the world's elite players think about the game.
• Go behind the scenes at IMC: Tour IMC's Amsterdam office and get a firsthand look at the environment where some of the world's fastest and most sophisticated trading takes place.
• Build your network: Connect directly with IMC traders, researchers, technologists, and recruiters.

Open to all enrolled students regardless of chess rating or experience level, and all majors and academic backgrounds. Applications aren't open yet — register your interest through the form below and we'll be in touch in January when applications open.