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St. Olaf to feature second annual chess camp in July

By Tom Vogel
July 27, 2006

St. Olaf College will host several camps this summer, each designed to provide participants of varying skill levels with professional instruction in an environment surrounded by peers. Two of the newest camps appeal to those with a penchant for chess or piano, both offering opportunities to learn from experts while actively engaging in events.

chess camp
Chess instructor Gregory Kaidanov played "OleChess" participants simultaneously after some intense instruction during the St. Olaf College Chess Camp in June. The camp's world-class instructors (Kaidanov is the second highest-rated player in the United States) helped attract players of all ages for classroom instruction and tournament play.
Chess Camp

In its second year, the St. Olaf Chess Camp OleChess, which runs from July 23 to 28, promises the same level of world-renowned instruction that it offered in its initial year. OleChess Director Kevin Bachler, himself a FIDE master and camp instructor, recruits a variety of experienced instructors, many of whom are among the best in the world. Previous camp faculty has included grandmasters Gregory Kaidanov (ranked second in the United States), Igor Novikov (ranked sixth in the United States) and Sergei Kudrin (ranked 16th in the United States); international masters Victor Adler and Jon Schroer; National Master Victor Sherman; and experts Dr. Chris Merli, Robert Rasmussen and Robert Riddle '08.

The camp is offered to chess players of all ages, strengths and levels of experience who have the chance to attend classes, demonstrations, lectures and tournaments with fellow chess enthusiasts. Participants are able to work in groups and one-on-one with instructors during daily class sessions, and a rotating instructional schedule allows for study with a variety of teachers throughout the week.

Bachler said the camp ran smoothly in its initial year, drawing participants from around the country. "We eventually want to get the camp on an international level," Bachler said, acknowledging that positive word of mouth has already made an impact. He also is excited about the unique chess-playing population in Minnesota. "It's the only place I know where you can use the local newspaper to advertise chess events. Everywhere else, players get their information from magazines specifically devoted to chess."

With the significant chess playing population in Minnesota in mind, Bachler brought the camp from Wisconsin to St. Olaf two years ago after moving his son and chess expert, Riddle, to campus as a St. Olaf student. "We saw the beautiful campus and wonderful facilities at St. Olaf and felt that we would try offering a camp there," Bachler said. Following the first camp, Bachler knew he had made a good decision. "St. Olaf is a great site for the camp," he said. "The instructors were thrilled."

WisChess, Bachler's former camp, was the largest chess camp in the country, often drawing more than 200 players who were instructed by six grandmasters and 10 internationally titled instructors. Bachler would like OleChess to eventually match WisChess's attendance and international draw.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.