How 3000+ donors came together to raise $1.1 million for the Naroditsky Fund
Daniel Naroditsky touched millions as a player, commentator, and teacher. After his untimely passing, many who had never met him felt they had lost someone close. In the months that followed, the chess community came together and raised $1.1 million to establish the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund. Here is the story behind the initiative and how it is carrying Daniel's legacy into the future. Photo: ChessBase
Remembering Daniel Naroditsky
On 20th October 2025, the chess world was shocked by the news of the passing of one of its brightest figures, Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. He was only 29 years old. Some knew him as the calm, articulate commentator. Some knew him as one of the strongest Blitz players in the world. Some knew him as a teacher who made difficult positions seem understandable. To those who knew him personally, he was much more than a grandmaster: a friend, mentor, colleague, and an irreplaceable part of their lives!
Many people spoke about Daniel's kind behaviour towards everyone. They recalled how he would analyze games with young players, his patience as a coach, and his genuine love for sharing chess. Even those who had never met Daniel felt the loss personally.
In the days that followed, the outpouring of tributes made one thing clear: Daniel's impact could not simply be mourned and left behind. Just a month after his passing, the Charlotte Chess Center, the Charlotte Chess Center Foundation, and the Naroditsky family came together to announce something big: the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund.
The initiative was envisioned as more than a tribute. Its goal was to preserve Daniel's legacy in a way that would continue benefiting the chess community for years to come. The fund would support two major initiatives: an annual Rapid & Blitz tournament in his memory and a fellowship for promising young American chess players pursuing professional careers.
The fellowship carries a special significance. Daniel himself had been a recipient of the Samford Fellowship, one of the few programmes in the United States dedicated to supporting talented chess players. Creating a similar opportunity in his name felt like a fitting way to give future generations the same encouragement he had once received.
However, turning that vision into reality would require the support of the chess community. It did not take long for that support to arrive. When the fundraising campaign concluded on April 30, 2026, it had raised $1,129,458 from nearly 3,100 donors. The original goal had been significantly higher, i.e., $ 4,000,000, but the team remained committed to their promise. Rather than waiting until the ideal amount was raised, they chose to begin building the memorial while continuing to grow the fund for the future.
According to Peter Giannatos, putting together the inaugural Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz cost over $300,000, including venue expenses, player and creator accommodations, travel, staffing, and broadcasting. While the tournament offered a $50,000 prize fund, an additional $50,000 will be offered for the fellowship.
During the Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz, a special wall was created at the playing venue to honour every single contributor. Almost every detail of the tournament carried a personal connection to Daniel. Even the tournament logo has its own story. During the pandemic, Daniel had discussed launching an online coaching platform called the Naroditsky Academy. Peter helped him work with a designer to create a logo. Eventually they finalised a design that featured a crown. Although the academy never came to fruition, Peter revisited those old designs while creating the visual identity of the memorial. Today, that same crown appears in the logos of the Naroditsky Memorial Fund, the fellowship, and the tournament itself!
One thoughtful addition to the tournament was the Creator Invitational. Daniel often described himself as a player first, but millions came to know him through his educational videos, livestreams, and commentary. Bringing together the world's most popular chess creators was a way of celebrating that aspect of his contribution to chess as well.
Because the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund was designed as a sustaining initiative rather than a one-time gesture, its impact will continue for years to come. It's a promise from Daniel's family, friends, and the wider chess community that his passion for the game will continue to shape the lives of future players.
Videos from Naroditsky Memorial 2026
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