The charming seaside town of Jūrmala, Latvia, once again welcomed young chess enthusiasts for the Rudaga-Kaissa Chess Festival, held from 22–27 July 2025. This FIDE-endorsed event is a true celebration of youth chess – blending high-level competition with fun activities, cultural experiences, and the relaxed atmosphere of a family holiday by the sea.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) has proudly supported the Festival for several years, recognizing its value in promoting chess among children and creating opportunities for talented young girls. This year, as in previous years, we were pleased to offer a special reward for the top-performing girls: an online training session with one of the world’s top female players, Grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva.
At 21-year-old Bibisara is already one of the vesy best, but also one of the most exciting players to follow. Most notably she is a 2-time Women’s World Blitz Champion. She was part of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam this month – competing with the world’s best like Carlsen, Caruana, Aronian, Nakamura & more – as the only female.
This unique prize our Commission provides offers much more than a lesson – it’s a chance to meet a global chess star, learn from her experience, and draw inspiration for future goals. These moments of connection can leave a lasting impact, especially on girls who are just beginning to discover their path in chess.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Tifanija Bella Jakabsone, the highest-placed girl in the A section and winner of this special training session. Remarkably, Tifanija was also the winner of this prize in 2024 – a wonderful sign of her continued progress and dedication.
Congratulations also go to Valerija Locmele, the top girl in the B section and another deserving winner of this opportunity.
The Rudaga-Kaissa Chess Festival continues to grow as a highlight of the summer chess calendar, offering young players not only strong competition but also joy, friendship, and unforgettable memories – all in the beautiful setting of Latvia’s Baltic coast.
Photos by Diana Matisone and Mark Livshitz.
