Maurice Ashley’s new chess initiative announced!

For decades, Grandmaster Maurice Ashley has been on the cutting edge of chess news, whether through championship coaching, giving exciting commentary, delivering training courses, or organizing million-dollar tournaments. While he can still be seen giving guest lectures and doing commentary, he is now embarking on a bold, new initiative.

Ashley addressing FIDE Congress on Chess in Education.
Photos courtesy of FIDE

Ashley is announcing the Maurice Ashley Chess Fellowship, “a groundbreaking training program to elevate young chess prodigies from underserved communities in the United States.” While there are no analytics for demographic trends in U.S. chess membership, the lack of tournament participation in the Black community is evident. To help tap this market of players, the fellowship guidelines feature elements that will build a pipeline to support chess talent.

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PRESS RELEASE

Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Establishes New Fellowship to Nurture Chess Talent in Underserved Communities

New York, NY – Internationally renowned Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley is proud to announce the launch of the Maurice Ashley Chess Fellowship, a groundbreaking program to elevate young chess prodigies from underserved communities in the United States.

This initiative addresses the severe underrepresentation of African Americans in top-level chess, where only Ashley and recent GM-elect Brewington Hardaway have ever attained the grandmaster title. The fellowship seeks to facilitate access to coaching, competitive opportunities, and financial support. Young people under the age of 21 with the expressed intention of becoming chess professionals are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Highlights

1. Financial Support: Covers essential costs such as coaching, tournament fees, travel, and equipment, allowing players to focus on developing their skills.
2. Mentorship: Fellows will receive guidance from GM Ashley and advisers to help them navigate professional chess.
3. Community: Fellows will connect with a global network of mentors, peers, and sponsors, enhancing their growth and opening doors to future opportunities.

Long-Term Impact: A Pipeline for Future Grandmasters

As someone who grew up without a coach or the extensive resources normally needed to attain the highest ranks in chess, Ashley understands the critical role of access and opportunity. “There’s an incredible well of talent out there that is being left untapped,” says Ashley, who achieved the grandmaster title in 1999. “Too often, kids with immense potential are overlooked simply because they don’t have access to the right environment or support. This fellowship is about giving those kids a chance to rise, to be seen, and to compete on the world stage.”

Administered by US Chess Trust

The US Chess Trust, with its long-standing commitment to chess development, will administer the fellowship, ensuring its lasting impact. The Trust is a 501c3 founded in 1967 and is one of the oldest sports charities in the US. The awards committee will consist of GM Ashley, 4-time US Chess Champion GM Fabiano Caruana, and Candidate Master Rochelle Ballantyne. 

Call to Action: Support the Maurice Ashley Chess Fellowship

GM Ashley will contribute $20K in initial funding. Sponsors and donors are encouraged to give what they can to the fellowship, to drive its growth and expand its impact on future generations of chess talent. Donations are welcome at https://www.uschesstrust.org/donate/

Full rules for applicants for 2025 will be published on the US Chess Trust website on February 1, 2025.

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Media Contact:
pr@mauriceashley.com

FM Maurice Ashley with GM title aspirations in 1992
Photo by Jerry Bibuld

Perspective

Ashley started chess relatively late and had few resources, but had determination and a moral support system. After earning the title in 1999 at age 33, Ashley had a string of successes at consecutive Foxwoods Opens (1st in 2000, joint 1st in 2001, and 2nd in 2002) and also competed in the 2003 U.S. Championship. After this successful run, he decided to focus more on commentary, while raising a young family. After a career serving various capacities in chess, Ashley was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ashley told The Chess Drum that he stood by believing Black GMs in the U.S. would emerge naturally. However, as he celebrated his 25th anniversary of the GM title, he was frustrated that he was still the only breakthrough. On the heels of Brewington Hardaway completing the requirements of the GM title and the emergence of two African-American female masters (Shama Yisrael and Jessica Hyatt), the initiative is very timely. During the Budapest Olympiad in October, Ashley granted an interview and gave hints of this initiative.

Please support this initiative!!