Ryo Chen

15-year-old International Master Ryo Chen of Houston is, along with Andy Woodward, the youngest player in the field. Among Ryo’s successes are second in the 2023 U.S. Cadet Championship, equal 9th in the 2024 National Open with wins over Grandmasters Dariusz Swiercz and Viktor Matviishen and equal second in the 2024 Charlotte Chess Club Fall Norm Grandmaster Invitational. Chen has had uneven results the past year but that is not uncommon for young players. As the lowest rated player in the field Ryo will be a target in the U.S. Junior Championship, but this may turn out to be his breakthrough event.