A teenage chess champion is charged with assault after punching a woman at a Saint Louis chess club

ST. LOUIS – A 17-year-old chess grandmaster has been charged with assault after punching a woman during a Saint Louis chess club tournament last week.

St. Metropolitan Police Louis told FOX 2 on Friday that 17-year-old grandmaster Christopher Yoo was charged with fourth-degree assault and released to one of his parents in accordance with a juvenile court order.

According to the Saint Louis Chess Club, Yoo allegedly violated the code of conduct and safe playing principles after losing a chess match. Yoo allegedly crumpled the match report and ran out of the tournament hall, hitting a cameraman from behind after the match last Wednesday.

In response, officials expelled Yoo for the remainder of the 2024 United States Chess Championships in St. Louis, which ended on Thursday, and additionally expelled him from the Saint Louis Chess Club.

Event organizers say Yoo’s results from the first five rounds of the tournament will be deemed invalid and tournament rankings will be adjusted accordingly.

“We take player conduct seriously and do not tolerate violations of our standards,” the Saint Louis Chess Club said in a statement last week. “We acted quickly to address the situation, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved in the tournament.”

Yoo apologized for his actions in a statement released about his parents Facebook and further made available on the United States Chess Federation website.

“First and foremost, Christopher would like to publicly apologize to the cameraman who was an innocent victim of his anger after losing a game of chess. Contrary to what some have suggested, the cameraman did nothing to provoke Christopher. We hear she is doing well but have no details and are praying she does well both physically and emotionally. Her well-being is of deep concern to all of us,” the post said. “Christopher makes no excuse for his behavior. “He’s just very sad and ashamed that he acted this way.”

According to Chess.comYoo is from California. He is considered one of the youngest American grandmasters highest title awarded in American professional chess. Yoo secured a spot at the U.S. Championships in St. Louis by winning the 2024 United States Junior Chess Championship.