A Teen Prodigy Reshaping the Game
In a world where young Black girls are rarely shown holding chessboards, Jessica Hyatt is rewriting the narrative — and doing it with strategy, poise, and undeniable brilliance.
The New York City–born teen is already one of the highest-rated Black female chess players in the United States, and she’s on track toward a powerful milestone: becoming the first Black American female chess master.
At just 15 years old, Hyatt already earned the title of Candidate Master, putting her in a rare league of elite youth competitors and positioning her as a rising star in one of the world’s oldest and most demanding mental sports.
Her story isn’t just about talent — it’s about breaking barriers in a game that has historically excluded or overlooked Black players, especially young Black women.
From Brooklyn to the Global Chess Stage
Jessica Hyatt’s journey began in Brooklyn, where she was introduced to chess at a young age through the Success Academy Charter School network. Recognizing her exceptional potential early on, her coaches and teachers nurtured her skills with intensive training, national travel, and mentorship from some of the top coaches in the game.
Her hard work paid off quickly. Hyatt began beating players twice her age and ranking far above most of her peers — male or female. She caught national attention when she earned a prestigious $40,000 Daniel Feinberg Success in Chess Award, given to standout young strategists with extraordinary promise.
Since then, she’s built a strong tournament record and continues to climb the ranks in pursuit of her historic goal.
A New Face of Intelligence and Black Girl Excellence
Hyatt’s rise matters — not just for her, but for the entire Black community. Chess is often portrayed as a niche, culturally narrow world, but Jessica disrupts that stereotype with every competition she enters.
She has openly spoken about wanting to inspire other Black girls to see themselves in intellectual spaces, strategy games, and rooms where they’ve been underrepresented.
Her strategy is clear:
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Study relentlessly.
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Compete fearlessly.
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Open doors behind her.
Her coaches have described her as disciplined, intensely focused, and naturally intuitive, calling her one of the most promising young players they’ve ever trained.
What’s Next for Jessica Hyatt?
Hyatt’s immediate goal is straightforward but monumental: achieving the official United States Chess Federation (USCF) rating of 2200, which would grant her the title of National Master.
From there, she aims to compete internationally, expand her strategic training, and continue representing young Black talent at the highest levels of chess.
She also hopes to teach and mentor other aspiring players, especially girls and students of color who rarely see themselves reflected in the chess community.
And with her talent plus her determination? It’s only a matter of time.
A Legacy in the Making
At Uptown Sunday, we honor the brilliance shaping our communities — on the court, in the classroom, in the arts, and in every arena where Black genius deserves to shine. Jessica Hyatt is proving that excellence comes in many forms — sometimes with a queen, a rook, and a checkmate. Her journey reminds us that when young Black women step fully into their power, they don’t just play the game — they change it.
🖤 Here’s to the next move, Jessica. The world is watching — and rooting for you.
