US Chess Academy Summer Camp
Chess & Checkers House, Central Park
Four weeks of chess, coached play, and outdoor fun. Limited to 12 students.
Summer 2026 • Weekday mornings • Ages 5–13
Each morning at the Chess & Checkers House features structured lessons, coached games, puzzle challenges, and outdoor play.
Campers are grouped by level, from beginners learning the game to students preparing for tournament play.
Set on a shaded hilltop in Central Park, the pavilion offers 24 outdoor tables under a wooden trellis, one of the most unique settings for chess in the city.
Choose Your Camp Option
Booking for siblings? You can reserve multiple spots during checkout.
Full Week Camp
$450 per week
Save $50 when booking a full week.
Limited to 12 students.
Structured instruction, coached play, and outdoor activities across five mornings in Central Park.
Single Day
$100 per day
Flexible scheduling for your summer plans.
Limited to 12 students.
Join for a single morning of structured instruction, coached play, and outdoor activities in Central Park.
A Morning at Camp
9:00 AM — Check in and warm up games
9:30 AM — Chess lesson (grouped by level)
10:15 AM — Coached play and puzzle challenges
11:00 AM — Soccer, outdoor games, or free play in the park
11:30 AM — Final round and ice cream
12:00 PM — Pickup
Special Camp Guests Through the Years
- National Master Bruce Pandolfini - Grandmaster Maurice Ashley - Grandmaster Aryam Abreu - International Master Jairo Moreira - International Master James Mann De Tolido
- National Master Bruce Pandolfini - Grandmaster Maurice Ashley - Grandmaster Aryam Abreu - International Master Jairo Moreira - International Master James Mann De Tolido
Camp Details
Schedule
June 15 to July 10, 2026 • Monday to Friday
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Early drop-off and extended day available
Location
Chess & Checkers House, Central Park
(Meet at the pavilion)
Ages and Experience
Ages 5 to 13 • All levels welcome
What to Bring
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and a snack
Comfortable clothes for outdoor play
Weather
In case of rain, parents are notified by 7:30 AM via email and WhatsApp
Cancelled days receive a make-up or credit
Frequently Asked Questions
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All levels are welcome. Campers are grouped by experience, from complete beginners to tournament players.
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Parents are notified by 7:30 AM via email and WhatsApp. Cancelled days receive a make-up day or credit toward a future session.
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Description Yes. You can book individual days or a full week. If you need to make a change, just reach out and we will do our best to accommodate.
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A water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a snack. Campers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for outdoor play.
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Yes. All sessions are led by experienced coaches, and campers are supervised throughout the program.
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Yes. Both options are available during booking.
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This program is independently operated and is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Chess & Checkers House. We meet at the pavilion in Central Park as a public gathering space.
*Independently operated program. Not affiliated with the Chess & Checkers House.