The global chess community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of American Chess Grandmaster, Daniel Naroditsky.
The news of his passing was confirmed in a post by the Charlotte Chess Center on October 20, 2025, via their official handle on X (formerly Twitter).
The club described Naroditsky as a “brilliant player, teacher, and beloved member of the chess world,” while appealing for privacy as his family grieves this tragic loss.
“The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves,” the statement read.
Though the cause of death was not disclosed, his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief, tributes, and heartfelt messages from fans and fellow chess players across the world.
About Daniel Naroditsky
Born on November 9, 1995, in San Mateo, California, Daniel Naroditsky was not only a Grandmaster but also a respected author, commentator, and educator.
He learned chess from his father, Vladimir Naroditsky, a Ukrainian-born math professor and chess instructor, while his mother, Lena Naroditsky, is an Azerbaijani concert pianist.
Naroditsky rose to prominence after winning the Under-12 World Youth Chess Championship in 2007 and later became the youngest player to win the Northern California K-12 Championship the same year.
He earned his International Master (IM) title in 2011 and became a Grandmaster (GM) in 2013 at the age of 18.
Remarkably, at just 14 years old, he authored his first book, “Mastering Positional Chess”, which remains highly regarded in chess literature.
The chess world will remember him not only for his brilliance on the board but also for his humility, mentorship, and contribution to promoting chess education globally.
🕊️ May his soul rest in peace.
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