Chess Camps

Greg Habiby

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

Jul 7
Jul 11

Chess Camp for Grades K-5 (Week-long)

Jul 14
Jul 18

Chess Camp for Grades 6 - 12 (Week-long)

Jul 28
Aug 1

Chess Camp for Grades K - 5 (Week-long)

Aug 4
Aug 8

Chess Camp for Grades K - 5 (Week-long)

Aug 11
Aug 15

Chess Camp for all grades (Week-long)

What to expect from the chess camps

With the help of Chess Club coaches and staff, campers will

  • Improve their chess fundamentals by practicing basic checkmate patterns, tactics like forks, pins, and skewers, and looking over games to learn from their mistakes

  • Develop social and emotional skills such as critical thinking, navigating social situations, making and following-through on plans, and emotional regulation

  • 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 the 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

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