Teen Chess Star Sets a New Record
Jessica Hyatt, 19, is now the youngest Black female National Chess Master in the United States. She achieved this title after surpassing 2200 rating points, placing her among the top 30 female chess players in the country. Hyatt says her next goal is to earn the title of Grandmaster.
A Journey from Childhood Passion to Mastery
Hyatt discovered chess at just three years old while playing on a computer. She fell in love with the game instantly and never stopped learning. Her skills grew through programs at Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts in Brooklyn, where she received strong mentorship and opportunities to compete.
By 10th grade, Hyatt earned a $40,000 college scholarship for her chess achievements. In 2019, she won the Under‑1800 section at the New York State Championships with a perfect 6–0 score. The following year, she secured second place at the All‑Girls City Chess Championships, proving her rising talent.
Defeating Grandmasters and Building Confidence
Hyatt has already claimed victories against high-level players, including Grandmaster Michael Rohde in 2021 and young chess sensation Abhimanyu Mishra in 2022. These wins not only increased her confidence but also showed her potential to compete at an elite level.
With her current rating of over 2200, Hyatt is now focusing on competing in major national tournaments. She trains at the historic Marshall Chess Club in New York City and dreams of earning the Grandmaster title. “There’s always something to learn,” Hyatt says, emphasizing her dedication to growth.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Girls in Chess
Hyatt is also determined to inspire other young Black girls to take up chess. She is passionate about teaching and hopes to one day train a large group of future players. Her success shows that talent combined with hard work can break through barriers.
