Castle Chess offers merit scholarships to campers who have achieved a peak USCF rating by a certain age, as well as national and state scholastic champions.

Scholarships are mutually exclusive – you cannot claim both rating and national/state champion award. Awards 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.

Castle Chess also offers need-based financial assistance – see the bottom of the page.

Merit Scholarships by Peak USCF Rating (age as of June 22, 2025)

  • 10 years old – 1700+: $100
  • 11 years old – 1800+: $100
  • 12 years old – 1900+: $100
  • 13 years old – 1950+: $100
  • 14 years old – 2025+: $100
  • Any age – 2100+: $100
  • National Master – 2200+: $200
  • FIDE Master: $300
  • International Master: $400

Merit Scholarships for National Scholastic Champions

Castle Chess awards scholarships to the winners of the Championship sections at certain US Chess National Scholastic Championships (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 the 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).

  • 2024 and 2025 National High School (K-12) Champion – $300
  • 2024 and 2025 National Middle School (K-8) Champion – $300
  • 2024 and 2025 National Elementary School (K-5, K-6) Champion – $300
  • 2024 and 2025 KCF All-Girls National Champion – $300
  • 2024 National K-12 Grade Level Champion (any grade) – $300

Merit 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 – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • Florida – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • Georgia – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • North Carolina – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • Pennsylvania – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • South Carolina – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200
  • Tennessee – 2025 K-12, K-8, K-5, Girls State Champions – $200



Need-Based 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 so we have details about the camper and contact information. Then, send an email to info@castlechess.org expressing your wish to apply and any relevant circumstances. 

All requests for needs-based assistance must be received no later than February 28. Final decision will be made by March 31. Applicants will have 2 weeks to decide whether to complete enrollment or release their saved spot for another camper.