Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while it is a great time for family, food, and fun — it can also mean some free time for kids during the beginning of the week. If you’re wondering how to keep your child engaged, learning, and having a great time during the break, we have the perfect idea: Thanksgiving Chess Camp at the Hyatt!

We’re thrilled to be offering a special camp session at the Hyatt Regency for children from Kindergarten through 12th grade from Monday 11/24 to Wednesday 11/26 at 10 am to 3 pm. The American Open Chess Camp will be led by Senior Coach, Senior Tournament Director, and Expert Anthony Ong.

Why Chess Camp?

• 🧠 Builds Good Habits and Planning Skills: Chess teaches kids how to visualize future scenarios, make plans, and practice choosing better moves.
• 🤝 Fosters Friendship and Sportsmanship: Camps like this offer plenty of chances to play with peers, make new friends, and engage in supportive learning and competition.
• 🍂 Keeps Minds Active During Break: While school’s out, your child can still be learning and having a blast!

What the Camp Will Be Like

• Lessons covering tactics, openings, and endgames — the building blocks of chess strategy.
• Interactive sessions with a mix of analyzing master and personal games, instructor-led lectures and feedback, and solving puzzles to reinforce learning.
• Fun and friendly practice games throughout the day, giving campers a chance to put their learned skills into action in a real game setting.
• A welcoming full-day format: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ensuring plenty of time for learning, playing, and socializing.

📅 Dates & Logistics

Here are the details:

• Dates: Monday–Wednesday of Thanksgiving week — November 24 to 26.
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
• Location: 11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840 — at the Hyatt Regency
• Included: Boards, pieces, clocks, and writing utensils will be provided along with Lunch, so you don’t have to worry about meals
• Pricing: Options to attend one, two, or all three days — $200 for one day; $350 for two days; or $500 for all three days.
• Ages: Open to Kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Minimum Skill Level Required: Campers must already know how the pieces move. (Intro lessons are available at ChessPalace and can be booked prior to the chess camp days.)

After camp, the students can then join the Scholastic chess tournaments during the weekend if they would like.

Spaces fill up fast. Sign up your child(ren) through the link below.