ST. LOUIS – A prominent figure in U.S. chess was banned from the Saint Louis Chess Club and expelled from the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship, officials announced Wednesday.
The Saint Louis Chess Club alleges that competitor, grandmaster Christopher Yoo, allegedly violated a code of conduct and safe play policies.
A statement from the Saint Louis Chess Club says that Yoo crumpled his scoresheet, stormed out of the tournament hall and struck a videographer from behind after a chess match on Wednesday.
Officials say he will be expelled for the remainder of the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship in St. Louis, which began on Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 24.
“We take player conduct seriously and do not tolerate violations of our standards,” said the Saint Louis Chess Club in a statement Wednesday evening. “We acted swiftly to address this situation, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved in the tournament.”
The statement adds, “The Saint Louis Chess Club fully supports the decisions [to expell Yoo from the championship], and has banned Yoo from the club.”
Event organizers say Yoo’s results from the first five rounds of the tournament will be declared invalid and tournament standings will be adjusted accordingly.
According to Chess.com, Yoo is 17 years old and a California native. He is considered one of the youngest American grandmaster, the highest title awarded in U.S. professional chess. Yoo earned a spot in the U.S. Championship in St. Louis by winning the 2024 U.S. Junior Chess Championship.
