Breaking Barriers on the Board: Jessica Hyatt Becomes a National Chess Master

At just 19 years old, Brooklyn native Jessica Hyatt has made history as one of the most promising young chess talents in the United States. In a field long dominated by male and non-Black players, Jessica has emerged as a force—becoming only the second Black woman in U.S. history to earn the prestigious title of National Chess Master. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but a symbol of progress for diversity and representation in the world of competitive chess.

A Journey That Started at Nine

Jessica’s introduction to chess began at the age of nine through the “Chess in the Schools” program in New York City. This public-school initiative introduces thousands of students to the game, fostering critical thinking, discipline, and academic excellence. From the start, Jessica showed a natural aptitude for strategy and a deep love for the game.

Her coaches quickly noticed her potential, and with mentorship and dedication, she started climbing the competitive ranks. By high school, she was a standout competitor, winning the New York State Scholastic Championship and placing in multiple national tournaments.

Making History in a Male-Dominated Field

The title of National Master is a prestigious designation awarded by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) to players who achieve a rating of at least 2200. Jessica reached this milestone after years of training, tournament competition, and steady rating increases. Her journey is particularly notable as she becomes only the second Black woman in U.S. history to earn the title. The first, Medina Parrilla, achieved the title in 2006.

Hyatt’s peak rating of 2007 in 2024 placed her among the top-ranked African American female chess players of all time. With this achievement, she not only joined an elite class of players but also became the highest-rated Black female chess player in history at the time of her recognition.

Scholarship and Recognition

In recognition of her talent and promise, Jessica has been awarded multiple scholarships—including a notable $40,000 award. She attended the Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts in Manhattan, where she balanced academics and her chess career.

Her accolades have drawn the attention of major media outlets and chess institutions alike. She has competed in international tournaments, defeating established grandmasters such as Michael Rohde and Abhimanyu Mishra, and drawing with high-ranking players in youth championships around the world.

A Role Model in the Making

Beyond the trophies and titles, Jessica Hyatt is committed to paying it forward. She has spoken about her aspirations to teach chess to children in underserved communities, hoping to replicate the same opportunities she was given. In 2024, she hosted a simultaneous exhibition match at the Detroit Institute of Arts, where she played and defeated multiple challengers at once—a tradition among elite players.

Her commitment to mentorship and representation in chess has made her a role model for young Black girls who may have never seen someone like themselves at the top of this intellectual sport.

The Bigger Picture

Chess, often seen as the domain of the privileged or elite, has long lacked racial and gender diversity at its upper levels. Jessica’s accomplishment disrupts that narrative, proving that brilliance knows no bounds. Her success sends a powerful message: the future of chess is more diverse, inclusive, and dynamic than ever before.

As she continues her education and her chess career, Jessica Hyatt is not just playing the game—she’s changing it.

Sources:

• Wikipedia – Jessica Hyatt

• The Chess Drum – Jessica Hyatt Earns National Master Title

• Liberty Science Center – Gala 2024

• Chess in the Schools

• US Chess Federation