Summer Chess Camps

July 6-10 At the South Butler Community Library!

Learn to Play Chess (1-1:45pm) Chess Camp for Kids (2-3:30pm)

Not sure which camp to join? Email the instructor: gabriel.petesch@gmail.com

OPTION 1: LEARN TO PLAY CHESS:

WHO CAN JOIN: Kids aged 7-15, with no/very little knowledge of chess.

General Plan:

  • We will start at the very beginning: how to move the pieces.

  • From there, lessons will get into more advanced topics, including:

    • developing pieces at the start of the game

    • castling the king, and controlling the center

    • check, checkmate, and stalemate

  • Towards the end of the week, students will get to use what they’ve learned in friendly practice games with other students

OPTION 2: CHESS CAMP FOR KIDS

WHO CAN JOIN: Kids aged 8-15, from Beginner to Intermediate level. PLEASE NOTE: Students must know the rules of chess to join this camp.

This camp will feature a daily mix of fun and instructive activities, led by Chess Master Gabriel Petesch.

Daily Activities (Example):

  • 2-2:15pm: students arrive and play some warmup games

  • 2:15-2:35: Instructive lesson on tactics or reviewing a famous chess game

  • 2:35-2:55: Puzzle Racing! See who can solve some puzzles fastest (starting from checkmate in 1, working up to more complex puzzles)

  • 2:55-3:15: Daily Tournament Game (with prizes for the top finishers at the end of the week!)

  • 3:15-3:30: Small Group activities/minigames

Summer Chess Camp Registration

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Summer Chess Camp Registration ↓↓

2026 Saxonburg Learn to Play Chess Camp
from US$80.00

Registration for 1-Week Learn to Play Chess Camp

South Butler Community Library (240 W. Main St., Saxonburg PA 16056)

July 6-10 (1-1:45pm)

  • Lessons will start with how to move the pieces and will progress into more advanced fundamental concepts

    • After some lessons, students will get a chance to test their new skills in friendly games

  • This camp is for kids with no experience with chess, or very limited experience

The price for 1 student is $80.

There is a sibling discount of $15 for each additional sibling. **Discount is automatically applied when selecting 2 or more participants**

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

2026 Saxonburg Summer Chess Camps
from US$140.00

Registration for 1-Week Chess Camp for Kids

South Butler Community Library (240 W. Main St., Saxonburg PA 16056)

July 6-10 (2-3:30pm)

  • Activities will include tournament games, instructive lectures, group and individual puzzle contests, and small group study sessions.

  • This camp is for kids with prior chess experience

The price for 1 student is $140.

There is a sibling discount of $20 for each additional sibling. **Discount is automatically applied when selecting 2 or more participants**

Please get in touch if you have any questions.