2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program Recipients Announced

Kevin Flores has been in love with chess since the fifth grade, and credits chess as a means to connect with people, as well as teaching him sportsmanship, socialization, and a sense of self-control that extends beyond the board.

Flores's goal for the remainder of the year is to reach a US Chess rating of 1900. He also plans to continue to sponsor and instruct members of his former high school chess club, introducing new players to the beauty of the game. He hopes to use funds from the Jacklyn Program to compete in large tournaments in Houston and Fort Worth, as well as to sponsor a pizza party for his former high school chess club.

Austin John credits his countless hours studying openings, tactics, and endgames with developing a disciplined, patient approach to problem-solving that’s helped him far beyond the board. He credits chess for teaching him how to embrace mistakes as stepping stones and how to be resilient after losses, and, above all else, how to appreciate the purpose and beauty in "the grind." 

John plans to use funds from the Jacklyn Program to develop and sustain his university's chess club at the University of Texas at Austin. This club aims to make chess more accessible to everyone by holding free lessons and regular tournaments, particularly for students who have no time, means, or experience to otherwise participate.

Aparna Yellamraju has been a top female chess player in Texas and a member of Team USA. Since the beginning of her journey, she has experienced what it’s like to be one of the few girls in a traditionally male-dominated space. Recently, she has been part of a panel of women who worked collectively to create a platform that motivated young girls to play chess. She, has also been invited as part of the International Federation of Women in Chess to participate in a program held at the Chess Olympiad that hosted activities for girls to learn more about chess. 

Yellamraju plans to use funding from the Jacklyn Program to continue to help revitalize chess communities, travel for tournaments to attain her US Chess rating goal of 2000, and continue to host tournaments for underprivileged communities.

Yajat Gupta views chess as more than just a game. Instead, it is a way of life and the medium through which he has forged new friendships, obtained precious memories, and immersed himself in unique and fun experiences. He learned to play from his grandfather who recently passed away, and continues to play chess and serve as President of the Georgetown University Chess Club in his memory.

Gupta is currently studying international politics, and hopes to pay the scholarship forward by helping others through continued work in global service nonprofits.

Herbert Jacklyn was born on December 18, 1924. He grew up in The Bronx and graduated from Columbia University Dental School. He served as an army medic in World War II, where he was stationed in Okinawa and was awarded a Purple Heart during his service.  His love for chess continued well into his 90s, organizing chess tournaments for children in local elementary schools who looked up to him and referred to him as the "Chess Master." Dr. Jacklyn passed away on March 8, 2020, at the age of 95.