Chess Camps
I would absolutely recommend the camp. It was clear three days into camp that Louie was putting her new knowledge into practice in her games against me. I was so happy to see it!
- Kayla Howe, parent
Our camps are a chance for players of all skill levels to make friends, play games, and improve their understanding of chess with the help of our experienced chess instructors. Held in-person at the historic Mechanics' Institute during San Francisco school breaks, campers will get to be part of a 170-year-old chess legacy.
Upcoming Chess Camps
What to expect from the chess camps
With the help of Chess Club coaches and staff, campers will
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Improve their chess fundamentals by practicing basic checkmate patterns, tactics like forks, pins, and skewers, and looking over games to learn from their mistakes
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Develop social and emotional skills such as critical thinking, navigating social situations, making and following-through on plans, and emotional regulation
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Build friendships through one of the oldest games
Camp structure varies depending on the age and skill of the campers, and typically
- Start at 9:30am and go to 3:30pm daily, with half-day options available
- Campers should pack a lunch, and light snacks will be provided
- Run for a week at a time in Mechanics' Institute Chess Club
- Maintain a 12:1 student-instructor ratio
Camps for kids in Kindergarten to Grade 5
Younger campers learn in a structured environment with activities and lessons to develop their chess and social skills. Activities include
- Supervised play where students learn to ask other kids and even adults to play a game
- Lessons on famous games and basic tactics to help them identify and apply patterns to new situations
- Introduction to formal chess through the use of clocks and lessons on how to write down chess moves
- Worksheets, books, and puzzles and other co-operative chess activities
- Prizes for learning and not just winning
Tentative schedule for younger campers
9:30 am - 9:45 am | Warmup games and puzzles while we wait for everyone to arrive |
9:45 am - 10:30 am | First lesson (lecture, worksheets, play) |
10:30 am - 10:45 am | Bathroom and snack break |
10:45 am - 11:30 am | Paired play (mini tournament) |
11:30 am - 11:45 am | Bathroom and snack break |
11:45 am - 12:05 pm | Second lesson (lecture, worksheets, play) |
12:05 pm - 12:20 pm | Free play! |
12:20 pm - 12:45 pm | Mid-day break Full day campers have lunch Morning campers leave, Afternoon campers arrive |
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm | First afternoon lesson (lecture, worksheets, play) |
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm | Bathroom and snack break |
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm | Paired play (mini tournament) |
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm | Bathroom and snack break |
2:45 pm - 3:05 pm | Second afternoon lesson (lecture, worksheets, play) |
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm | Free play! |
Frequently asked questions
What is the drop-off and pick-up procedure like?
An authorized pick-up is expected to sign students in and out of the camp by coming to the 4th floor chess room and checking in on the roster.
For those driving, we recommend parking at the Sutter-Stockton Garage which is close by and more reliable than street parking.
We are located just steps from the Montgomery Muni and BART station, and a stop on the Muni 2 line for those traveling by public transit.
With parent permission, older students may sign themselves in and out of the camp. Please email chessroom@milibrary.org with the name of the student and your permission.
How many students do you need to run a camp? Is there a minimum number?
All camps need a minimum of 4 campers to hold the camp. Decisions to cancel the camp in case of under-enrollment will be made by 6pm on Friday the week before.
Please register ahead of time to make sure we can plan accordingly.
Do you allow early drop-off or late pick-up?
We do not offer late pick-up or early drop-off.
Campers will not be able to enter the chess room before 9am on camp days, and they are expected to be picked up promptly.
Parents who are routinely or excessively late (over 15 minutes) will be charged $25 for every 5 minutes they are late.
Are we able to get a refund if we need to withdraw from the camp?
We offer refunds of the full price minus a $25 fee for credit card processing.
To receive a refund you must request it by 3pm on the Friday before the camp starts.
To request a refund, please email chessroom@milibrary.org.
Camps for Middle and High School students
Camps for older players give students the chance to explore their chess interests and learn how to become part of the social life of the chess club.
- Office hours with local chess masters to analyze games and talk shop about chess history, news, and strategies
- Access to our private library, including access to the second largest collection of chess books in the country
- Play and chat with club members from diverse backgrounds who have the same passion for chess