2013 Camps

The U.S. Chess Center has been running day camps for children since 1992. Organized by David Mehler, the camps provide high-level chess instruction in a fun environment. Our instructors all are adults and are nationally-certified chess coaches.

Camps listed in blue are tentative. As camps are confirmed we will list them in black. When camps fill we will note that on this page. Camps in red are full. Camps in McLean and Vienna usually fill first.

For more information, please e-mail, call or write to us:

U.S. Chess Center
410 8th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 857-4922

We take about 30 students in each camp, sometimes more in the full-day camps, always on a first-come basis. Most camps fill, so we recommend registering on-line or by mail as soon as the camp locations have been confirmed.

In addition to teaching chess, we engage in a variety of recreational activities in each camp. We supply snacks each day and organize games like Capture the Flag. We go swimming in some of the full-day camps in the suburbs. Some full-day camps have the availability of an after-care problem-solving enrichment program until 5:00 p.m. for an additional fee. Partial scholarships usually are available for those who need them. Campers receive a T-shirt each summer.

Cancellation policy:
Camp registration fees are refundable until one week before the start of camp with a $10 administrative fee. Between one week and the start of camp, 50% of camp fees will be refunded. After the start of the camp there will be no refund.

Spring Break Camp

March 25 - 28: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean, Virginia, for students who know the rules of chess and are in grades 2 - 8. $210. Students are divided by ability for chess play and lessons, and by age for other activities. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $50.    On-line registration.

Summer Camps

June Chess Camps

June 24 - 28: 9:00 a.m. - noon at Orange Hunt Elementary School in Springfield, Virginia, for less experienced (beginner to intermediate) students entering grades 2 - 7. $110 per week. On-line registration.

June 24 - 28: 1:00 - 4:00 at White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, Virginia, for more experienced (intermediate and advanced) students entering grades 2 - 7. $110 per week. On-line registration.

July Chess Camps

July 1 - 5: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Full-day camp at Chevy Chase Baptist Church on Western Ave. by Chevy Chase Circle. For students entering grades 3 - 8 who want to improve their skills at chess and who are comfortable with tournament rules of chess. No camp on Thursday, July 4. $200 per week with aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. On-line registration.

July 8 - 12: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Full-day camp at Seven Locks Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland. For students entering grades 3 - 9 who want to improve their skills at chess and who are comfortable with tournament rules of chess. Aftercare until 5:00 p.m. is available. On-line registration.

July 8 - 12: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We expect to run a full-day camp in southern Fairfax County this week. Check back for details.

July 15 - 19: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean, Virginia, for beginner and intermediate students entering grades 2 - 7. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60.  On-line registration.

July 22 - 26: Full-day camp (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) at Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean, Virginia, for intermediate-to-advanced students entering grades 2 - 9. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60. (Rising second and third graders must have prior permission before registering for this camp.)  On-line registration.

July 29 - August 2: Half-day camps at Westbriar Elementary School in Vienna. Mornings (9:00 a.m. - noon) for beginner-to-intermediate players entering grades 2 - 7. On-line registration.

Afternoons (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) at Westbriar Elementary for intermediate-to-advanced players entering grades 3 - 8. On-line registration. $110 per week.

August Chess Camps

August 5 - 9: 9:00 a.m. - noon at Willow Springs Elementary School (Fairfax, VA) for intermediate players. On-line registration. $110/week.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Fairfax Villa Elementary School (Fairfax, VA) for beginners and intermediate players. $110/week. On-line registration.

August 12 - 16: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Stratford Landing Elementary School in Alexandria. For all levels of students entering grades 2 - 8. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60. On-line registration.

2012 Camp Champions

June Churchill Road: Christopher Jiang  
Orange Hunt: Charles Muldoon  
White Oaks: Cade Tyler  
Downtown: Petr Hollan  
Westbriar mornings: Ishan Kalburge  
Westbriar afternoons: Camden Wiseman  
July Churchill Road: Cliff Lin  
Belle View: David McFarlane  
Oak View: Ishan Kalburge  
Willow Springs: Nithil Suresh  
August Churchill Road: Sean Senft