Misogyny and sexism are the two biggest issues we’ve encountered in chess outside cheating. It’s an institutional issue that has for too long been accepted in the sport as normal. Abuse of women in chess is still ongoing at a high frequency, and the organizations and governing bodies surrounding chess have seemingly let it slide…to the point that it’s become an open secret. We talk with Women in Chess Foundation founder Emilia Castelao, streamer and chess player Lile Koridze, and commentator and WIM Fiona Steil-Antoni about how misogyny affects the game, their experience as women in a field primarily dominated by men, and what actions are being taken in order to give women a level playing board. Featuring Jen Shahade’s brave disclosure, and the actions and other revelations it has brought it its wake.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses acts of assault, sexual assault, and abuse, including abuse of minors. The end credits also include brief mention of suicide prevention.

Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess.

If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts.

Check out the Women in Chess Foundation and support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked

Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb.
Music by Lorna Gildfedder.
Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography.


Resources
Jen Shahade: We Need To Step Up To Make Sure Chess Is Safe
Tweet: Time’s up.
WSJ Article
Alejandro’s letter to Saint Louis Chess Club
Tweet: Jen’s follow up
Lichess: Breaking the Silence
The Experiences Of Women In Chess
US Chess Final Statement About Alejandro Ramirez
An Important Message from the Board of Directors
Lessons on Whistleblowing
We, women chess players
Facts and Myths about Gender in Chess
Tweet: Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova
Tweet: FIDE on Smirin
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Healthcare Calls to Action