The Charlotte Chess Center, the Charlotte Chess Center Foundation, along with GM Daniel Naroditsky‘s family, have launched the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund today, to honor the memory and legacy of the grandmaster.
Naroditsky’s tragic passing on October 19 sent shockwaves through the global chess community, and nowhere more so than in Charlotte, where he was a cherished coach and member. Today, the Chess Center has announced a memorial fund in his name to continue the work and values he championed.
The goal is to raise $4,000,000 to fund two major initiatives and to honor Naroditsky’s legacy:
1. The Naroditsky Memorial Blitz & Rapid
An annual over-the-board tournament held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event aims to attract the world’s top players—including those ranked in the global top ten—while also welcoming hundreds of amateur participants.
2. The Naroditsky Fellowship
A scholarship program supporting talented young chess players pursuing excellence at the highest level. Daniel deeply valued students who were serious about reaching their full potential and took pride in guiding them on that path.
“This initiative does not seek retribution; rather, it aims to create a positive legacy that Danya cared so deeply about. Supporting this fund speaks louder than engaging in negativity and allows Danya’s passion and vision to continue making an impact for decades to come,” Charlotte Chess Center Founding Executive Director Peter Giannatos said.
Supporting this fund speaks louder than engaging in negativity and allows Danya’s passion and vision to continue making an impact for decades to come.
—Peter Giannatos, Charlotte Chess Center Founder
Danya’s legacy and contributions to chess are immense. Chess.com is honored to support the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund with a $100,000 donation, helping to celebrate his legacy and inspire generations of players for years to come.
IM Danny Rensch, Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer (CCO), said, “A friend to many and a teacher to all. Danya, you will be deeply missed, never forgotten, and your passion for the game will always be with us.”
Chess.com’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Erik Allebest, said, “Danya’s love for chess and passion for teaching represented the very best of the chess community. May we all learn from his example.”
Early support for these initiatives has already exceeded $350,000, with the Charlotte Chess Center and Chess.com contributing $100,000 each. Other donors include GM Hikaru Nakamura, IM Eric Rosen, WFM Alexandra Botez, IM John Bartholomew, as well as personal contributions from Rensch and Allebest.
If you wish to contribute you can go to the direct giving link, or scan the QR-code below. In the U.S., you can also text-to-give with DANYA to 53-555.
