Grandmaster Banned For Harassing Female Player Returns To Competition

GM Christopher Yoo made a low-key return to over-the-board competition over the weekend, winning a small tournament in California six months after beginning an 18-month suspension from FIDE-rated events.

Yoo competed in the USCF-rated 3rd Kushnir Memorial Tournament on Saturday at San Francisco’s Mechanics’ Institute, finishing with a perfect score of 4/4 to take first place and a modest $243 in prize money.

Once regarded as one of the brightest young talents in American chess, Yoo was handed a worldwide ban from FIDE-rated competition following two disciplinary cases that shocked the chess world last year.

The first stemmed from an incident at the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship in which Yoo physically assaulted a female member of the broadcast team.

Chief Arbiter Chris Bird described the attack—caught on video camera—as a "completely unprovoked punch" from behind, "and in no way accidental."

The second arose from complaints of inappropriate and unwelcome conduct toward a female player at the 2025 Grenke Chess Festival and later at the Sardinia Chess Festival in Italy.

Yoo apologised. His father Young-Kyu made no excuses for his son's behaviour but later revealed he had been suffering from poor mental health. It told a different side to a story that is sad from every angle.

But Yoo had to be punished. FIDE's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission found Yoo guilty of multiple violations, including harassment, psychological abuse, and inappropriate conduct. The ruling stated that his actions caused harm and distress to two individuals.

Yoo's suspension consists of six months served and a further 12 months suspended, effectively placing Yoo on probation. Any additional violation during 2026 will activate the remaining ban.

Yoo made a name for himself after becoming the youngest American master at nine in 2016. He followed up by achieving the IM title at the age of 12 in 2019.

Despite his absence from FIDE-rated play, Yoo retains a FIDE rating of 2607. He is currently ranked 15th in the United States and 13th among the world’s top junior players.

The Kushnir Memorial Tournament is a modest local event rather than a major national or international competition, but Yoo’s participation drew attention within the U.S. chess community as his first documented return to tournament play since the disciplinary ruling.

Neither Yoo nor his representatives issued a public statement regarding the event. The Mechanics’ Institute declined to comment beyond publishing the tournament results.

Yoo’s future competitive schedule has not been announced.