FM Alisa Melekhina

Bio: Alisa Melekhina was the youngest player in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship three years ago, and is still the youngest today. That’s what you might expect from someone who started playing at age 5 and entered her first tournament at age 7. In less than three years, she was winning prestigious international tournaments. 

Alisa has already earned an International Master norm, which she considers her top chess accomplishment so far, but her ultimate goal is to become a grandmaster.

Alisa learned chess from her father, who was her first coach and remains a strong influence today.

Outside of chess, she is a ballerina, having studied dance for 12 years. But Alisa knows where her priorities lie: squarely with chess. “I try to maintain a flexible schedule, but chess always takes precedence, though I will have to concentrate more on school now that I am in college,” she said.

Alisa has had a remarkable year, picking up more than 50 USCF rating points since last year's U.S. Women's Championship. She will be a formidable opponent at this year's event.