The Mechanics' Institute building houses the oldest chess club in the United States. It was organized in 1854 when San Francisco was a frontier community. The first meeting of the Mechanics' Institute was held on December 11, 1854 and The Institute was incorporated on April 24, 1855 and this is considered its founding date.

This offering is for one week of in-person chess teaching at 57 Post Street. Chess camps run from 9:30-3:30 and will be offered almost every week of the summer.