The U.S. Chess Center offers a variety of programs to learn chess:
Summer Chess Day Camps (for Rising Grades 2-9)
After-School Chess Clubs (for Grades 2-6)
During-School Chess Classes (for Title I Schools in DC)
Saturday Chess Kids (for Grades K-6)
Adult Beginner/Novice Online Chess Classes & Chess Club/Class for Adults (In-Person)
See below for more information, or
check out the Play section for opportunities to play chess
Registration for 2025 Summer Chess Day Camps is NOW OPEN!
Summer Chess Days Camps for students rising into grades 2 – 7 or rising into grades 3 -9. Our week-long Summer Chess Day Camps consist of chess instruction and play, as well as recreational activities. Thousands of students have participated in our camps, with many enjoying camp so much that they return year after year and dozens continue to play at a master level.
Our nationally certified chess teachers are experienced with all levels of ability. Camp will be challenging and interesting for all and our focus is on improving chess skills through practice and lessons. The teachers place more emphasis on learning than on winning. Good sportsmanship is the key to having fun.
There will be about one teacher per ten students and enrollment is capped at 30 campers total for each week. Depending on the week and camp location students rising into grades 2-7 or rising into grades 3-9 are welcome. Camp starts at 9:00am ET and ends at 3:00pm ET. Aftercare (until 5:00pm ET) is available for an added fee.
Registration for 2024-2025 After-School Chess Clubs will open in September 2024
After-School Chess Clubs for students in grades 2 – 6. Since 1993, the U.S. Chess Center has been running chess clubs in elementary schools throughout the national capital region. Check our list of active/upcoming after-school clubs here; or ask your PTA/PTO to contact us about starting a club at your school.
In our after-school chess clubs, players are grouped by ability, not age. We teach the rules to beginners and strategy to experienced players. Chess teaches responsibility, discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Chess players learn how to make the most of their opportunities and how to turn a bad situation to their advantage. They learn not to make excuses for their setbacks, and to win and lose graciously. All instructors are certified chess coaches.
Membership in an after-school club includes:
- One after-school meeting each week at the school with instruction and supervised play
- Opportunity to participate in our Elementary Team League. This fun competition takes place on eight Saturdays at 1:30 pm from November through March. Students in our Northern Virginia clubs represent their schools in friendly matches with students from other schools.
During-School Classes for students in grades 2 – 8. As part of our charitable mission, we work with Title I schools in the District of Columbia to teach chess during school hours as a compulsory class. In this way, we are better able to reach students who can benefit the most from chess instruction—those students least likely to volunteer for an after-school chess club. To bring chess to your school during the academic day, ask your Principal or Teacher to contact us.
Chess Kids takes a break over the summer and will return in Fall 2025
Saturday Chess Kids for students in grades K – 6. Chess Kids, which has been operating since the U.S. Chess Center’s founding, is an individualized, highly structured program for students in Grades K – 6 that meets on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 11:30 am over four-weeks per session. It is designed to foster an interest in chess among those who may be too young to be able to handle the complex abstract concepts involved with serious chess, and to generate enthusiasm for those who are ready for the full game. We want kids to grow with others of the same age and have them form friendships as they improve their skills. They learn that improving at the game is the fun part, not winning. So long as they are trying to do their best they will improve (win or lose). Chess Kids students are placed in groups based on their ability and everyone plays games each week and receives lessons. Students are welcome to register for multiple sessions as lessons for each group build from the previous lessons. Through Chess Kids, we make learning chess fun!
Registration for Online Adult Classes is OPEN!
Classes begin on a rolling basis as soon as there are sufficient students.
Online Classes for Adults Only. Our experienced chess teachers help adults in the novice ranges advance to play a confident game of chess. Classes meet online for 60 minutes once each week for four weeks. Lessons are live and interactive with one of our experienced and nationally certified chess coaches; we do not use videos.
This class is especially great for parents or teachers who wish to develop a solid foundation in the basic strategy of chess and/or improve their ability to play competitively with their children or students; but it’s also open to any adult who wishes to learn how to play chess properly. Our goal is to put you on the path toward a lifelong love of the game. New classes begin on a rolling basis as soon as we have a minimum of four students registered.
Registration for the Cleveland Park Library Chess Club for Adults is OPEN!
This program is FREE but space is limited and registration is required.
Chess Club for Adults at Cleveland Park Library (Washington, DC). All levels welcome! Absolute beginners are welcome, as are tournament players and everyone in between. If you are new to chess and will be learning with us, we expect you at all club meetings, as lessons build from the previous lessons. Casual and experienced players are welcome any time to play or get help improving their skills. Registration is required and space is limited. Chess Club meets nearly every Wednesday at the Cleveland Park Library (CPL) at 3310 Connecticut Avenue, Main level meeting room (Chess club will not be held on any days the library is closed or during DCPS Spring Break). Sponsored by the Friends of Cleveland Park Library and DC Public Library.