2026 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program Recipients Announced

Ryan Cai started playing chess during the pandemic and was instantly hooked by how logical it felt. Chess has taught him many valuable lessons, such as the importance of weighing different perspectives and staying patient when progress feels slow. It has also helped him develop a habit of curiosity and analytical thinking. He has given back to the chess community by coaching at SimplyChess, a nonprofit.

Ryan plans to use funds from the Jacklyn Program to participate in more US Chess tournaments, and he hopes to one day become a national master. Ryan also intends to be an active member of the Yale College Chess Club.

Kevin Flores is a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who has loved chess since fifth grade. Chess has helped him build friendships, learn accountability, and understand the value of considering another person’s perspective. He enjoys helping students — whether they’re in elementary school or new players in his college club — who want to learn chess.

Kevin plans to give back by supporting the chess clubs in his community and encouraging more students to get involved. He also plans to compete in tournaments in Houston to gain experience and challenge himself against new opponents. Support from the Herbert B. Jacklyn Program will help him pursue these plans while working toward his eventual goal of achieving a US Chess rating of 2000.

Jessica Lee has been playing chess since age five alongside her twin brother, and it has shaped her as a player, leader, and advocate for the chess community. Through chess, Jessica has developed resilience, creativity, confidence, and leadership skills that continue to influence her both on and off the board. 

Passionate about creating greater opportunities for girls in chess, Jessica founded the JL All Girls Chess Tournament, a tournament that provides a welcoming environment where young girls can learn, build confidence, and discover that they belong in the chess community. Jessica has also taught chess to deaf and hard-of-hearing students, an experience that showed her how chess can foster meaningful connections and communication. 

Jessica has held several leadership positions in chess. She previously served as President of her high school chess club and currently serves as Co-President of the Lehigh University Chess Club. In these roles, she has worked to expand participation and outreach, with a particular focus on encouraging more women and other underrepresented groups to discover chess. 

Jessica plans to use the Herbert Jacklyn Award to compete in additional rated tournaments, further develop her competitive skills, and support outreach initiatives that introduce girls and other underrepresented communities to chess.

Austin McMurtrie learned how to play chess at a young age and has always had a passion for the game. Growing up in a rural area, Austin was often the only player from his county at events. Playing chess taught him resilience, independence, and how to stay committed to a goal.

In recent years, Austin has focused on growing youth chess in his community. He started a chess club at his local elementary school that has quickly grown into a very popular activity. Offering elementary school students the opportunity to compete as a team has been meaningful for Austin, as it is something he never had an opportunity to experience at that age.

Austin plans to use the funds from the Jacklyn Program to improve as both a player and coach so he can further his mission of growing chess in the Hinckley-Big Rock Community.