Susan Polgar Presents Rebel Queen Awards at National Chess Championship
Susan Polgar Foundation Announces Rebel Queen Award at National Chess Championship
Bellevue, WA – November 22, 2025 – The Susan Polgar Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural Rebel Queen Award, to be presented at the upcoming Susan Polgar National Open Championship for Girls and Boys (SPFNO), which will take place from November 19-24, 2025, at the Hilton Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington.
This year, Grandmaster Susan Polgar—a pioneering chess champion often described as the "real Beth Harmon" of Netflix's The Queen’s Gambit—celebrates the publication of her best-selling memoir, The Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster. The book chronicles Susan’s rise to the top of the chess world against formidable odds and celebrates women who break glass ceilings, make a difference, and embody what it means to be true Rebel Queens in their chosen fields.
In recognition of outstanding women who demonstrate these qualities, the Susan Polgar Foundation is pleased to present the Rebel Queen Award. The Foundation extends a special invitation to attend the award presentation in person at SPFNO, the country’s premier scholastic chess event, expected to attract over a thousand participants from around the globe and secure extensive media attention throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Award Presentation Details:
• Dates: November 22, 2025 @ 300PM
• Venue: Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Award Recipients:
Claire Sumadiwirya is a visionary leader and Bellevue City Council member with 30+ years of experience in social enterprise and community service. As CEO of Bellden Ventures, she established Bellevue’s first mission-driven café, partnering with nonprofits and advancing workforce development for marginalized groups. Claire champions inclusive growth and civic leadership.
Orna Berryman is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years at leading companies including Google, Meta, VMware, Electronic Arts, Nvidia, and Intel. She is a dedicated advocate for women in tech, fostering leadership, inclusion, and community impact through STEM education and LGBTQ+ support.
"The Rebel Queen Award honors women who, through grit and excellence, shatter barriers and inspire future generations," said Susan Polgar. “Chess has always been more than just a game—it’s a platform for pursuing equality, and I hope this award inspires more Rebel Queens to follow their own paths".
Attendees of SPFNO can witness this prestigious award ceremony while celebrating the international spirit and diversity that chess uniquely brings together.
Media Contact: Susan Polgar Foundation
info@polgarfoundation.com
About Susan Polgar: Susan Polgar is a Grandmaster, Olympic/World Chess Champion, award-winning author, and advocate for gender equality in chess. As Chairperson of the Susan Polgar Foundation, she has helped transform the landscape of chess for young players, especially girls, offering scholarships and organizing tournaments to promote talent and opportunity worldwide.
