This first page mentions many of our programs and upcoming events. Please scroll for further information.

We are refreshing our website. Please check with us if you have a question. Thanks for your understanding. During website work, information on mobile-accessed pages may appear out of order.

For news on the Festival & website updates, join our email list at https://cavechess.cc/cavemail

The Caveman Chess Festival is on!

Camp, July 20-25 ——Nine Tourneys, July 25-27 (Including 3 National Championships)

US Junior, US Senior, US Blind, Caveman Not JR/SR (Medior), Beginner Open 1, Beginner Open 2, Friday Fun, US Junior Blitz, US Senior/Medior Quick offers $40,000 in prizes, over 80 plaques, and 370 Grand Prix Points at the Hilton Chicago - Northbrook, IL. Visit the Caveman Chess Festival Info in the top menu or use the links above for more details about the camp or tournaments.

Festival Updates from 2024:

Tournaments

  • 2025 Hotel prices match those in 2024.

  • New systems connect tourney results to accounting to speed prize payments.

  • Tournament prizes will be paid within 10 business days - additional staff &system improvements ensure this.

Camp Updates from 2024:

Camp

  • Hotel prices are the same in 2025 for the camp as in 2024.

  • You may register for the hotel directly with the hotel, or through the camp to be assigned with campers of the same sex and similar age.

Other Important News:

General

  • Players in the festival tournaments can easily make it to the US Open via our $35 transport bus to the site hotel.

  • Please note the NOT JR/SR (“Medior”) tournament. We’ve had this tournament annually, and would like it to crack 100 entrants this year.

Caveman Chess Instruction, Events, Tournaments

Instruction & Competition

Caveman Chess provides instruction and competition. Unlike many providers, we provide education, not enrichment, using classical instruction, training methods, and modern computer techniques. Students will have assignments.

We teach players to do it right and do it well. They will know how to use a clock and keep notation so that they can share their tournament games and improve afterwards.

We offer classes, seminars, workshops, day and overnight camps and individual lessons. Each type of instruction meets different needs at different price points. Please see “Our Philosophy”, Camps & Workshops and Instructions and Credentials for more information.

Classes are weekly. Eventually, multiple sections of each course will be available weekly when students have conflicts. Our memberships program, provides discounted classes and tournaments for cost-effectiveness. Refer to the memberships page for pricing.

Camps, Tournaments & Events

  • Day Camps

    • June 2-6

    • June 9-13

    • June 16-20

    • June 23-27

  • Overnight Camps

    • Hotel Shuttle Bus from Chicago Class to Caveman Chess Camp

    • Caveman Chess Overnight Camp: July 20-25

    • US Junior, US Senior, and other events: July 25-27

    • Bus to US Open: July 27, 7:00 p.m.

Our Playing Sites

Tournaments under 100 players

  • Caveman Chess Center, Signature Building, 222 S. Prospect Avenue, Floor R, Park Ridge, IL 60068

Tournaments of more than 100 players

  • Hilton-Chicago-Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062. Near Willow & I-294. Corner of Milwaukee & Winkleman.