Registration is Open.
Contact: events@charlottechesscenter.org
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Chess Center will organize its 9th annual Elite Chess Camp June 15-19, 2026, featuring world-class trainers and dozens of the nation’s top junior players. It is held just after the Carolinas Classic, a strong 5-round tournament. Effective 2026, we have increased the daily training hours to provide over 30 hours of the highest level of live instruction available in the world with GMs Judit Polgar, Peter Leko, and RB Ramesh.
This is the strongest non-invitational camp in the country - many former Elite campers have gone on to become GMs and IMs.
WHEN
June 15-19, 2026
Campers are strongly encouraged to couple the camp with the 2026 Carolinas Classic, held just prior to camp at the same venue.
WHERE
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
$139/Night
Free Internet, Free Parking
ELIGIBILITY
Due to the high level of chess and maturity required for this camp, there is a minimum student age of 11 years old and minimum USCF/FIDE peak rating requirement of 1800. Do not register if you do not meet the requirements.
Update 2/15: Returning campers (previous Elite Camp or Winter Elite Camp attendees are eligible to register.
Adults rated 1800+ are welcome, with the understanding that the average age of campers is usually ~13 years old.
Prospective students who do not quite meet the rating or age requirements should email us to join the waitlist.
Groups are assigned based on age, rating, and experience.
Each day, all 3 groups meet with each instructor for 75 minutes plus a 1-hour practical training positions session and a 75-minute practical exercises session for a total of 6 hours of serious training daily. Every student will meet with each instructor every day.
SCHEDULE
Time | Activity |
8:30 - 8:45am | Arrival |
8:45 - 9:45am | Practical Training Positions |
9:45 - 10:00am | Break |
10:00 - 11:15am | Class with Instructor 1 |
11:15 - 11:45am | Break |
11:45am - 1:00pm | Class with Instructor 2 |
1:00 - 2:00pm | Lunch (not provided) |
2:00 - 3:15pm | Class with Instructor 3 |
3:15 - 3:45pm | Break |
3:45 - 5:00pm | Practical Exercises |
After 5:00pm | Pick up / Evening Activities |
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Evening activities are optional, but are included in camper entry fee.
Day | Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon 6/15 | 5:15 - 6:30pm | Instructor Simul | On Site |
Tue 6/16 | 6:00 - 9:30pm | Lecture & Tuesday Night Action | CCC Main |
Wed 6/17 | 5:30 - 6:30pm | Lecture | On Site |
Thu 6/18 | 5:15 - 6:30pm | Camp Blitz / Parent Seminar | On Site |
Fri 6/19 | 5:00pm | Departure |
2026 INSTRUCTORS
GM Judit Polgar
Strongest female chess player of all time
World Chess Hall of Fame Inductee
Broke Bobby Fischer's record as youngest GM (15 years, 4 months) and was ranked World #55 at age 12
Peak FIDE rating 2735 (world no. 8)
Competed in 2005 FIDE World Championship
GM Peter Leko
Drew 2004 World Championship Match vs. Vladimir Kramnik (lost on tiebreaks), also competed in 2005 and 2007 FIDE World Championships
Current coach of World #4 GM Vincent Keymer
Peak FIDE rating 2763 (World #4)
Current World #44 - competed in last Olympiad and World Cup
World-class chess commentator and trainer
GM RB Ramesh
Grandmaster and FIDE Senior Trainer
Former British Champion and Commonwealth Champion
Top chess trainer and author with 20+ years of experience
Former coach of Indian men and women’s national teams
Trainer of GM Praggnanandhaa (Peak World Rank #4, 2024 and 2026 FIDE Candidate)
TUITION
$1750 until April 1
$1950 after April 1
SPECIAL NOTES
DISCOUNTS
GMs and IMs: $500 Discount
FMs and players currently rated 2300+ USCF: $300 Discount
Need-based Scholarships: the CCC offers limited, confidential assistance to prospective campers with a demonstrable need for financial assistance as our Elite Camp budget allows.
Campers who qualify for a discount or would like to apply for a scholarship should email events@charlottechesscenter.org
CANCELLATIONS
Refund minus $200 penalty for withdrawals until May 1.
Refund minus $500 penalty for withdrawals until June 1.
No refunds after June 1.
OTHER
The CCC is not responsible for student supervision outside the hours of camp.
During main camp hours, only campers and staff may be in the classrooms. Parents, siblings, and guests may not "sit in" on camp.
Campers will receive a camp t-shirt during camp, and PGN "take home" files after camp.
Campers should pack lunch daily or arrange for delivery/take-out options.
The host hotel has a full restaurant and bar, and a coffee shop.
Many good options within walking distance.