GM Daniel Naroditsky: A Brilliant Mind Who Inspired the Chess WorldDaniel Naroditsky

With profound sadness, the community at Chess School remembers Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky—warmly known as “Danya”—a brilliant player, teacher, author, commentator and streaming pioneer whose influence transcended the board.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education of GM Daniel Naroditsky

Born on November 9, 1995, in San Mateo, California, Daniel was the son of Jewish emigrant parents—his father from Ukraine and his mother from Azerbaijan.
He learned chess at age six from his father, Vladimir, and attended Crystal Springs Uplands School. Later he earned a history degree from Stanford University in 2019.

Chess Career Highlights

Daniel’s chess résumé is remarkable:

At the age of 12, he won the Under-12 section of the 2007 World Youth Chess Championship 2007.
He progressed rapidly: FIDE Master in 2007, International Master in 2011, and Grandmaster in 2013 at only 18.
He clinched the U.S. Junior Championship in 2013, and in 2019 won the U.S. Masters Championship.
He consistently ranked among the world’s best: within the top 200 in classical chess, top 75 in rapid, and top 25 in blitz play—peaking at a 2732 FIDE blitz rating.
In August 2025, he achieved the perfect score of 14/14 at the U.S. National Blitz Championship.

Writing, Teaching & Streaming

Beyond over-the-board chess, Daniel made his mark by teaching and communicating the game:

He authored the book “Mastering Positional Chess” as a teenager.
He wrote long-running columns for Chess Life and The New York Times.
As an early pioneer of chess streaming on YouTube and Twitch, he created instructional content that inspired thousands globally.
Known for his universal style, Daniel could attack with ferocity, strategize with subtlety, and navigate endgames with precision.

Recent Activities & Legacy

He competed under handles such as “DanielNaroditsky” on Chess.com and “RebeccaHarris” on Lichess, reaching elite online leaderboards.
In 2024, he tied for first in the Swiss stage of the World Blitz Chess Championship, ultimately finishing ninth after tiebreaks.
He faced unproven and controversial cheating accusations in 2024, which he strongly denied—yet even during that turbulent period, he retained the support of leading grandmasters and a devoted fan-base.

Passing and Tribute to GM Daniel Naroditsky

Tragically, Daniel passed away on October 19, 2025, at the age of 29. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
That news sent shock-waves through the chess world; peers, students and fans mourned not only the loss of a prodigious talent, but of a gentle, generous human being.

Why We Remember GM Daniel Naroditsky

At Chess School, we honour Daniel’s memory for these reasons:

He lived chess passionately—not just as a sport, but as a way to connect, teach and inspire.
His digital outreach helped bring chess into the hearts of a new generation—streaming, explaining, mentoring.
He embodied the blend we strive for: competitor, teacher, communicator.
Even as a top-level grandmaster, he remained accessible, kind, and willing to share his knowledge.

A Message of Reflection

To readers and students of Chess School: Let Daniel Naroditsky’s journey remind us that chess is more than pieces on a board. It’s about growth, sharing, and impact.
Though he left us far too soon, his legacy lives on—in the games he played, the videos he made, the books he wrote, and the countless players he helped.
May we honour him not only by remembering his achievements, but by continuing to spread the love of the game with the same generosity he showed.

As we continue to celebrate Daniel’s legacy, we also reflect on the lessons he imparted through his dedication and humility. His passion for teaching, whether through tournaments, videos, or commentary, reminds us that the heart of chess lies not just in competition, but in learning and sharing. Daniel’s voice will continue to guide students and enthusiasts, echoing through the countless recordings, games, and words of wisdom he left behind. We hope that every player who finds joy in a single move or insight can feel the spark of inspiration that Daniel Naroditsky so freely gave.

To Daniel, we say: Thank you. Your moves and your message resonate. The chess world is richer for having had you.

— With deep respect and gratitude,
ChessSchool.In

King & Knight Boy's Crew Neck T-Shirt – Purple, 9Yrs

₹400.00

SKU: v-9xGo0CWFaVZV18YHMRQtubDWrALa8XY=

📚 Sources & References

The information in this article has been compiled from verified and reputable news outlets, tributes, and public profiles to ensure accuracy and respect for Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky’s legacy.