The global chess community continues to mourn the profound loss of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. In response, the Charlotte Chess Center (CCC), where Naroditsky served as Grandmaster-In-Residence since 2019, has launched a campaign to establish a permanent, self-sustaining endowment in his honor. This ambitious effort aims to secure the future of elite chess development and over-the-board competition in the United States, embodying the values and dedication that defined Naroditsky’s life.
The Vision: A $4 Million Endowment for Enduring Impact
The central objective of the campaign is to raise $4,000,000 to create the permanent Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Endowment. The strategic decision to establish an endowment, rather than relying on annual fundraising cycles, is purely technical: the principal amount is invested and preserved, while the generated annual returns fund the programs indefinitely. This structure ensures long-term stability and guarantees that Daniel Naroditsky’s influence will shape the sport for future generations without susceptibility to economic downturns or fluctuating donor enthusiasm.
Early contributions underscore the community`s commitment, having already exceeded $550,000. This foundational support includes significant pledges of $100,000 each from the Charlotte Chess Center and Chess.com, alongside contributions from prominent figures such as GM Hikaru Nakamura, Eric Rosen, and Alexandra Botez.
Two Pillars of Legacy
The endowment is designed to fund two distinct, yet complementary, initiatives reflecting Naroditsky’s dedication to both competitive chess and educational mentorship.
1. The Naroditsky Memorial Blitz & Rapid Championship (The Tournament)
Daniel Naroditsky frequently voiced his desire to see more high-caliber over-the-board (OTB) blitz and rapid competitions. The annual Memorial Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to fulfill this wish. The event is conceived to attract globally ranked elite Grandmasters—potentially those within the world`s top ten—while simultaneously welcoming hundreds, if not thousands, of amateur participants. This dual focus ensures the tournament serves as both a stage for world-class competition and a community gathering, celebrating the format of chess Naroditsky cherished most.
The Charlotte Chess Center will manage all aspects of organization, logistics, and invitations, positioning the event as a guaranteed highlight on the international chess calendar.
2. The Naroditsky Fellowship (The Scholarship)
Beyond his playing career, Naroditsky was a highly valued coach and mentor who championed students serious about realizing their full potential. The Naroditsky Fellowship is a scholarship program designed to provide resources and financial support to high-achieving young players committed to pursuing excellence at the highest level.
The fellowship will specifically target talented students in the Charlotte region, alongside other promising players across the United States, providing them the necessary stability and resources to focus on professional development in chess. This program is a direct continuation of Naroditsky’s commitment to guiding the next generation of American chess professionals.
Investment in Perpetuity: Why the Initial $4 Million is Crucial
The success of the Memorial Tournament and the impact of the Fellowship hinge entirely on the initial capital goal. Endowments require a robust principal to generate sufficient reliable annual income to sustain elite programs indefinitely.
Achieving the $4,000,000 target ensures the fund can:
- Provide consistent and substantial annual financial support for the Fellowship recipients.
- Maintain the high quality and international prestige of the annual Blitz and Rapid tournament.
- Operate with financial certainty, removing the need for unpredictable yearly fundraising campaigns.
- Protect the integrity and longevity of Daniel Naroditsky`s memorial for decades to come.
This founding period is a unique, one-time effort to build the bedrock of the entire structure. Every dollar contributed during this time is channeled directly into the endowment principal, serving as an investment in a legacy—one built not of fleeting sentiment, but of organized passion, rigorous education, and unwavering community support for the future of chess.
Benedict Kingsley