More Than a game
Unleash Your Child's Potential at Full Day Summer Chess Camp!
Ages 6-14 | All Skill Levels Welcome
2024 camp calendar
Empowering Young Minds Through Chess
Benefits Beyond the Board
Sharpen Focus & Attention Span
Chess teaches strategic thinking and planning, improving concentration and critical thinking skills.
Instill Respect & Sportsmanship
Children learn to win with grace and lose with dignity, fostering a respect for the game and their opponent.
Build Lasting Friendships
Chess camp provides a social environment where children can make new friends who share their love for the game.
Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem
Mastering new skills and achieving goals leads to increased confidence and self-esteem.
meet our coaches
Jim Freerksen
Head Coach & Owner
The Summer Camps are led by Coach Jim Freerksen, a professional chess coach since 2015 with extensive experience in playing chess as well. He has coached Iowa state champions and focuses on bringing joy to his students and igniting their passion for chess. Apart from teaching chess, Coach Jim incorporates character building in his lessons, emphasizing qualities like persistence, effort, and a positive attitude as students learn and grow in the game.
The Reigning Iowa Chess Co-Champion!
Alec A.
Iowa Co-Champion & Asst. Coach
Alec not only brings his championship experience to the table, but also his ability to make chess analysis thrilling. According to his students, Alec has a knack for turning even the most complex chess puzzles into engaging challenges. With his patience, caring nature, and fun-loving attitude, Alec creates a supportive learning environment where every student feels comfortable asking questions and taking risks.
Julian N.
Asst. Coach
Some highlights of Julian’s chess journey include winning the 4th Grade and 5th Grade Iowa Chess Championships in 2018 and 2019. Julian’s positive attitude and infectious humor create a fun and welcoming environment for his students. He is a firm believer in fostering a competitive spirit and good sportsmanship. Most days after lunch, you can find Julian on the field playing soccer with the campers!
Daily Camp Schedule
8:15 - 8:30 am
drop off window
8:30 - 9:00 am
Icebreaker Activity
9:00 - 10:00 am
Chess Activity
10:00 - 10:45 Am
Outdoor Activity
10:45 - 11:30 pm
Chess Lesson
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Chess video
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Afternoon Tournament
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Soccer or Recess
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Free Chess Play
4:00 - 4:15 pm
Pick up window
Additional details
Victory breeds confidence, but so does defeat.
We use mini games, worksheets, and activities to teach fundamentals as well as allow students time to play full games. Groups of all skill level will be taught with an emphasis on how to create a plan and make moves with a purpose during the lessons.
Our morning lessons lay the foundation, and our afternoon tournaments put those skills into practice!
- Blitz Chess: Fast-paced games to hone reflexes and decision-making.
- Bughouse Chess: A wild team format that requires communication!
- Regular Chess (Game 30): Showcase learned strategies in a classic competition.
Medals and trophies will be awarded to the top performers!
What to bring:
- Water Bottle
- Sack Lunch: No Refrigerator or Microwave is Available.
That’s it! We provide all the chess equipment and snacks are provided heavily throughout the day.
Questions?
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about Summer Chess Camps.