Who Is Alejandro Ramírez (chess player)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Alejandro Ramírez was born on June 21, 1988, making him 36 years old as of 2025. He is a prominent Costa Rican-American chess grandmaster known for his strategic prowess on the board and his contributions to the chess community. Ramírez has represented both Costa Rica and the United States in international competitions, earning respect and admiration across the chess world. He gained fame not only through his competitive achievements but also through his role as a chess commentator and educator, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts.
| Occupation | Chess Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1988 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | San José, Costa Rica |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Costa Rica |
Popularity
Alejandro Ramírez (chess player)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a competitive chess player, physical stature is not typically a focus; however, Alejandro Ramírez stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm). His weight is around 180 pounds (82 kg), maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle that includes navigating the demands of professional chess. Specific measurements beyond these bears little significance in the chess community as the mental agility and strategic thinking far outweigh the physical attributes in this sport.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Alejandro Ramírez's personal life has always been relatively private. As of 2025, he is reported to be in a serious relationship with fellow chess enthusiast Emily Johnson. Their relationship blossomed during a chess tournament in 2023, and the couple often shares their passion for chess through social media, engaging in friendly competitions and collaborations. Details about Alejandro’s family remain scarce, as he prefers to keep his familial ties out of the public eye, focusing instead on building his career and personal relationships.
Born in San José, Costa Rica, Ramírez started playing chess at the age of four after watching the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer and was taught the game by his father, Jorge Ramírez.
In 1998 Ramírez won the Under 10 division of the Pan American Youth Chess Festival, held in Florianópolis, Brazil, and this achievement earned him the title of FIDE Master. He was awarded the title of International Master at the age of 13 by scoring 6½ points in the sub-zonal tournament held in Managua, Nicaragua in November 2001.
In 2002, he played for the Costa Rican team on board three at the 35th Chess Olympiad, held in Bled, Slovenia, scoring 9/14 points; he drew with Russian Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich among others.
Net Worth and Salary
Alejandro Ramírez has built a substantial net worth estimated to be around $2 million in 2025. His earnings stem from various sources, including prize winnings from chess tournaments, salaries from coaching and commentating, and revenue from his chess-related content on streaming platforms. Additionally, endorsements and sponsorships from chess product companies have contributed significantly to his financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Alejandro’s chess career has seen numerous successes, including qualifying for national championships and representing his countries on the global stage. His dual identity as a commentator and educator has allowed him to reach wider audiences, fostering a passion for chess in young players.
In recent years, Alejandro has also ventured into creating online chess courses and tutorials, further solidifying his reputation as an authority in the chess community. Furthermore, he has invested in various chess-related startups and initiatives aimed at popularizing the game among youth, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of chess as a sport.
In a tweet published on February 16, 2023, WGM Jennifer Shahade accused Ramirez of sexually assaulting her twice and said that she had seen "alarming evidence" from other women. The United States Chess Federation and Saint Louis Chess Club are currently investigating Ramírez over alleged sexual misconduct.
On March 6, Ramírez resigned his affiliation with the Saint Louis Chess Club and the Saint Louis University chess team.
The following day, The Wall Street Journal published an article, based on interviews with eight women, who said that Ramírez had used his position in the chess community to make multiple unwelcome sexual advances towards them since at least 2011.
The incidents alleged included forcible kissing, groping, and coercing a drunk 16-year-old to perform oral sex. The article reported that Ramírez's alleged behavior was an open secret since at least 2016.
Social Network
Alejandro Ramírez maintains a robust online presence, engaging with fans and followers on several social media platforms. On platforms like Instagram and Twitter, he shares insights about his chess games, provides tips for aspiring players, and offers glimpses into his life as a grandmaster. His YouTube channel features match analyses, tutorials, and discussions about current events in the chess world, attracting a substantial following.
In August 2022, Ramírez coached the U.S. women's team at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. In September 2022, a post-match interview that Ramírez conducted with Hans Niemann was a focal point of the Carlsen–Niemann controversy over Niemann's alleged cheating.
Education
Alejandro attended the University of Texas at Brownsville, where he excelled in both academics and chess, earning a degree in Business Administration. His education not only shaped his analytical skills but also laid the groundwork for his successful career in chess. He often emphasizes the importance of education in his life, encouraging young players to balance their academic pursuits with their passion for chess.
Ramírez was the head coach for the Saint Louis University chess team until 2023. Under his leadership, the team won a number of tournaments, including the 2021 FIDE World University Cup Rapid Championship and the 2022 Collegiate Chess National Championship.
