Applications are open for USCS's Online Program. Upcoming in-person and online camps are listed here.

US Chess School
US Chess School
Checkerboard Patter

Developing the

Developing the

next generation

next generation

of masters

of masters

Free, invitation-only chess camps for the most talented young players in the country

Apply to Online Program

Donate Now

Smiling Chess Player
shine-shape
Smiling Chess Player
shine-shape
0+

Camps Held

0+

GM Titled Alumni

1978

Year Founded

Developing the

next generation

of masters

Free, invitation-only chess camps for the most talented young players in the country

Apply to Online Program

Donate Now

Smiling Chess Player
shine-shape
Smiling Chess Player
0+

Camps Held

0+

GM Titled Alumni

1978

Year Founded

What We Offer

How USCS

Changes Lives

World-class chess training for the US's most promising young players, provided completely free of charge.

World-class chess training for the US's most promising young players, provided completely free of charge.

In-Person Camps

Multi-day training camps in major cities. Small groups of 8-16 players receive intensive, personalized coaching from grandmasters and international masters.

View Past Camps →

Online Camps

USCS provides accessible, year-round online camps for students to experience the same level of world-class chess training provided in our in-person camps.

About USCS →

Hall of Fame

Dozens of our alumni have become Grandmasters, Women Grandmasters, International Masters, world youth champions, and representatives of the United States on the international stage.

Meet Our Alumni →

In-Person Camps

Multi-day training camps in major cities. Small groups of 8-16 players receive intensive, personalized coaching from grandmasters and international masters.

View Past Camps →

Online Camps

USCS provides accessible, year-round online camps for students to experience the same level of world-class chess training provided in our in-person camps.

About USCS →

Hall of Fame

Dozens of our alumni have become Grandmasters, Women Grandmasters, International Masters, world youth champions, and representatives of the United States on the international stage.

Meet Our Alumni →

  • Outdoor Camp Excursion
  • Group of friends
  • Smiling children playing chess
  • Outdoor camp excursion
  • Campers hugging
  • Outdoor Camp Excursion
  • Group of friends
  • Smiling children playing chess
  • Outdoor camp excursion
  • Campers hugging
Our Story

Founded on Access

Founded on Access

Founded on Access

& Excellence

& Excellence

& Excellence

Created in 2006, the United States Chess School provides the nation's most talented young chess players with top- level training from some of the best coaches in the country.

At each training camp, a select group of 8 to 16 players receive multiple days of rigorous training and one-on-one guidance from our coaches, all completely free of charge.

In 2013, all 18 players in the U.S. Junior Closed and U.S. CadetChampionship — the most prestigious youth tournaments in the country — were former USCS attendees.

Meet Founder Greg Shahade

Meet Founder Greg Shahade

The Process

How to Attend a Camp

01
Apply Online

Submit an application for in-person or online camps through our application form. Tell us about your chess experience, rating, and interests.

02
Get Invited

Our team reviews applications and extends invitations based on rating, potential, and fit. We actively seek diverse talent from across the country.

03
Attend Camp

Join the USA's best young players for multiple days of intensive training, all provided without cost thanks to our generous donors and sponsors.

04
Elevate Your Game

Leave with new skills, deeper understanding, and a network of peers and coaches who will support your chess journey for years to come.

01
Apply Online

Submit an application for in-person or online camps through our application form. Tell us about your chess experience, rating, and interests.

02
Get Invited

Our team reviews applications and extends invitations based on rating, potential, and fit. We actively seek diverse talent from across the country.

03
Attend Camp

Join the USA's best young players for multiple days of intensive training, all provided without cost thanks to our generous donors and sponsors.

04
Elevate Your Game

Leave with new skills, deeper understanding, and a network of peers and coaches who will support your chess journey for years to come.

01
Apply Online

Submit an application for in-person or online camps through our application form. Tell us about your chess experience, rating, and interests.

02
Get Invited

Our team reviews applications and extends invitations based on rating, potential, and fit. We actively seek diverse talent from across the country.

03
Attend Camp

Join the USA's best young players for multiple days of intensive training, all provided without cost thanks to our generous donors and sponsors.

04
Elevate Your Game

Leave with new skills, deeper understanding, and a network of peers and coaches who will support your chess journey for years to come.

Apply to the online program today

→

What's Next

Upcoming Camps

In-Person Camps

USCS 59

Applications Closed
New York, NY

–

IM Alex Ostrovskiy

Application criteria:

Open to all
Online Camps

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Fall 2026

–

GM Johan Hellsten

Application criteria:

Open to all

Applications not yet open

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Winter 2027

–

TBA

Application criteria:

All Girls

Applications not yet open

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Spring 2027

–

TBA

Application criteria:

Open to all

Applications not yet open

In-Person Camps

USCS 59

Applications Closed
New York, NY

–

IM Alex Ostrovskiy

Application criteria:

Open to all
Online Camps

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Fall 2026

–

GM Johan Hellsten

Application criteria:

Open to all

Applications not yet open

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Winter 2027

–

TBA

Application criteria:

All Girls

Applications not yet open

Online Camp

Scheduled
USCS Online Spring 2027

–

TBA

Application criteria:

Open to all

Applications not yet open

Checkerboard Patter

"These players work incredibly hard, and they deserve opportunities to improve their game with the help of great coaches"

— Greg Shahade, Founder & President, U.S. Chess School

Hall of Fame . Hall of Fame . Hall of Fame . Hall of Fame

Meet some of our accomplished alumni

View Full Hall of Fame

→

Watch 10 year old master Samuel Sevian take on IM Greg Shahade in a game of blitz chess.

Get in Touch

Questions or comments? Send us a message below.