Instructor List posted!
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Chess Center will organize a Winter Elite Camp, December 29, 2026 - January 2, 2027, just after the North American Junior Championship and Charlotte Winter Classic, held at different venues. This camp provides 25+ hours of the highest level of instruction available, including supervised training games, analysis, and classroom sessions daily. Many former Charlotte Elite campers have gone on to become GMs and IMs.
The 2026 Charlotte Winter Elite Camp instructors are: GM Le Quang Liem and GM Jacob Aagaard.
WHEN
Tuesday, December 29, 2026 - Saturday, January 2, 2027
Campers are strongly encouraged to couple the camp with the North American Junior Championship and Charlotte Winter Classic, held just prior to camp at a different venue.
WHERE
Hilton Garden Inn – Southpark (Official Venue)
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 362-5080
HOTEL BOOKING
Both hotel options attached to the playing venue.
Email us if the booking links are not showing the correct rate.
Free internet, free parking
Hilton Garden Inn – Southpark
$134/night for King or $149 for 2 Queens
Booking Link - Reserve by December 2
Homewood Suites – Southpark
$152/night for King suite with sofa bed
Free Breakfast
Booking Link - Reserve by December 2
INSTRUCTORS
2026 Instructors are confirmed!
GM Le Quang Liem
Current World #18 (peak ranking #14)
Current Ratings: 2731 FIDE, 2799 USCF, 2857 USCF Blitz
Former World Blitz Champion and Asian Continental Champion
9-time Chess Olympiad and 9-time World Cup participant
Webster University Head Chess Coach
FIDE Senior Trainer, Forbes Vietnam "30 under 30"
GM Jacob Aagaard
World's leading chess author and trainer
Trainer of Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Hans Niemann, Sam Shankland, Boris Gelfand, Indian Women's Olympiad Team
Former British and Scottish National Champion
2-time Chess Olympiad participant
ELIGIBILITY
Due to the high level of chess and maturity required for this camp, there is a minimum student age of 10 years old.
There is a minimum USCF/FIDE peak rating requirement of 1600.
Please do not register if you do not meet both of the requirements.
Adults rated 1600+ are welcome, with the understanding that camp enrollment will primarily be U18.
Returning campers (previous Elite Camp or Winter Elite Camp) attendees are eligible to register.
The average age of camp is expected to be ~12-13.
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.
SCHEDULE
Time | Activity |
8:45 - 9:00am | Arrival at Hotel |
9:00 - 10:15am | Unrated Training Game |
10:15am - 12:00pm | Game Analysis with Instructors |
12:00 - 1:00pm | Lunch |
1:00 - 2:15pm | Class with Instructor 1 |
2:15 - 2:45pm | Break |
2:45 - 4:00pm | Class with Instructor 2 |
4:00 - 4:30pm | Break |
4:30 - 5:30pm | Practical Training with Instructors |
Evening | See Optional Evening Activities Below |
Each day, each group meets with both instructors, plus game review and practical training sessions for over 5 hours of daily training.
We reserve the right to adjust the schedule in case there is demand for more than 2 groups and instructors. In every case, all campers will meet with all instructors each day, and there will be a minimum of 5 hours of daily training.
There is no evening activity on Friday - camp ends at 5:30pm Saturday, January 2.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
All evening activities included in camper entry fee.
Day | Time | Activity | Open To |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon 12/29 | 5:45 - 7:00pm | Simul | Elite Campers |
Tues 12/30 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | GM Aagaard Lecture | Elite Campers + CCC Members |
Wed 12/31 | 5:45 - 7:00pm | Camp Blitz Tournament | Elite Campers |
Thu 1/1 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | GM Le Quang Liem Lecture | Elite Campers + CCC Members |
LUNCH
Students should pack their own lunch. There are many restaurants and a Whole Foods within walking distance.
TUITION
$1495 by November 15
$1695 after November 15
SPECIAL NOTES
DISCOUNTS
Limit 1 discount per camper.
GMs and IMs: $500 Discount
Campers who attended 2026 Summer Elite Camp: $300 Discount
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 discounted camp entry or those who would like to apply for a scholarship should email events@charlottechesscenter.org
CANCELLATIONS
Refund minus $200 penalty for withdrawals until November 20.
Refund minus $500 penalty for withdrawals until December 15.
No refunds after December 15.
OTHER ITEMS
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 files/notes from instructors and a camp t-shirt.
Campers should pack lunch daily or arrange for delivery/take-out options.
The host hotel has a full restaurant and bar.
Many good options within walking distance.