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 are tentative until on-line registration is available. 

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, or call us:

(202) 857-4922

We take about 30 students in each camp, sometimes more in the full-day camps, always on a first-come basis. Many 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 have gone swimming in some of the full-day camps. Some full-day camps have the availability of an after-care 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.

Summer Camps

Camps are not confirmed until registration is available. The dates and locations are subject to change until registration has opened.

June Chess Camps

June 18 - June 22

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Orange Hunt Elementary School in Springfield, Virginia, for students rising into grades 2 - 7. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60. On-line registration is not yet available.

June 25 - 29

Half-day camps at Willow Springs Elementary School in Fairfax, Virginia.

Mornings (9:00 a.m. - noon) for beginner-to-intermediate players entering grades 2 - 7. $110 per week.  

On-line registration

Afternoons (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) for intermediate players entering grades 2 - 8. $110 per week.  

On-line registration

July Chess Camps

July 2 - 6

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Tifereth Israel synagogue, 7701 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC (walking distance from the Silver Spring Metro. For players who already know the rules of chess rising into grades 2 - 8. $200 per week. No camp July 4. Aftercare available for an additional $60.  

On-line registration

July 9 - 13

Half-day camps at Colvin Run Elementary School in Vienna, Virginia.

Mornings (9:00 a.m. - noon) for beginner-to-intermediate players entering grades 2 - 7. $110 per week.   

On-line registration

Afternoons (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) for intermediate players entering grades 3 - 9. $110 per week.   

On-line registration

July 16 - 20

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Colvin Run Elementary School in Vienna, Virginia, for players rising into grades 3 - 9 comfortable with tournament rules. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60.  

On-line registration

July 23 - 27

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

August Chess Camps

July 30 - August 3

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

August 6 - 10

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria, Virginia, for beginner and intermediate students entering grades 2 - 8. $200 per week. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. for an additional $60. 

On-line registration

August 13 - 17

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Alpha STEM offices at 14088 Sullyfield Circle, Suite P, in Chantilly, Virginia, for intermediate students entering grades 1 - 8. $210 per week.   

On-line registration

Teaching Kids to Think. Learning a skill for life

The U.S. Chess Center works with at-risk children, using chess to help them with academic and social skills. This video highlights the value of chess for children from various backgrounds.