WNYC's Know Your Neighbor video series tells the stories of New Yorkers living their lives in their own unique ways.

From Bed-Stuy to the South Bronx to an encampment in Zuccotti Park, meet some of the most memorable neighbors we profiled in 2011.

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN:  A 12-year-old is one of the best junior-high chess players in the country. His ultimate dream? To become a grandmaster by 16. Meet James, The Chess Champ, in the video below.

ZUCCOTTI SQUARE, MANHATTAN: A former derivatives trader fronts Occupy Wall Street's 24/7 media operation. Meet Vlad, The Wall Street Occupier.

ST. LAWRENCE, BRONX: Lucia Martinez flies to Mexico every week to shuttle home-cooked food and gifts, as an international courier for her fellow Mexican immigrant community. 

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN: John makes tempeh out of a DIY incubator at his gay-collective home. Meet John, The Tempeh Man.

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS: From the frontlines in Iraq to a shelter for homeless veterans in New York City, meet a guy determined to find new life as a professional wrestler. Meet Mike, The Homeless Vet.