Welcome to the inaugural Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz!

This weekend, top players, creators, and fans have gathered here in Charlotte, and online from all over the world, for a world-class tournament to celebrate Danya's life and his unmatched passion for the game.

Earlier this year, the chess community raised over $1.1 million to launch the Naroditsky Memorial & Fellowship Endowment. Because of that incredible initial support, we get to make a massive announcement this weekend: The inaugural Naroditsky Fellowship award will be $50,000.

This grant will go directly to a rising chess talent, giving them the financial backing and resources they need to reach their full potential.

Our Goal This Weekend: Raise $50,000

Running a high-level chess event of this scale is expensive, and we want this memorial tournament to become a permanent, annual tradition.

Every dollar raised during this live broadcast drive helps us cover the heavy operational costs of hosting. By hitting our $50,000 goal today, you ensure this tournament returns year after year. It allows us to keep bringing the community together, celebrating Danya, and funding top-tier talents through the Fellowship.

Signed Board Incentive (Only 8 Available!) ALL HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED; 0 BOARDS LEFT

To make this weekend even more special, the first 8 donors to give $5,000 or more will receive a custom wooden chess board from the tournament. Each board is personally signed by many of the top players and creators here in Charlotte. Once these 8 are claimed, they’re gone!

Signed by: Alexandra Botez, Aman Hambleton, Andrea Botez, Andrew Hong, Andy Woodward, Aravindh Chithambaram (signed after photo), Artus Neiksans, Ashwin Jayaram, Awonder Liang, Aydin Suleymanli, Boris Gelfand, Danny Rensch, Dina Belenkaya, Eric Rosen, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Javokhir Sindarov, Julien Song, Lenier Dominguez, Levy Rozman, Mukhiddin Madaminov, Olexandr Bortnyk, Peter Giannatos (signed after photo), Ray Robson, Robert Hess, Ruslan Ponomariov, Sagar Shah (signed after photo), Sam Sevian, Semyon Khanin, Vasif Durarbayli, Vasyl Ivanchuk, Wesley So

The Charlotte Chess Center Foundation (EIN 82-3566758) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Check with your employer about donation matching!

Naroditsky Memorial Rapid and Blitz

Live Event Fundraiser