"Les Chevaleresses de l’Échiquier" by Mitra Hejazipour

The Chevaleresses de l’Échiquier association was founded at the beginning of 2025. It is chaired by Iranian-born Grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour, who was crowned French Champion in 2023.

"This is my third time coming to CAPECHECS. I played the Karpov Trophy in 2017 and really loved the atmosphere. The audience was very close to the players—it was super cool. Everything was perfect. I was struck by the tournament’s gender parity: there were four women and four men. Although we were playing individually, it almost felt like we were part of a women’s team. In 2019, I also took part in the Grand Prix."

The BNP Paribas Foundation as Patron

"This year, I’m not playing; I’m here as president of the Chevaleresses de l’Échiquier association. I co-founded it with my husband, Mossem, earlier this year to support French women chess players. Our goal is to achieve equal representation of women in tournaments, as well as equal prize money. Of course, it’s just the beginning. Our patron is the BNP Paribas Foundation."

In Partnership with CAPECHECS

"This summer, we awarded scholarships to several female players we selected to participate in the French Championship in Vichy. We want to help women progress in chess. We also established a partnership with CAPECHECS, with the goal of increasing the prize funds for top-performing female players. This year, the initiative covers three prizes in the Grand Prix and three in the Tournoi du Cavalier, for a total of €2,700. It’s still modest, but as I said—it’s only the beginning. Ultimately, we want female players to be able to envision a professional career. If they can’t make a decent living through chess, they won’t continue."

Quote of the Day

"I’m happy that my journey attracts media attention. I try to use it as an opportunity to promote women’s chess and to talk about the situation of women in Iran."
— Mitra Hejazipour