WRO Chicago Open Qualifier 2026
12 to 14 August 2026 · Student Center West, University of Illinois Chicago
A sanctioned World Robot Olympiad national qualifier, hosted by Launchpad Robo Lab as a US Engineering League Event Organizer Affiliate. Three days of RoboMission and RoboSports competition, six rounds, and places at the WRO Americas Open Championship on the line.
Thank you to every team, coach, family, judge and volunteer who made it happen.
14 teams and 32 students competed, across RoboMission Elementary, RoboMission Junior and RoboSports, with places at the WRO Americas Open Championship in Ontario, California on the line.
How the event ran
Wednesday 12 August, Practice and Build Day. Teams built, calibrated and ran the competition surfaces.
Thursday 13 August, Competition Day 1. Opening ceremony at 9:30 AM, then Rounds 1 through 3.
Friday 14 August, Competition Day 2. A surprise rule was revealed at the start of the day and teams were given coaching time to adapt their programs, then Rounds 4 through 6, followed by the awards ceremony.
Chicago showed up for these students
The opening ceremony was attended by:
- State Senator Lakesia Collins, Illinois Senate District 5, who gave welcome remarks and presented a proclamation
- Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Chicago 25th Ward, who gave welcome remarks
- Professor Houshang Darabi, Department Head of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the UIC College of Engineering
All three spent time with the teams on the competition floor. A representative from the office of State Representative Yolonda Morris, Illinois House District 9, attended the closing and awards ceremony.
We are grateful to the University of Illinois Chicago for hosting.
Covered by the offices that came
Both offices shared their own photographs and video from the event.
Office of State Senator Lakesia Collins
Illinois Senate District 5 · Opening ceremony and proclamation
See their post →Office of State Representative Yolonda Morris
Illinois House District 9 · Closing and awards ceremony
See their post →Elected officials attended the WRO Chicago Open Qualifier 2026 as guests of the event. Their attendance is not an endorsement of Launchpad Robo Lab or its programs.
Stay in touch
If you coach a team, run a school robotics club, or would like to sponsor or volunteer at a future Launchpad event, join the list and we will let you know what is coming.
Media and partnership enquiries: pr@launchpadrobolab.com
Teams and coaches: coaching@launchpadrobolab.com · (331) 300-5603