Panda Chess Academy 17th Annual Summer Chess Camps 2026
17th Annual Summer Chess Camps 2026
For 17 years, Panda Chess Academy has hosted its summer camps at the same Westpark location in Houston.
A fun and educational experience for scholastic chess players.
Location
Panda Chess Academy
9900 Westpark #252
Houston, TX 77063
Camp Director and Lead Instructor
National Master Jeffrey Ashton
Owner and Founder, Panda Chess Academy
2026 Camp Dates
July 6-10, 2026: Intermediate to Advanced
July 13-17, 2026: Intermediate to Advanced
July 20-24, 2026: Beginner to Advanced
July 27-31, 2026: Beginner to Advanced
Weeks 1 and 2 are designed for students with prior tournament experience or established intermediate playing strength.
Schedule
Full Day: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Full Day campers should bring a nut-free lunch.
Morning Session (Half Day): 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Afternoon Session (Half Day): 12:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Regular Drop-off (Full Day and Morning Session): 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Early Drop-off: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM ($20 per day; $100 per week)
Late Pickup: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM ($20 per day; $100 per week)
Tuition
Morning Session (Half Day): $245
Afternoon Session (Half Day): $245
Full Day: $395
Payments accepted via Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo to jeffreyashton@gmail.com
Credit card payments accepted at www.chesspanda.com
Discounts
• Returning Camper Discount: $50 off per camper per camp week for students who have previously attended Panda Chess Academy camps.
• Sibling Discount: $50 off total tuition when enrolling a second child for the first time.
Note: A sibling’s first camp uses the $50 Sibling Discount instead of the $50 Returning Camper Discount for that week.
Only one discount may be applied per camper per camp week.
What’s Included
• All chess equipment
• Snacks and bottled water (Full Day campers should bring a nut-free lunch.)
• Worksheets and folders
• Lecture notes
• Practice games using United States Chess Federation rules
• Small class sizes with personalized instruction
• Prizes
Curriculum and Learning Experience
Each camp features fresh instructional material so returning campers continue to build new skills.
Both the Morning and Afternoon sessions include structured lecture, puzzle solving, guided practice, supervised play with feedback, and dismissal.
A typical session includes:
• Lecture
• Snack break
• Puzzles and structured activities
• Guided play with feedback
• Dismissal
We teach tournament-style chess that emphasizes professional rules and good sportsmanship so students are prepared to compete in tournaments locally, nationally, and even internationally.
Topics Covered
• Chess tactics and puzzles
• Opening repertoire development
• Positional evaluation and strategy
• Time management and competitive play
• Recognizing and capitalizing on critical positions
• Endgame fundamentals and advanced techniques
• Personalized game analysis
• How to practice effectively
Additional Activities
• Group puzzle-solving challenges
• Team competitions
• Playing against instructors
• Training from specific endgame and middlegame scenarios
• Guess the move exercises from famous games
Student Conduct
Our core values are Focus, Safety, and Sportsmanship.
Students are expected to be respectful and courteous.
Rude or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
Registration and Cancellation Policy
Register online at www.chesspanda.com/form
Payment methods:
Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo to jeffreyashton@gmail.com
Credit card at www.chesspanda.com
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made at least 7 days before the first day of camp are eligible for a refund. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the start date are non-refundable. Once camp has begun, no refunds will be issued.
For more details: camps.chesspanda.com
Email: jeffreyashton@gmail.com
Phone or Text: 832-657-2991
