WRO USA Sanctioned National Event
WRO Chicago Open Qualifier 2026
August 12-14, 2026 | Student Center West, University of Illinois Chicago
Official Affiliations:
ABOUT THIS EVENT
The Midwest's Premier WRO Americas Open Qualifier
The WRO Chicago Open Qualifier 2026 is a WRO USA National Organizer sanctioned Regional Open Qualifier, hosted by Launchpad Robo Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago. Open to all eligible teams nationwide, this three-day competition gives teams the opportunity to compete across all WRO Open categories and earn qualification spots to the WRO Americas Open Championship 2026 in Ontario, California.
Whether your team is coming off the Affiliate Cup the week before or qualifying for the first time, Chicago in August is the place to be.
DATES
Aug 12-14, 2026
OPEN TO
All eligible teams nationwide
SCHEDULE
Event Schedule Overview
| Day | Date | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | August 12, 2026 | Practice and build day |
| Day 2 | August 13, 2026 | Competition day |
| Day 3 | August 14, 2026 | Competition and awards |
Full schedule including check-in times and round details will be published closer to the event.
COMPETITION
Which category is your team competing in?
RoboMission Elementary
Ages 8-12
Autonomous robot completing themed missions on a randomized challenge field.
VENUE
Student Center West, UIC
CATEGORIES
All WRO USA Open
RoboMission Junior
Ages 11-15
Advanced missions requiring sophisticated programming and real-time decisions.
QUALIFIES FOR
WRO Americas Open 2026
ORGANIZER
Launchpad Robo Lab
RoboMission Senior
Ages 14-19
Most complex field missions requiring high-level design and programming strategy.
Future Innovators
Elementary: Ages 11-15 | Junior: Ages 11-15 | Senior: Ages 14-19
Create and present an innovative robotics solution to judges in a booth setting.
RoboSports
Ages 11-19
Head-to-head match play with two autonomous robots competing in a sports game.
Future Engineers
Ages 14-22
Self-driving car challenge requiring autonomous navigation of a track with obstacles.
ELIGIBILITY
Who can compete?
To participate in the WRO Chicago Open Qualifier, teams must hold a valid USEL Season Pass or be registered through a qualified Event Organizer Affiliate or Educator Tier Affiliate. WRO age eligibility is based on the age a participant turns in the calendar year of the competition, not their age on the day of the event.
External teams must hold an active Season Pass before completing event registration. All eligible teams, including out-of-state teams, are welcome to compete.
Age eligibility questions? Contact us before registering and we will help you confirm eligibility.
GETTING THERE
Student Center West, University of Illinois Chicago
VENUE ADDRESS
Student Center West, UIC, Chicago, IL
BY TRANSIT
CTA Blue Line – IL Medical District (IMD) station
AIRPORT
Midway (MDW): ~10 miles · 20–30 min by car
PARKING
Student Center West, UIC, Chicago, IL
AIRPORT
O'Hare (ORD): ~18 miles · 30–45 min by car
HOTELS
Recommendations coming soon – signup for updates
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER