Irina Krush

U.S. Chess Hall of Famer Irina Krush is truly a legend of the game. Born in Ukraine, Irina moved to New York at the age of 6 and has always represented the United States. She made her debut in the U.S. Women’s Championship in 1995 at the age 11 and won her first title three years later at 14 – both still stand as records almost three decades later.

Irina, who is the only American woman to earn the Grandmaster title while representing the United States, is one of only two players to play on all three U.S. Women’s Olympiads teams which have medaled (silver in 2004 and bronze in 2008 and 2024). She is also number two on the all-time list of U.S. Women’s titleholders behind only Gisela Gresser nine championships. Irina, with eight victories (1998, 2007, 2010, 2012-15, and 2020), is right behind her. 

Irina had strong performances last fall in the FIDE Grand Swiss and U.S. Women’s Championship where she placed third. She has done well in the American Cup, winning in 2022 and 2023 and finishing second in 2024.