Summer Camps

The UT Dallas online and in-person summer chess camp provides some of the highest-level training for children and teens in the country.

Children playing with life-size chess pieces at Chess Plaza

Ages and Classes

Classes are for kids ages 8-17. Classes are small with a low student-to-teacher ratio. Kids are grouped by ability, age, experience and instructor assessment. UT Dallas Chess Camp will attempt to group friends and relatives upon request.

Choose the session that fits your child’s schedule:

  • Morning sessions: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon sessions: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Camp Groups

Beginner

Beginner groups are for campers who:

  • Have never been introduced to the moves/pieces, or
  • Know how some pieces move but not all, or
  • Have been taught the rules but never won a game.
  • Score below the threshold of an online assessment.

Note: If your child can win against you, that does not necessarily qualify them for a higher grouping.

Intermediate & Advanced

A pre-camp, online assessment will determine whether a camper is placed in an intermediate or advanced group. Campers must already know the rules of chess.

Featured Instructors:

  • GM & FIDE Trainer Julio Sadorra
  • GM Koustav Chatterjee
  • IM Saksham Rautela
  • CM Tim Steiner

In-Person

This is only for Intermediate and Advanced (see Beginner description above).

Please register by July 17.

  • One week only, July 29-August 2
  • Morning session 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
  • Afternoon session, 1:30-4:00 PM
  • GM & FIDE Trainer Julio Sadorra will be the head instructor

For specific registration information, contact the Camp Director Jim Stallings; email Jim Stallings, director of chess, call him at 972-883-4899 (office) or 214-793-4967 (mobile).

Dates and Cost

2024 Camp Dates

  • June 3-7: Register by May 22
  • June 10-14: Register by May 29
  • June 17-21: Register by June 5
  • July 8-12: Register by June 26
  • July 15-19: Register by July 3
  • July 22-26: Register by July 10
  • July 29-August 2: Register by July 17 (In-person only)

Cost

Online

  • Register by April 1: $200
  • Register April 1-June 3: $240
  • Register after June 3: $280

In-Person

  • Register by April 1: $300
  • Register April 1-June 3: $340
  • Register after June 3: $380

Discounts will apply at the end of process.

Refunds

Refunds are given if you cancel no later than the Thursday before the first day of class (less a cancellation fee of $50) or if there is a medical emergency.

For More Information

Email Jim Stallings, director of chess, or call him at 972-883-4899 (office) or 214-793-4967 (mobile).