Ju Wenjun

Born on 31 January 1991 in Shanghai, China.

Started playing chess in primary school in 1998 at age seven, when she chose chess as an after-school activity.

"When I was in elementary school there were various options for interesting after school lessons and I chose chess," she said. "Chess was perhaps the most significant aspect of my childhood".

Her father was a Chinese chess follower but gave full support to Ju when she showed interest in international chess.

At age seven, she began studying under Qi Jingxuan, a former head coach of the Chinese national chess team.

At age 13 in 2004, she travelled to Beijing for professional chess training at the National Chess Center.

Continues to reside in Shanghai and represents the Shanghai chess club in the China Chess League.

Five-time Women's World Chess Champion (2018, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2025) and the reigning champion.

Won her first title in 2018 by defeating Tan Zhongyi in a 10-game match, scoring 5.5 points.

In 2004, earned a bronze medal in the Asian Women's Championship, qualifying her for her first Women's World Championship tournament in 2006.

Won the 2013–2014 FIDE Women's Grand Prix with 8.5/11 points and became the overall winner of the 2015–16 Grand Prix.

Awarded the Grandmaster title in 2014, becoming China's 31st grandmaster.

Two-time Chinese Women's Champion (2010, 2014) and a key member of the Chinese national team, winning gold medals at the 2016 and 2018 Chess Olympiads and multiple World Team Championships.

In 2025, added the Women's World Blitz Championship title to her resume.

Ju's path to the world title was a story of persistence: she competed in World Championship tournaments from 2006 through 2017, improving her results year by year before finally claiming the crown in 2018.

She described her winning game strategy simply: "Attack is the best defense. Try to be aggressive and create a challenge for your opponents".

After winning the World Blitz Championship in 2025, she said: "I feel very excited. Like, all the stress, when I become champion, when I win a match, all the stress is gone. All that is left is happiness and also some tiredness".

"Attack is the best defense. Try to be aggressive and create a challenge for your opponents."

"I hope that by excelling in international competitions, we will motivate more young people in China to take up chess."

"Every match is a memorable and unique experience for me. I believe every game should be played with focus, hard work is necessary, and teamwork is essential."

"When I am playing, it's best to just focus on chess and enjoy the match."

Ju has not authored a major instructional book, but her games have been collected in various volumes.