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Our community at Webster University believes transformative academic experiences begin with prioritizing research, technology and accessibility. At Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE), we believe college chess is the critical component that merges these necessary components with skill.
By working and assisting one another, we have become a premier center for chess education and outreach.
SPICE's Mission
Our mission is to be a leader in promoting chess as a vehicle for enriching the education of children; be a leader in promoting women’s chess; recruit outstanding students to the University; earn national and international recognition for the University; support and promote competitive chess at the college level; and to support our nation’s most elite chess program.
20th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational
June 20-25, 2023 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)
Since 2003, the Susan Polgar Foundation, through our supporters, donors and partners, has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and prizes!
About the Event
The Annual SPF Girls’ Invitational (SPFGI), now in its 20th year, is the most prestigious All-Girls event in the United States. It is also the first All-Girls event approved and sanctioned by the U.S. Chess Federation back in 2003. It is an international invitational event and will be held at the Webster University campus in St. Louis, Missouri.
Each state affiliate (as well as DC, with CA-N and CA-S, counting as two separate affiliates), is allowed to nominate two representatives.
Official representatives should be nominated by April 15, 2023. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, the SPFGI Committee may select a candidate from that state. An official alternate may be selected by the organizers for each representative by April 25, 2023. Nominated players should confirm their participation by officially registering via the event form by April 30, 2023.
Special qualifying events: The Susan Polgar Foundation (SPF) will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual SPF National Open for Girls.
The SPFGI Committee and its members may elect to award a limited number of wild cards each year for the SPF Girls’ Invitational.
Eligibility: All participants should be under the age of 19 as of Jan. 1 of the year in which the tournament is held (regardless if they are in elementary, middle or high school, or even college or university). For 2023, this means players must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2004.
There is no entry fee to participate in the 2023 SPFGI.
The organization will provide complimentary on-campus accommodations to:
a) One official nominee per state affiliate who qualified through a qualification
tournament or has a minimum of 1600 USCF or FIDE rating;
b) All 2100+ USCF or FIDE-rated players (any list January through April 2023);
c) Champions of a prior SPFGI;
d) Winner of the high school section at the 2022 SPFNO
For all others, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster University’s campus. All players are responsible for their own travel.
Please note that all accommodation fees MUST be paid, if applicable, no later than May 15, 2023, through the accomodation form (opens in new window).
All past participants (representing USA federation with FIDE) of the SPNI and SPFGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004–2022) are invited to participate in the 2023 SPFGI and its side events.
Alumnae under the age of 19, can participate in all events just as qualifiers do. Alumnae born prior to Jan. 1, 2004 will have a separate Alumnae Blitz Championship on June 22 and can also participate in the training session, Bughouse and Puzzle Solving competitions.
Event format: 6 rounds, G/90+30, FIDE and USCF rated championship (FIDE rules will apply).
All SPFGI participants are expected to take part in the Blitz (5+0) and Puzzle Solving competitions, while the Bughouse event is optional.
Trophies/plaques will be awarded to the winners of the SPFGI Puzzle Solving, Blitz, Bughouse and SPFGI Championship, as well as Top Under 10 and 13. Co-Champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy (Co-Champion’s award to be sent after the event, if needed).
The Champion (or Co-Champions) of the main event will automatically be considered as a personal qualifier(s) and be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement) at the 2024 SPFGI.
SPFGI Champion: Webster University full tuition and fees scholarship** (approximately $28,000+ per year x 4 years) + Champion’s Cup
2nd place: Webster University scholarship** (approximately $18,000+ per year x 4 years) + trophy
3rd place: Webster University scholarship ** (approximately $14,000+ per year x 4 years) + trophy
In case of a tie, a playoff will be used to determine the scholarship amount. For
other ties, standard FIDE tiebreak methods will apply (C.02 11.5.3).
** The scholarships to Webster University must be exercised no later than Fall of 2027, and are not transferable. These scholarships cannot be combined with other academic scholarships or stacked. If players won scholarships in past events, they can choose to exercise the highest one. Regular academic admission criteria applies.
Additional cash prizes:
1st place = $4,000
2nd place = $2,000
3rd place = $1,000
4th place = $500
Top under 13 = $500
Top under 10 = $500
Special prizes:
Triple-Crown Champion (main event, Blitz and Puzzle Solving) = $1,000
Perfect Triple-Crown Champion (winning all three by the score of 10/10 in Blitz, 20/20
in Puzzle Solving, 6/6 in main event) = $2,500
Brilliancy prize = $100
Biggest upset prize (each round) = $50 x 6 rounds = $300
Best dressed player = $100
Best written essay about the SPFGI experience = $100
In the event of a tie, cash prizes will be split.
Eligibility for the special U-10 and U-13 prizes are for girls born after Jan. 1, 2013 and 2010, respectively.
The Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including the District of Columbia,) represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. If no qualifier is held, rating criteria is also acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state without a state affiliate to the U.S. Chess Federation should contact the SPFGI Committee as soon as possible.
Tuesday, June 20 - Arrival Day
Wednesday, June 21
9 a.m. - noon: Seminar and Training
2 - 2:30 p.m.: Puzzle Solving Championship
3 p.m.: Blitz Championship
7:30 p.m.: Bughouse Championship
Thursday, June 22
1 p.m.: Opening Ceremony
2 p.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 1
Alumnae Blitz Tournament (Time TBD)
(for alumnae born before Jan. 1, 2004)
Friday, June 23
9:30 a.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 2
3 p.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 3
Saturday, June 24
9:30 a.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 4
3 p.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 5
Sunday, June 25
9 a.m.: SPFGI Championship Round 6
2 p.m.: Closing Ceremony
3 p.m.: Departure
The SPFGI Committee Chairperson is Dr. Judit Sztaray (CA-N).
NOTICE TO ALL STATE AFFILIATE OFFICIALS:
Please send the nomination from your state/province/country to the SPFGI Committee
at PolgarCommittee@gmail.com.
Contact information in regard to event accommodation and other logistical questions:
Annastasia Wyzywany at 314-246-8075 or email awyzywany@webster.edu.
April 15, 2023 — Event organizer receive nominations from state affiliates.
April 25, 2023 — Event organizer find alternates from states with no nomination.
April 30, 2023 — All nominated players should confirm participation by registering via the event form.
May 15, 2023 — All applicable fees must be paid.
Chess Summer Camps 2023
June 17-19, 2023
Ages 5-18
Due to popular demand, SPICE is introducing a special all-girl summer camp just before the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational. It is a fun way to introduce chess to newcomers of the game, as well as deepen the understanding of the game for intermediate or advanced players.
All instructors are members of the SPICE team (including GMs and WGMs) and will teach based on Susan Polgar’s world-class curriculum.
Times:
- All Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Morning only: 9 a.m.–Noon
Where: Webster University, SPICE Office, Luhr Building, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119
Food and Snacks: Snacks will be provided. Students should bring their own lunch.
Registration Costs
Before May 15: All Day: $299; Morning Only: $169
After May 15: All Day: $339; Morning Only: $189
Register and Pay
Register online or send registration form and payment to Webster University SPICE, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119.
Contact Info
For more information, send an email to Annastasia Wyzywany at awyzywany@webster.edu or call 314-246-8075.
REGISTER FOR ALL-GIRL SUMMER CAMP
If necessary, SPICE reserves the right to close registration when full or cancel the class for any reason.
Camp 1 Dates: June 13-16, 2023
Camp 2 Dates: Aug. 8-11, 2023
Ages 5-15
The SPICE Chess Summer Camp is a fun way to introduce chess to newcomers of the game, as well as deepen the understanding of the game for intermediate or advanced players. SPICE (Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence) at Webster University is the No. 1 ranked collegiate chess program in the United States. The SPICE team won eight of the past 10 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Championships and seven consecutive College Chess Final Four Championships from 2011–2017.
All instructors are members of the SPICE team (including GMs) and will teach based on Susan Polgar’s world-class curriculum.
Times:
- All day: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Morning only: 9 a.m.–Noon
Where: Webster University, SPICE Office, Luhr Building, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119
Food and Snacks: Snacks will be provided. Students should bring their own lunch.
Registration Costs
Before May 1: Full Day: $359; Morning Onliy: $199.
After May 1: Full Day: $449; Morning Only: $249.
Register and Pay
Please register online or send registration form and payment to:
Webster University SPICE, 470 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119.
Contact Info
For more information, email Annastasia Wyzywany at awyzywany@webster.edu or call 314-246-8075.
REGISTER FOR Summer CAMP Online Payment for SPICE Camp
If necessary, SPICE reserves the right to close registration when full or cancel the class for any reason.
Chess Excellence Scholarship Applications
At Webster, we welcome those students interested in competing in local, national and international chess tournaments to apply for our scholarships. Those students wanting to apply must be at the main campus (Webster Groves/St. Louis, USA) and should do so by the Friday before the term begins.
