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Caveman GM Summer Camp
Caveman GM Chess Camp
June 14–18, 2026
NEW LOWER PRICE! As low as $500
Register today at: register.cavemanchess.com
Description
Join us for an exciting week of high-level chess instruction, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences at the Caveman GM Summer Chess Camp!
Students will train with experienced coaches and titled players while developing advanced chess skills, strategic thinking, calculation, tournament preparation, and competitive confidence. Every student will receive some GM instruction. Beyond the chessboard, participants will enjoy outdoor activities and social events (weather permitting), creating a well-rounded and engaging camp experience.
Whether your goal is to improve your tournament results, prepare for national competition, or simply immerse yourself in a week of chess, the Caveman GM Chess Camp provides a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow chess enthusiasts.
Continue the Experience at the 2026 Caveman Chess Festival!
The camp is immediately followed by the 2026 Caveman Chess Festival, taking place June 19–21, 2026, featuring:
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US Junior Open National Championship
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Caveman Medior Open
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US Senior Open National Championship
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US Blind Open National Championship
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Beginner Open I
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Beginner Open II
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Friday Fun
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Pawn to Platter Banquet Buffet ($30 cost – $100 value)
Camp participants are encouraged to stay and compete in one or more festival events.
Daily Schedule
Camp activities begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. each day. Participants may remain on-site until 9:00-ish p.m. when necessary.
Students will enjoy a full schedule of instruction, training games, lectures, workshops, analysis sessions, and recreational activities. Instructors will rotate between classes so that every camper will get instruction from each instructor.
Meals & Refreshments
Lunch service is coordinated through Panera Bread and will be delivered to the chess center, while dinners (including Sunday evening dinner) are coordinated through other local restaurants. Meal costs are the responsibility of participants and their families. “Group Order” meals will be used to coordinate meals. When possible, we will travel to the restaurant for the evening meal (weather permitting). If the weather is poor, meals will be delivered.
Local participants may also bring a nut-safe lunch and beverage to save on food costs.
Additional refreshments available on-site include:
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Free filtered water
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Canned soda, coffee, and other beverages ($2 each; may be purchased online)
Outdoor Activities
Weather permitting, campers will participate in organized outdoor activities throughout the week, providing a fun balance to the intensive chess training schedule.
We look forward to welcoming you to an incredible week of chess, friendship, learning, and competition!
Daily Schedule
Here’s a sneak peek at the schedule:
- At Hotel/Home: Prior to 7:30
- Arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.
- Tournament Game: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Game Analysis: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Class #1: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Bring a “nut-safe” lunch and drink or join group Panera order)
- Class #2: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Break: 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Class #3: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Dinner: 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Explorer Event: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Intensive Study Lecture: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Intensive Study Event: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Events End, Pickup to Hotel/Home: 9:00 p.m.
Location
Join us at Caveman Chess in the vibrant Signature Building, at 222 S. Prospect, Park Ridge, IL 60068, on the 4th (R) Floor. (Elevator is mid-building.) The camp hotel is the Marriott Springhill Suites on Route 72, Higgins Road, just east of Cumberland. Shuttles will be available for travel between the hotel and camp. At the end of the camp, a shuttle will be available to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the Festival tournaments on Friday the 19th at noon. Campers must make their own arrangements for supervision at the Crowne Plaza (tournament hotel).
Orders
Registration closes at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday prior to the camp.