Poker pro and two-time U.S. women’s chess champion Jennifer Shahade announced a lawsuit against U.S. Chess last week. The suit alleges discrimination, retaliation, infliction of emotional distress, defamation and libel, invasion of privacy, and violating the New Jersey RICO Act.
Last year, the Team PokerStars pro resigned from the federation as director of the U.S. Chess women’s program, alleging the organization offered “hostility instead of support” and “consistently minimized or ignored” her allegations of sexual assault.
“As a victim and whistleblower, I am fighting back against campaigns to silence me or speaking up about sexual violence in chess,” she said in announcing the suit. “It’s been my lifelong mission for women and girls to thrive in this game. I have fought many battles on the chess board and at the poker table, but this fight for a better chess world is the most important one.”
Numerous Allegations
Shahade had worked with U.S. Chess since 2006 and took on the role as director of the women’s program in 2018. After years of working with female chess players, she came forward alleging two instances of sexual assault against her by prominent grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez.
The Wall Street Journal later reported that the federation “failed to act or effectively investigate” her allegations. More women then reached out to Shahade detailing their own stories of sexual misconduct by Ramirez.
He later resigned from roles at the St. Louis Chess Club and as coach of the St. Louis University chess team.
