2026 WRO REGIONAL OPEN QUALIFIER:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
August 12–14, 2026
Hosted by Launchpad Robo Lab
Registration Is Now Open!
Secure your team's spot at the 2026 WRO Regional Open Qualifier in Chicago. Register today to compete for a chance to advance to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
Register Your TeamA valid USEL Season Pass is required to register.
Choose Your Challenge
Four unique categories designed to challenge different skills and interests. Following the official WRO rules for robot sizes and dimensions is crucial across all categories.
RoboMission
Design, construct, and program an autonomous robot to solve specific challenges on a field. Because the field is set up randomly each round, the robot needs to make its own decisions during the run.
General Rules (All Age Groups)Elementary
Perfect introduction to competitive robotics. Program an autonomous robot to complete themed missions on a challenge field.
Junior
More complex challenges requiring advanced programming. Robots must make autonomous decisions based on randomized field conditions.
Senior
The most challenging missions requiring sophisticated robot design and advanced programming strategies for complex field scenarios.
RoboSports
A fast-paced, exciting game where two teams each have two autonomous robots on the field competing in a sports-style match. Robots can be built from all materials with no limitation on motors, sensors, or cameras.
General & Game RulesRoboSports – Double Tennis
Teams design two robots that compete against robots from another team in an exciting head-to-head sports game format.
Future Innovators
A project-based competition where students create their own innovative intelligent robotics solution relating to the current season theme. Teams present to judges in a booth setting.
General Rules (All Age Groups)Elementary
Create innovative robotics solutions to real-world problems. Present your project to judges in a booth setting.
Junior
Teams present their project and robot to judges who evaluate innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills.
Senior
Advanced innovation projects with emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and sophisticated technical solutions.
Future Engineers
An exciting category for older students that brings current research challenges into schools and teaches an engineering workflow for solving real-world autonomous vehicle problems.
General & Game RulesFuture Engineers – Self-Driving Cars
Develop self-driving car solutions that navigate a track with obstacles, demonstrating advanced autonomous vehicle concepts.
Event Details
📅 August 12–14, 2026
Aug 12: Practice Day | Aug 13: Competition Day | Aug 14: Competition & Awards
✅ Who Can Participate
The WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago, Illinois is open to any team holding a valid USEL Season Pass. Teams must hold an active Season Pass before registering.
🌎 All Eligible Teams Welcome: Out-of-state teams are welcome to compete. | ✅ Registration is now open. Register your team here. Top qualifiers will advance to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
📍 Location
Student Center West
University of Illinois Chicago
750 South Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
⏰ Event Schedule
Aug 12: Practice Day
Aug 13: Competition Day
Aug 14: Competition & Awards
Full schedule with check-in times and match details will be published in advance of the event.
🤖 About the Event
The 2026 WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago brings together teams from across the country for a three-day competition experience at the University of Illinois Chicago, one of the nation's leading public research universities, set in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. For teams attending the Affiliate Cup a couple days earlier, this event offers a natural and convenient continuation of the season just a few days later. Open to all eligible teams nationwide, the event covers all WRO Open categories, with top-placing teams advancing to the WRO Americas Open Championship. The event is organized by Launchpad Robo Lab, a Chicagoland-based robotics education organization with firsthand experience at WRO competitions at the highest international level.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Information Coming Soon
We are currently finalizing hotel recommendations and group rates for event attendees. Check back soon. Details will be posted here as soon as they are available.
Airport Recommendations
✈️ Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Distance from venue: Approximately 18 miles (30–45 minutes by car)
A major hub with extensive domestic and international routes. Rental cars, rideshare, taxi, and the CTA Blue Line are all available from the terminal. The Blue Line connects directly to the UIC-Halsted station adjacent to the venue.
✈️ Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Distance from venue: Approximately 10 miles (20–30 minutes by car)
Convenient for domestic travel, especially for Southwest Airlines travelers. Rental cars and rideshares are readily available. A practical option for teams looking for a shorter drive to the UIC campus.
✈️ Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Distance from venue: Approximately 85 miles (~1.5 hours by car)
A smaller regional airport with limited domestic routes, but convenient for teams coming from certain areas, with less congestion than the major Chicago airports. Car rental is recommended from this location.
Transit: UIC is directly accessible via the CTA Blue Line (IL Medical District (IMD) station), which connects from both O'Hare Airport and downtown Chicago, a convenient and affordable option for teams staying in the city. Car rentals and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available at all three airports.
Dining Options Nearby
Chicago offers a world-class dining scene, from the historic Italian restaurants of Taylor Street to the vibrant energy of Greektown, all steps from the UIC campus.
🍽️ Taylor Street / University Village
Location: Taylor Street, Chicago, IL (walkable from UIC)
Cuisine: Italian, Diverse, Local Favorites
Chicago's historic Little Italy neighborhood, just steps from the UIC campus. Home to award-winning Italian restaurants, cozy cafes, and beloved local spots, a perfect team dinner destination after a day of competition.
🍽️ Greektown
Location: Halsted Street, Chicago, IL (walkable from UIC)
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, International
An iconic Chicago neighborhood immediately adjacent to UIC, packed with family-friendly restaurants and a festive atmosphere. A great choice for larger groups looking for a lively meal together.
🍽️ The West Loop
Location: Randolph Street & Fulton Market, Chicago, IL (~10 min drive)
Cuisine: Diverse: Upscale, Casual, International
One of Chicago's premier dining districts, offering a wide variety of options from quick-service spots to destination restaurants. An excellent choice for teams and families looking to explore the best of Chicago's culinary scene.
Questions & Clarifications
For any questions or clarifications regarding the WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Chicago, Illinois, please contact Launchpad Robo Lab directly.
