Kayden W Troff is an American chess Grandmaster. Born on May 6, 1998, in West Jordan, Utah, Troff began to play chess at three years old. He became a national master at age 11, an International Master at 14, and a Grandmaster at 16. In 2017, he announced that he would temporarily retire from competitive chess to serve on a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Troff won the U8 section of the 2007 North American Youth Chess Championships. In 2012, he earned the title of World U14 Champion and became the youngest ever to achieve such feat. Two years later, in 2014, he won the U.S Junior Championship. Troff played on the USA team that won the silver medal at the 2016 Chess Olympiad.
In 2014, Troff received the prestigious Samford Chess Fellowship that included an award of $42,000 to aid in chess development. He studied chess and leadership skills with professional player and three-time U.S. Champion Grandmaster Joel Benjamin in an innovative training program.
Troff is sponsored by the Young & Brilliant group which plays a significant role in developing the careers of talented young individuals. Besides being a chess grandmaster, he is also a musician and drummer. After his mission, Troff returned to competitive chess. Eastern Idaho Open in 2020 and Saint Louis Fall 2121 Championship are some events he played after returning back.