STEM Summer Camps in Chicago, IL — Summer 2026

Compare 385+ 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 (385)

Refreshed weekly · Last updated Sep 11, 2026

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Explorers Lab

💰 From $699

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

💰 From $799

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

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Agent Builder Lab

💰 From $499

Go from AI user to AI builder in one weekend. A live, online intro where students with no coding experience learn how large language models work and build their own multi-agent AI app using professional tools like CrewAI.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1 (919) 213-1821

Nike Kids Camp - i9 Sports Chicago - Lincoln Square

Utilizes "Nike How to Coach Kids" programming, rooted in research and science, to develop athletic skills, agility, balance, coordination, and speed through multi-sport activities for youth.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
Horner Park - 2741 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Phone
(773) 245-7834

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 University of Chicago

Data4All High School Workshop

Introduces Chicago high schoolers to data science and AI, helping them progress from basic computing to applied data science research using Python with real-world datasets.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development
🏫 University of Chicago

University of Chicago Data Science Institute - Data4All High School Bridge Workshop

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors learn Python programming, conduct inquiry-driven data science research, and develop critical collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, Chicago

Phone
N/A

Nike Kids Camp Full Day Camp Summer 2026 - i9 Sports Chicago - Horner Park

Develops athletic skills, agility, balance, coordination, and speed through multi-sport activities, using coaching techniques rooted in the latest research and science for youth.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Horner Park - 2741 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Phone
(773) 245-7834

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 University of Chicago

UChicago Summer Session - Proof-Based Discrete Mathematics

💰 From $9,300

High school students receive an immersive introduction to higher-level mathematical thinking and proof techniques, exploring concepts in set theory, counting, and infinite sets.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago

Phone
N/A

AI & Machine Learning
🏫 University of Chicago

Future Intelligence Institute

High school students explore the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence through theoretical discussions, faculty lectures, lab tours, and career guidance at the University of Chicago.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation
🏫 University of Chicago

University of Chicago SMART Outreach Program

High school students explore science and engineering through hands-on experiments, visits to research labs, and trips to scientific institutions like Argonne National Lab. [cite: 5, 2nd search]

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Nike Peak Performance Summer Swim Camp Chicago, IL

Offers technique training and race preparation for competitive swimmers, focusing on speed, efficiency, and mental strategies, including mind power workshops and yoga.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Lake Forest Academy, 1500 West Kennedy Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Phone
N/A

Saint Ignatius Co-Ed Advanced Cross Country Camp

💰 From $175/wk

Athletes receive personalized training in endurance, speed, and tempo, along with instruction on nutrition, stretching, and general health for optimal performance.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
1076 W. Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Phone
(312) 421-5900

AI & Machine Learning

Alpha Summer Chicago

Students in grades K-8 engage in AI-powered academics, coding fundamentals, and computational thinking through hands-on projects in a one-week summer program.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep - Math in Action: Real-World Problem Solving

An online program designed for high school students to explore practical applications of mathematics through virtual problem-solving sessions and real-world scenarios.

Age Group
High School

Location
Virtual

Phone
N/A

Fit Kid & Games Camp - POW! Gym Chicago

💰 $400–$425/wk

Engages children in daily sports, fitness, and STEM activities to build athletic skills, confidence, and healthy habits.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
4710 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Phone
N/A

Chicago Park District Junior Lifeguards Camp

💰 From $249

This aquatic sports camp teaches water safety skills, rescue techniques, and boat handling, applying scientific principles of hydrodynamics and human physiology.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Multiple Locations (select beaches citywide)

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development
🏫 University of Illinois System

Discovery Partners Institute Digital Explorers

Middle school students learn mobile app development using Swift Playgrounds, engaging in team-building activities and human-centered design challenges to build problem-solving skills.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Discovery Partners Institute, 200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago Young Scholars Program (YSP at UIC)

This free program introduces high schoolers to exciting mathematics topics, their applications, and careers in math/STEM through lectures, hands-on activities, and guest speakers.

Age Group
High School

Location
851 S. Morgan Street, 322 Science and Engineering Offices, (MC 249), Chicago, Illinois 60607-7045

Phone
(312) 996-3041

Robotics & Engineering
🏫 Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep - Rocket Engineering 101: Design, Build, Launch

High school students explore rocket science and engineering principles through hands-on construction, design challenges, and guided experimentation.

Age Group
High School

Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, Mies Campus, Chicago

Phone
(312) 567-3020

Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking
🏫 University of Chicago

XLab Summer Research Fellowship

An intensive 10-week research program at the University of Chicago for students and early-career researchers focusing on AI safety, nuclear security, and cybersecurity.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago campus

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 385+ 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 385+ 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.