GM Jesse Kraai

Bio: Jesse Kraai won the New Mexico State title in 1999, and then went on a run winning the state title five years in a row from 2003-2007. He earned his Grandmaster title in 2007. 

Jesse won the Denker High School Tournament of Champions in 1998 and 1999. He currently lives in the GM House in East Bay located near San Francisco, Calif. Read Jesse's depiction of the GM House at Chess Life Online by clicking the link here. The GM House initially consisted of Kraai, GM Josh Friedel, GM Vinay Bhat and IM David Pruess, but in a recent article posted to Chess Life Online, Jesse said he and Friedel were looking for a few vacancies to fill.

"After receiving his doctorate in philosophy, Jesse flattered young egos at a wealthy college for a couple years. Then he decided to play some chess. He is currently a resident at the GM house in the East Bay. In his spare time he is pursuing his second doctorate in comparative literature which will be bestowed upon him by a special faux leather couch which the GM house found on Craigslist," said Jesse Kraai.