SLEO Chess Hosts Third Annual Summer Camp and USCF Tourney

This summer, SLEO proudly hosted its third annual Chess Summer Camp, welcoming beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. The 9-week camp was led by Rex Zhu, Vera Ewing, and instructors Ayden Huang, Sophie Zhang, Jenna Song, Joy Chen, and Albert Shi. We would also like to give a special thank you to our volunteers, Roy Zhu, Éamon Ewing and Forrest Yang, for subbing in to support the camp when some instructors couldn’t make it. You were true lifesavers, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Our camp took place every Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M., held either at St. Louis Public Libary’s Thornhill Location or event space in our suite, where we shared our passion for teaching chess. This year’s curriculum covered essential skills such as opening principles, key checkmates (like King-Queen and King-Rook), fundamental endgame ideas, and pawn structures. Advanced students also explored introductory opening theory, as well as some more challenging topics. 

After each lesson, students played rapid games, after which we reviewed together to identify strengths and areas for improvement. To wrap up each day, we held a fun, free play segment where students could enjoy blitz games and socialize with each other, allowing for students to have fun after a long period of instruction. 

To conclude our camp this year, we hosted an official USCF-rated tournament, giving students a chance to experience the rules, structure, and environment of a real competition. The tournament consisted of three rounds, each with a 30 minute time control per side. Thank you everyone who participated and showed your dedication for chess, we hope to see you again next year!

Author: Albert Shi

Editor: Roy Zhu