Webster University Chess Team
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Benjamin Gledura
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Aram Hakobyan
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John Burke
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Yuniesky Quesada Perez
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Gergely Kantor
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Anna Sargsyan
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Annamaria Marjanovic
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Ezra Chambers
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David Zhurbinsky
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Joshua Figueroa
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Jonathon Singler
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Yasser Quesada Perez
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The Webster University Chess Team is proud to list the following alumni:
- GM Wesley So
- GM Liem Le
- GM Ray Robson
- GM Illya Nyzhnyk
- GM Lazaro Bruzon
- GM Aleksandr Lenderman
- GM Georg Meier
- GM Jorge Cori
- GM Vasif Durarbayli
- GM Aleksandr Shimanov
- GM Emilio Cordova
- GM Jose Martinez
- GM Peter Prohaszka
- GM Denes Boros
- GM Manuel Leon Hoyos
- GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez
- GM Anatoly Bykhovsky
- GM Ashwin Jayaram
- GM Priyadharshan Kannappan
- GM Andre Diamant
- IM Yuriy Krykun
- IM Vitaly Neimer
- IM Eric Rosen
- IM Justus Williams
- IM Aaron Grabinsky
- IM Brian Escalante
- IM / WGM Irene Sukandar
- WGM Anna Sharevich
- WGM Katerina Nemcova
- WIM Inna Agrest
- FM Joshua Colas
- WFM Luisa Fernanda Mercado
- Tom Polgar-Shutzman
- Roman Kozelov
- Kenneth Fernandez
- Shawn Swindell
- Kaleb Gosdin
- Hannah ( Tori) Whatley
- Reggie Jackson
A Chesterfield resident, Liem Le is originally from Vietnam, where he was honored by Forbes Vietnam as 30 under 30 (2015). Le became a Chess Grandmaster at 15 years old and the World Blitz Champion at 22 years old. He has been the No. 1 ranked chess player in Vietnam and Southeast Asia since 2009. He is currently the No. 20 ranked chess player worldwide.
Le previously served as captain of the top-ranked Webster chess team (2015 to 2017). He won four consecutive Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Championships and Final Four Championships with Webster from 2013 to 2017. From June 2021, Le has been the Director of SPICE and the Head Coach of Webster University Chess Team.
Coach Le is considered the youngest and highest ranked collegiate grandmaster head coach in the U.S. He has coached more than 100 students, including many Grandmasters with remarkable success.
Chess Accomplishments:
- Winner of World Blitz Championship 2013
- Winner of Biel Grand Master Triathlon (GMT) 2022
- Top 4 of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour 2022
- Winner of Asian Continental Championship 2019
- Winner of World Open 2019
- Winner of Saint Louis Summer Classic 2019
- Winner of ACP Tour 2019
- Winner of Bay Area International Open 2019
- 2-time winner of SPICE Cup (2011, 2015)
- 3-time winner of HD Bank Open (2013, 2015, 2017)
- 2-time winner of Aeroflot Open (2010, 2011)
- 2-time winner of Zone 3.3 FIDE World Chess Championship (2007, 2015)
- Winner of Kolkata Open 2009
- Winner of Lishui Open 2009
- 2-time winner of Dragon Capital Open (2008, 2009)
- Team Gold Medal at 2008 Olympiad Group B
Notable Recognition:
- Awarded three Labor Orders by the President of Vietnam (2006, 2011, 2013)
- Awarded the title Blitz Player of the Year by Asian Chess Federation (2013)
- Forbes Vietnam 30 Under 30 (2015)
Susan Polgar was the top-ranked female chess player in the world at the age of 15. In 1991, she became one of the first women to be awarded the title of Grandmaster by The International Chess Federation (FIDE). Polgar was Women’s World Champion from 1996 to 1999. She won 11 medals at the Women’s Chess Olympiad (4 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze). She founded the SPICE Institute in 2007 and was the Director of SPICE and the Head Coach of Webster University Chess Team from 2012 to 2021, with a successful track record. After her retirement in May 2021, Polgar became the Director Emeritus of SPICE.
In 2022, Webster University became the first in the nation to launch a Chess in Education Minor. It is an 18-credit minor focused on developing chess educators academically and professionally, bridging the access gap between K-12 chess education and professional pursuits. Students who embark on this academic path will learn how to teach chess as a sport and an academic discipline while identifying and solving gaps in the field through projects. These future chess educators will be able to identify and socially advocate for areas that need progress, such as sustainable scholastic programming, women’s chess, research best practices and more.
Courses are internationally available online, in which students will develop skill sets such as a global perspective, research familiarization and analysis, writing and teaching curriculum, educational technology literacy, and community-based programming. As each student’s interests and backgrounds may be unique, core courses will teach chess through various disciplines such as education, history, business, psychology, and technology. In contrast, the elective courses promote passion projects, certification training, professional networking and skill practice. Each content area is critical to transforming chess students into globally focused leaders dedicated to improving communities worldwide through chess education.
Learn more about the minor in Chess and its degree requirements.
Discover chess using Susan Polgar’s comprehensive free training guide (PDF opens in new tab).
Spotlight on SPICE
Coach Liem Le demonstrates the "blitz" game, playing against a journalist from a St. Louis-area TV news broadcast after the team won two national collegiate titles in rapid chess in November 2022.
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