Camps and Classes

8^th Annual OleChess Chess Camp

A premier national chess camp at an affordable price. 3 camps in one - for all ages, with special options for serious players, adults, and chess coaches.  The camp accepts both residential and commuter students.  It is located 35 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN on the beautiful campus of St. Olaf College, with excellent campus meals and an air conditioned dorm.  (The campus was named one of the most beautiful by Travel and Leisure magazine.)  Instructors currently include GM Yury Shulman, GM Alexander Onischuk, (potential third GM being scheduled), IM Irina Krush, IM John Bartholomew and FM and USCF Certified Professional Chess Coach Kevin Bachler.  Travel to the camp by highway is easy, and an optional shuttle service is available from the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport.

The camp offers three study options:

Chess Essentials: For players of all ages and strengths. Campers are divided into classes of like ability and age. Campers nine years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult (see escort policy).

Intensive Study: For players rated above 1700 or at least 17 years old. This option is intended for serious/adult students and involves additional instructional periods, lectures, and greater classroom rigor.

Chalk-Talk: For adults (18 and older) interested in strengthening their chess knowledge for themselves or for the purpose of teaching others. This option includes take-away material and a letter of recommendation for the USCF Certified Chess Coach Program.

Daily Schedule: Camp opens on Sunday afternoon with check-in between 2 and 4 p.m., followed by an orientation meeting, dinner, and an exciting exhibition pitting participants against instructional staff.  Monday morning begins with the first round of a G/60 tournament that runs throughout the week. Following the tournament is the first of three daily class sessions in which participants are divided into groups and work with a single supervising teacher. A rotating instructional schedule allows participants to study with a variety of teachers during the camp. Afternoon class sessions are followed by dinner in Stav Hall and special activities, while students in the Intensive Study Option have an additional 1-1.5 special lecture. Camp closing ceremonies start at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon with trophies awarded to winners in all competitions. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Special Activities: Special activities such as movie and bowling nights, a campfire, and recreational opportunities, including soccer, Frisbee, or basketball, keep things active and interesting at OleChess. Other activities include the Survivor Simul, a blitz tournament, and Ole Bughouse Mania.

Other Special Events:

OleChess Warm-up Tournament: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m.5 p.m. See website for details.

Chess Basics Class: Sunday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. This class will cover basics including notation, some arcane rules, and terminology, providing the less experienced player of any age an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of fundamental chess concepts prior to the start of the camp.

Escort Policy: Participants nine years of age or younger may attend camp with an adult escort. There is a maximum of three campers per escort. The escort fee includes meals, housing in a shared room with the camper, and bowling night.

More Information: See http://www.stolaf.edu/conferences/camps/chesscamp/ or see OleChess on Facebook!  (http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Olaf-Summer-OleChess-Camp/140549583067) or email either summer@stolaf.edu or Kevin_Bachler@cavemanchess.com