Jennifer Shahade Files Complaint Against US Chess

As a victim and whistleblower, I am fighting back against campaigns to silence me and retaliate against me for speaking up about sexual violence in chess.

Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade has filed a 6-Count complaint against US Chess alleging: Discrimination/Retaliation; Gender Bias/Discrimination; Intentional and/or Grossly Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress; Defamation and Business Libel; False Light & Invasion of Privacy; and, Conspiracy to Violate and/or Violation of NJ RICO Act, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Case No. MON-L-002326-24.

"As a victim and whistleblower, I am fighting back against campaigns to silence me and retaliate against me for speaking up about sexual violence in chess. 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 the poker table but this fight for a better chess world is the most important one." – Jennifer Shahade

Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women’s Chess Champion and the author of CHESS QUEENS, PLAY LIKE A GIRL, PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION and the forthcoming THINKING SIDEWAYS. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and MSNBC. Since 2005, she has held the Women Grandmaster title. She is the first female ever to win the U.S. Junior Open.  Shahade is a PokerStars Ambassador, a two-time Global Poker Award winner, a board member of the World Chess Hall of Fame and an advisor to the Women in Chess Foundation. Shahade has coached and mentored thousands of children through her advocacy work in chess.

Shahade is represented by lead attorney Linda Kenney Baden, Of Counsel to Krenkel & Krenkel; David Krenkel, of Krenkel & Krenkel; and, Tamara Holder, of The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC. 

PRESS CONTACT: Attorney Tamara Holder/847-651-7222/press@tamaraholder.com