The Long Island Fencers' Club is proud to announce that we are hosting the first-ever Long Island based Summer Fencing and piggyback Chess Summer Camps.  Campers may attend our Fencing Camps or Chess Camps separately or piggyback them one after the other.  Our Fencing Camps are scheduled from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and our Chess Camps are scheduled from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Campers transitioning from Fencing Camp to Chess Camp are encouraged to pack an afternoon snack they can enjoy from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. 

Age Guidelines:  Campers ages 6 to 17. Younger Campers must be mature enough to participate without interrupting the learning environment. 

Our Chess Camps are instructed by Brian, Karen, and his staff.  Brian Karen is ranked in the top 3% of tournament chess players and holds the esteemed FIDE and USCF Candidate Master titles. With over 25 years of experience in the chess world, Brian is widely recognized for his expertise and contributions. Brian has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of chess education. He also serves as the director of chess programs in several prestigious schools on Long Island, where his exceptional teaching skills have earned him a stellar reputation among students, parents, and fellow educators. 

Brian's adaptability to the modern era of online learning is evident in his extensive experience in providing private and group lessons to children in their homes through platforms such as Zoom. He is well-versed in the latest chess technology and has a proven ability to engage students in a virtual environment. In addition to his teaching prowess, Brian has been a trailblazer in the online chess community. He has created and administers popular Facebook groups, including the "Chess Book Collectors group" and the "FIDE World Championship 2026" group, which boast a combined membership of over 120,000. His leadership in the chess world is evident in his ability to build and engage large online communities.

Brian's contributions to the scholastic chess community have been recognized by his peers, as he was elected to the United States Chess Federation Scholastic Council. As one of only five members on this prestigious council, Brian played a key role in managing national scholastic events and regulations, showcasing his expertise and commitment to advancing chess education.  Beyond his achievements in chess, Brian holds a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University and has a background in working with emotionally disturbed children at the Key Program for five years. His skills in motivating and communicating with children are exceptional, making him a well-rounded and compassionate educator.

In summary, Brian Karen is a highly accomplished chess professional with a proven track record of excellence in teaching, organizing tournaments, leveraging technology, and making significant contributions to the chess community. His leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for chess make him an ideal candidate for any organization seeking a dynamic and experienced chess professional.

These podcasts provide an overview of Brian Karen's philosophy toward chess and teaching:  The Chess Angle - Playing vs. Studying Chess (featuring Brian Karen), a conversation about how players improve, the balance between study and practical play, and lessons from decades of tournament experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joh16vGVZiQ&t=686s US Chess Podcast - One Move at a Time (Interview with Brian Karen) Host Dan Lucas interviews Brian Karen about his chess teaching career, the New York chess scene, and early internet chess broadcasting. https://new.uschess.org/news/one-move-time-november-edition-brian-karen Miscellaneous chess world: Brian Karen - Chess is more than just a game: it is a phenomenon https://youtu.be/-FadHCAxW3I?si=kiDjJeAwiuWVZLQz

Camp Locations:

Old First Presbyterian Church

125 Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

Emanuel Lutheran Church

179 East Main Street

Patchogue, NY 11722

Chess Camp Fees: $300 per camp. No discount for additional camps.

Huntington Camp Date/Time: 

June 29 to July 3, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

July 13 to July 17, 2026  (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

July 27 to July 31, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

August 10 to August 17, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

August 24 to August 28, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

Patchogue Camp Date/Time: 

July 6 to July 10, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

July 20 to July 24, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

August 3 to August 7, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

August 17 to 21, 2026 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm)

Refund: No refunds or credits will be offered for cancellations less than 30 days before the start of the camp for which students are registered.  

Interested campers may contact us at (631) 431-4100 or info@longislandfencersclub.com