Jennifer Shahade: Chess Has a Deep-Rooted History of Abuse

On 15 February 2023, Jennifer Shahade steadied herself and posted “Time’s up” atop an extensive statement concerning accusations of sexual abuse within the insular realm of professional chess. She understood the weight of her words, yet she did not anticipate the online post to spread rapidly and alter her life.

A two‑time U.S. women’s chess champion, Shahade selected her phrasing deliberately when she leveled grave accusations against Alejandro Ramirez, then a 34‑year‑old grandmaster from Costa Rica residing in the United States and coaching the St. Louis University chess team: “At present there are several investigations into Alejandro Ramirez and sexual misconduct, including a series of alleged incidents involving a minor. I was assaulted by him twice, nine and ten years ago. I thought I had moved past it until, in recent years, several women—unconnected to one another and unaware of my own experience—came to me with their own allegations of abuse. These reports involved much younger victims.”

Ramirez, who had also served with Shahade as a chess commentator, released a response: “I cannot address the particulars of Ms. Shahade’s claims while investigations by the US Chess Federation and the St. Louis Chess Club are ongoing, but I recognize the seriousness of the allegations. I am cooperating fully with both probes and anticipate the chance to answer these charges and present my perspective.”

Shahade says eight women subsequently reached out to recount their own troubling encounters with Ramirez. She notes: “When you include the women who spoke to me about other men, the figure rises dramatically. Some men have also approached me.”

Discussing sexual abuse? “Indeed, involving various chess players, coaches and grandmasters. I felt not only proud of my actions but also honored by the trust placed in me.”

Three weeks later, on 7 March 2023, the Wall Street Journal ran an in‑depth report titled *How Sexual Assault Allegations Against a US Chess Grandmaster Went Unaddressed for Years*. The article recounted accusations against Ramirez from eight additional women, three of whom were minors at the time of the alleged incidents. Following the publication, Ramirez stepped down from his coaching role and from US Chess. His attorney told the paper: “Applying contemporary standards to inaccurate recollections of past actions creates a peril for both the accused and the accuser … in this period of reflection and heightened sensitivity to ‘Me Too’ issues, Mr. Ramirez remains supportive of those who wish to raise concerns about anyone.”

Shahade emerged as the de facto figurehead of chess’s #MeToo movement. Ellen Carlsen, whose brother Magnus ranks as the world’s top chess player, described herself as “shocked and saddened” by Shahade’s post, yet she eventually felt empowered to disclose a harassment claim she experienced as a young chess competitor.