Daniel Naroditsky, 29, Chess Grandmaster and Educator, Dies

American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, affectionately known as “Danya,” has died at the age of 29, the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina confirmed. Born in San Mateo, California, in 1995 to immigrant parents from Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Naroditsky earned the grandmaster title at 18. He won the Under-12 World Youth Championship and the U.S. Blitz Championship, ranking among the top 200 classical and top 25 blitz players globally.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Naroditsky was celebrated as a teacher and digital ambassador. Through YouTube and Twitch, he brought chess to hundreds of thousands of fans, making complex endgames accessible while combining humor, patience, and warmth. Colleagues praised him for his generosity, humility, and the human touch he brought to teaching.

After graduating from Stanford in 2019, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he coached at the Charlotte Chess Center, mentoring countless students. He also contributed puzzles and commentary for The New York Times, emphasizing that learning never stops, even for grandmasters.

His family and the chess community mourn a player, coach, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the board. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Daniel Naroditsky leaves a legacy of brilliance and kindness, bridging elite chess with accessible teaching. His passion, generosity, and the joy he brought to millions of students and fans ensure his memory will endure.