RIP Daniel

Daniel Naroditsky has sadly passed away he was a great player gone too soon 😭. We shall now mourn his death.

GM Daniel Naroditsky, the popular U.S. grandmaster, commentator, creator, educator, and author, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday at the age of only 29. The news has sent shockwaves around the chess community, which is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved and influential voices.

The devastating news was first shared by Naroditsky's club, Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday, and confirmed by Chess.com with multiple sources.

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend.

We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us honor Daniel by remembering his passion for chess and the inspiration he brought to us all.

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. pic.twitter.com/otNdUxDKtL

— Charlotte Chess Center (@CLTchesscenter) October 20, 2025

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Chess.com's Chief Chess Officer (CCO) IM Danny Rensch worked closely with Naroditsky during several major Chess.com events, and said: "Danya was more than an amazing, inspirational face of our game, he was a friend and brother. The news is devastating for the chess world and all who knew him. It’s impossible to put words to this kind of loss. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family," he said.

The news is devastating for the chess world and all who knew him. It’s impossible to put words to this kind of loss.
—Danny Rensch, Chess.com CCO

let’s take a moment of silences to remember him…