Castle Chess offers merit scholarships to campers who have achieved certain titles or peak ratings, as well as national and state scholastic champions.
Castle Chess also offers need-based financial assistance.
Scholarships are mutually exclusive – you cannot claim multiple awards. Scholarships may be claimed during online camp registration. We will also issue refunds in the full amount of the scholarship for campers who register early and then later qualify for a scholarship.
Please note that starting in 2026 scholarships are requested at the time of registration and not automatically applied. Once verified, the scholarship amount will be refunded.
Age-based Scholarships by Peak USCF Rating
- 10 years old – 1725+: $150
- 11 years old – 1800+: $150
- 12 years old – 1875+: $150
- 13 years old – 1950+: $150
- 14 years old – 2025+: $150
Scholarships by Peak USCF Rating – Any Age
- 2100+: $150
- National Master – 2200+: $250
- FIDE Master: $350
Scholarships for National Champions
Castle Chess awards scholarships to the winners of US Chess National Scholastics (Grades, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and All-Girls).
For Grade Level champions (December), scholarships are valid for the camp immediately following the championship. For Spring champions, scholarships may be used in either the camp immediately following the award or the following year, but not both.
Note that Champion refers to first place in the championship (not under) section, plus anyone tied for first (co-champions).
- 2025 and 2026 National High School (K-12) Champion – $250
- 2025 and 2026 National Middle School (K-8) Champion – $250
- 2025 and 2026 National Elementary School (K-5, K-6) Champion – $250
- 2025 and 2026 KCF All-Girls National Champion (any age) – $250
- 2025 National K-12 Grade Level Champion (any grade) – $250
Scholarships for State Scholastic Champions
Castle Chess also awards scholarships to the winners of certain state scholastic championships. Scholarships must be used in the camp immediately following the award.
Note that Champion refers to first place in the championship (not under) section, plus anyone tied for first (co-champions).
- Alabama – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- Florida – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- Georgia – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- North Carolina – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- Pennsylvania – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- South Carolina – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
- Tennessee – 2026 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions –$250
Need-Based Financial Assistance
Castle Chess offers help to campers with a demonstrable need for financial assistance as our budget allows. All need-based scholarship inquiries and awards are strictly confidential.
To apply for need-based assistance, fill out the online registration form. Then, send an email to info@castlechess.org expressing your wish to apply and any relevant circumstances.
Requests for need-based assistance must be received by February 28. Decisions are made by March 31. Applicants will have 2 weeks to decide whether to complete enrollment or release their spot.