Jessica Hyatt, a 19-year-old from Brooklyn, has become the youngest African American woman to earn the National Master title in chess. She achieved this milestone by surpassing the required rating of 2200, according to chess news sites. Hyatt’s journey began with Chess in the Schools, a program in Brooklyn
that introduces chess to underserved communities. Her accomplishments include winning the New York State Scholastic Championship in 2019 and defeating two grandmasters in 2021 and 2022, according to chess publications. She is also ranked as the No. 1 18-year-old girl in the U.S. as of 2024.
Hyatt’s achievements extend beyond her National Master title. She is recognized as one of the highest-rated African American female chess players, according to chess publications. Her victories, including those against grandmasters, have garnered her over $40,000 in scholarships. Hyatt’s success is seen as an inspiration to young players, particularly within the Black community, and she continues to strive towards her next goal of becoming a grandmaster.
