sports
March 5, 2026
Jennifer Shahade: ‘There’s a long and embedded history of abuse in chess’
The former US women’s champion changed her life and her sport when she made allegations against a grandmaster. Now she’s turned her hand to writing and poker
TL;DR
- Jennifer Shahade made public allegations of sexual abuse against chess grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez in February 2023.
- Her post went viral, leading to multiple investigations and allegations from other women against Ramirez.
- Ramirez resigned from his coaching post and US Chess following the allegations.
- Shahade has become a key figure in chess's #MeToo movement, inspiring other women to share their experiences.
- She discusses the embedded history of abuse and sexism in chess, and the challenges women face in the sport, including algorithmic bias on social media.
- Shahade has faced personal repercussions for speaking out, including job loss and attacks on her credibility.
- She advocates for accountability and truth, comparing the fight for truth to the principles of chess.
- Shahade has transitioned to writing and professional poker, with her book 'Thinking Sideways' focusing on lessons from both games.
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