The Chess Academy of Armenia was founded in 2002 on the initiative of grandmaster Smbat Lputian. Based on Shevchenko Street in Yerevan, it trains young players, runs a chess in schools programme and operates its own academy chess club. Students take part in national and international tournaments. Classes for young players are free, which keeps the game open to families across the city. Parents and prospective students can call the academy or write to info@chessacademy.am, and the chessacademy.am website lists departmental contacts.