STEM Summer Camps in Chicago, IL — Summer 2026

Compare 87+ programs in AI, coding, robotics, science, math & cybersecurity — day camps for kids, summer programs for middle & high schoolers, and university pre-college options. Free directory, no signup required.

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All camps (87)

Refreshed weekly · Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Explorers Lab

A live online AI program for middle schoolers in grades 6-8. Across 8 hands-on sessions, students learn how AI works, write smart prompts, train their own models, build chatbots, and use AI responsibly. No coding required.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

Robotics & Engineering
Recommended

AI Robotics & Autonomous Drone Lab

Learn Python-powered robotics, sensors, electronics, AI, computer vision, and autonomous drone concepts through guided projects in a small-group live online setting. No prior robotics or coding experience is required. Students with prior knowledge can go further through advanced AI-based projects and extensions.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

Science & Innovation
Recommended

High School Research Program

A prestigious program where high school students engage in independent research projects, guided by expert mentors, with opportunities for publication.

Age Group
High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Scholars Program

An intensive AI/ML bootcamp designed for high school students to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, coding, and real-world applications through hands-on projects.

Age Group
High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

AI & Machine Learning

Club SciKidz West Chicago - AI Summer Camp

Students learn to code and build their own AI models from scratch, focusing on natural language processing, data analysis, visualization, and face/voice recognition.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185, USA

Phone
(630) 461-4211

AI & Machine Learning

RoboThink Northwest Chicago - AI ThinkLab

Students dive into coding and hands-on robotics using exclusive software and engineering kits, building interactive games and smart robots that respond to facial expressions and body movements, combining game design, AI, and engineering.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
1901 Raymond Rd, STE #1, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062, United States

Phone
(224) 326-0918

Coding & Software Development
🏫 Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep Summer Programs

Middle and high school students explore coding, programming, robotics, and other STEM fields through hands-on projects and college-level experiences at Illinois Tech's campus or virtually.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, 3300 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60616

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development

Create & Learn Online Coding Camps

Provides live online coding classes and summer camps, covering Scratch, Python, Roblox game coding, and AI, taught by expert instructors for various age groups.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
Online Platform

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development

Research Ignited AI Scholars Program

An intensive online program where high school students gain hands-on AI/ML expertise and coding skills through projects with PhD mentorship.

Age Group
High School

Location
Online Platform

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development
🏫 University of Illinois (Discovery Partners Institute)

Discovery Partners Institute Digital Scholars Program

An intensive, free six-week program for high schoolers and incoming college freshmen to build computing skills in computer science, data science, and mobile app development.

Age Group
High School

Location
200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone
(312) 668-9081

Robotics & Engineering

RoboThink Northwest Chicago Summer Camp

Students build robots, explore coding, try AI-based projects, and engage in hands-on engineering activities to foster curiosity and creativity in weekly themed sessions.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
Northwest Chicago

Phone
N/A

Robotics & Engineering
🏫 University of Chicago

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools - Summer Lab (LEGO® Robotics)

Young students uncover talents and engage in exciting adventures through LEGO® robotics, creative arts, and science activities.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation
🏫 Northwestern University

Northwestern University Science Club Summer Camp

Elementary school youth engage in inquiry-based STEM learning and explore science concepts through hands-on activities at Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Chicago.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
Multiple Locations

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation
🏫 University of Illinois Chicago

UIC CHANCE STEM Academy

An intensive two-week program for incoming UIC freshmen, providing hands-on experiences, math preparation, and innovative project-based activities to build a strong academic and social foundation for college.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Illinois Chicago campus, Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 Northwestern University

Northwestern University CTD Summer Programs - Data Science: Introduction to Statistics

Students learn to analyze big data, create predictions, model complex situations, and use R or Python for data visualization and model validation, engaging in original research.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Phone
(847) 467-1575

Space & Aviation
🏫 Lewis University

Soaring Futures: Aviation Exploration Camp

High school students explore aviation through interactive learning, flight experiences, career exploration, and field trips to aviation facilities, gaining firsthand industry exposure.

Age Group
High School

Location
Harold E. White Aviation Center, Lewis University, One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446

Phone
N/A

Space & Aviation
🏫 Lewis University

Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy

Students aged 13-18 learn about aviation careers, flight safety, take orientation flights, and visit airports and control towers, meeting aviation professionals.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Lewis University, One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446

Phone
(630) 878-8608

Space & Aviation

AeroCamp 1

Teens aged 14-18 explore aviation and aerospace through flight simulator and actual flight time, covering pre-flight inspections, radio communications, and flight planning.

Age Group
High School

Location
32w751 Tower Road, West Chicago, IL

Phone
(630) 513-2224

Space & Aviation

OBAP ACE Academy

Students aged 13-18 gain hands-on experience in aviation history, aerodynamics, government's role in aviation, and diverse aerospace career opportunities.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking

Hak4Kidz 2026: Chicago

Participants engage in hands-on ethical hacking activities, coding, robotics, and Capture the Flag (CTF) games to learn cybersecurity fundamentals and responsible technology use.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Phone
N/A

Year-round STEM competitions in Chicago

Summer camps are great, but the real portfolio comes from competing. See every FIRST Robotics team in IL — plus pathways, deadlines, and pick lists for math, coding, science, and research competitions.

Find FRC teams in IL → Top STEM competitions →

STEM summer camps near you in Chicago, IL

Looking for a STEM summer camp near you? This free Chicago directory lists 87+ local and online programs across the Chicago metro area — including AI, coding, robotics, science, and math camps for kids, middle schoolers, and high school students. Compare prices, dates, age groups, and formats, then filter by focus area above to find the closest match for Summer 2026.

Frequently asked questions about STEM summer camps in Chicago

What is the best STEM summer camp in Chicago for 2026?

We list 87+ STEM summer camps in Chicago, IL across AI & machine learning, coding, robotics, science, math, space, and cybersecurity. Top picks vary by your child's age and interests — use the category filters above to compare programs by price, duration, and format.

How much do STEM summer camps cost in Chicago?

Prices in our Chicago directory range from free community programs to $3,000+ for university-hosted pre-college tracks. Most full-day weekly camps run $400–$900 per week; specialized AI and research programs typically run $1,000–$2,500 for the full program. Click any camp for current pricing.

What ages can attend STEM summer camps in Chicago?

Camps in our Chicago listings cover elementary (typically ages 6–10), middle school (11–13), high school (14–18), and selective pre-college research programs for rising seniors. Filter by age group to see only programs that match your child.

Are there online or virtual STEM camps for students in Chicago?

Yes — many of our listed programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, especially in AI, coding, and research. Online options are open to students nationwide, including Chicago-area kids who can't travel to an in-person camp. Look for the “Virtual Camp” filter or any program tagged Online / Hybrid in the details.

Can high schoolers attend university pre-college STEM programs near Chicago?

Yes. Several listings are pre-college programs hosted by universities — including residential and commuter options. These are competitive admissions with applications often closing in March/April for summer cohorts. Use the Pre-College filter at the top to see only these programs.