Daniel Naroditsky dies at 29: Chess grandmaster, San Mateo native and Stanford graduate remembered by friends, chess players

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The chess community is remembering Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster from the Bay Area , who died unexpectedly at the age of 29.

Daniel Naroditsky was raised in San Mateo County — started as a child prodigy and quickly became one of the most influential voices in the chess world.

“It’s really a tragedy for the whole chess community,” said Alex Robins, Chess Director at the Mechanics’ Institute.

People in the Bay Area chess community are heartbroken following the unexpected death of Daniel Naroditsky.

“It’s a huge loss. He played here as recently as about a year ago,” said Robins.

RELATED: Bay Area native chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 29

His family announced his sudden death Monday.

Just two days after Naroditsky uploaded a YouTube video, saying he was back to posting instructional content after taking a break.

“You thought I was gone forever, but little do you know, I’m actually back and better than ever … I’ve been sort of taking a kind of creative break, deciding future avenues of content. I won’t delve too much into it now,” said Naroditsky.

Naroditsky had a massive following worldwide and gained viral fame for winning games while wearing a blindfold.

His family shared a statement Monday saying:

“Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world.”

Inside the Mechanics’ Institute on Post Street in Downtown San Francisco, is the oldest active chess club in the country.

“Daniel started playing here in 2003 when he was 7 or 8 years old. A lot of members remember him fondly,” said Robins.

Naroditsky learned how to play chess from his father at the age of 6. His parents, Vladimir and Lena Naroditsky, are Jews from Ukraine.

“In 2007, he won the under 12 world championship,” said Robins.

He went on to write several books–one at the age of 15, another at the age of 17.

Naroditsky became one of the best players in the world. At 17, he became a chess grandmaster.

There are 40 chessboards in the chess room at the Mechanics’ Institute. Hundreds of chess grandmasters have played there– including Naroditsky. There’s a chair here dedicated to him.

Naroditsky graduated form Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough before going on to Stanford.

The Head of School at Crystal shared this statement saying in part:

“During his years at Crystal, Daniel was known not only for his extraordinary intellect and chess mastery, but also for his warmth, humility, and kindness. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, as well as to all who were inspired by his talent and character. His loss is felt deeply within the Crystal community.”

Alan Kirshner, a retired professor friend from Ohlone College in Fremont, told ABC7 News that Naroditsky was always very humble and very open, and made the game of chess human.

“Chess can be very boring for many people. He made it a sport. He made it something that was warm. He made it almost loving,” said Kirshner. “Many other chess players and commentators have been imitating his approach to chess.”

At the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where Naroditsky was a coach, people say he brought joy and inspiration to those around him.

Back at the Mechanics’ Institute in San Francisco, chess players are at a loss.

“Daniel was a remarkable communicator and it’s really remarkable to me how many people felt a close connection with him. People who met him and those who watched his videos regularly,” said Robins.

Many say Naroditsky was one of the best chess communicators the world has seen.