NM Tyler Hughes

Tyler Hughes learned from his father how to play chess when he was just 5. He won the 2008 U.S. Junior Chess Championship and represented the U.S. at the World Junior Chess Championship in Turkey. Hughes, who is homeschooled, studies under coach GM Petr Kiriakov. He learned chess at 5 and became more interested after reading his first chess book and realizing study would improve his game.

Hughes was extended an invitation to the 2009 U.S. Championship after winning the 2008 U.S. Junior Closed Championship. He looks to recapture the title this year against a strong field of contenders.