2026 WRO REGIONAL OPEN QUALIFIER:
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hosted by Build Future Minds Foundation
ONT Field • 9375 E. Riverside Drive, Ontario, CA 91761
Registration Is Now Open!
Secure your team's spot at the 2026 WRO Regional Open Qualifier in Ontario, California. The registration fee is $200 per team. Register to compete for a chance to advance to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
Register Your Team — $200Registration opens when the site launches on July 13, 2026 at wro.buildfutureminds.org.
Choose Your Challenge
Three categories offered at this qualifier, 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.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Check-In • First Rounds • Break • Second Rounds • Awards
✅ Registration & Fees
💵 Entry Fee: $200 per team. | 🌎 All Eligible Teams Welcome: Out-of-state teams are welcome to compete.
📝 Registration opens when the event site launches on July 13, 2026 at wro.buildfutureminds.org. Top qualifiers will advance to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
🗓️ Event Day Schedule
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • Team Check-In, Competition Activities & Event Notes
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Doors Open |
| 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Team Check-In |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Pit Setup / Booth Setup |
| 9:00 AM | Coaches & Team Captains Meeting |
| 9:30 AM | Opening Ceremony |
| 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Practice, Calibration, and Booth Setup |
| 11:00 AM | Robot Inspection |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Official Round 1 / Judging Session 1 |
| 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:00 PM | Surprise Rule / Challenge Update Announced |
| 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM | Programming, Practice, and Adjustments |
| 2:00 PM | Final Robot Inspection and Quarantine |
| 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Official Round 2 / Finals / Judging Session 2 |
| 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM | Scores Finalized and Teams Pack Up |
| 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Awards & Closing Ceremony |
📌 Event Notes
- All teams must check in between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
- Coaches and team captains must attend the meeting at 9:00 AM.
- Robots must pass inspection before official rounds.
- During official programming or challenge adjustment periods, coaches may not assist students in restricted pit or competition areas.
- Teams should be fully packed and ready to depart after the awards ceremony.
📍 Location
ONT Field
9375 E. Riverside Drive
Ontario, California 91761
⏰ Event Hours
Saturday, Sept 12:
Doors open 7:30 AM
Awards & close by 5:00 PM
Morning: Check-In, Opening & Round 1
Midday: Lunch & Adjustments
Afternoon: Round 2 / Finals & Awards
See the full Event Day Schedule above for exact times.
📬 Primary Contact
Estevan Anguiano
info@bytewiseholding.com
For questions or clarifications about the qualifier, reach out anytime.
🤖 About the Event
The 2026 WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Ontario, California brings together teams from across the country for a single-day competition experience at ONT Field, Ontario's brand-new, state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the Inland Empire, just minutes from Ontario International Airport. This qualifier offers the RoboMission, RoboSports, and Future Innovators categories, with top-placing teams advancing to the WRO Americas Open Championship. The event is hosted by Build Future Minds Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring young minds through robotics and STEM education.
Hotel Recommendations
Ontario's hotel cluster near the Ontario International Airport is a short drive from ONT Field, with plenty of options for teams and families.
🏨 Embassy Suites by Hilton Ontario Airport
Address: 3663 E. Guasti Road, Ontario, CA 91761
An all-suite hotel near the airport, well-suited to teams and families needing extra space.
🏨 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport
Address: 222 N. Vineyard Avenue, Ontario, CA 91764
A full-service hotel near the airport with on-site amenities, a convenient base for the weekend.
🏨 Sheraton Ontario Airport Hotel
Address: 429 N. Vineyard Avenue, Ontario, CA 91764
A comfortable option close to the airport and Ontario's dining and shopping.
🏨 Holiday Inn Ontario Airport
Address: 2155 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764
A practical, family-friendly choice near the Ontario Convention Center and airport.
💡 Tip: Many Greater Ontario hotels offer easy freeway access and rideshare service to ONT Field.
Airport Recommendations
✈️ Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Distance from venue: Approximately 3 miles (under 10 minutes by car)
The closest and most convenient option, located just minutes north of ONT Field, with nonstop domestic flights and select international destinations. The stadium is even named after the airport's ONT code! Rental cars, rideshare, and taxi services are readily available right at the terminal.
✈️ John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Distance from venue: Approximately 38 miles (40–50 minutes by car)
A convenient regional airport with excellent service, a good alternative for teams flying into Orange County. Car rental is recommended from this location.
✈️ Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Distance from venue: Approximately 55 miles (about a 1-hour drive, longer with traffic)
Ideal for international flights and the broadest range of domestic options. Plan for Southern California traffic when scheduling your arrival and departure. Car rental is recommended.
Transportation: Car rentals, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), and taxi services are available at all three airports. ONT Field is easily accessible from the I-10, I-15, and SR-60 freeways.
Dining Options Nearby
Ontario offers a variety of dining establishments to suit different tastes, most within a short drive of ONT Field.
🍽️ Heroes Restaurant & Brewhouse
Address: 950 Ontario Mills Drive, Ontario, CA 91764
Type: American / Group-Friendly
A lively American brewhouse near Ontario Mills — a solid pick for larger teams and families after a full day of competition.
🍽️ Panda Inn
Address: 3223 E. Centrelake Drive, Ontario, CA 91761
Type: Chinese
Sit-down Chinese dining close to the venue, good for a relaxed group meal.
🍽️ Picanha Steak Restaurant
Address: 3410 Ontario Ranch Road, Ontario, CA 91761
Type: Steak / Latin Fusion
Steak and Latin fusion in the Ontario Ranch area — a memorable option for a celebratory dinner.
🍽️ Subway
Address: 2665 E. Riverside Drive, Suite 7, Ontario, CA 91761
Type: Quick Meals / Catering
Right on Riverside Drive near ONT Field — convenient for quick lunches or team catering during the event.
Questions & Clarifications
For any questions or clarifications regarding the WRO Regional Open Qualifier: Ontario, California, please contact Estevan Anguiano at info@bytewiseholding.com. For more about the host organization, visit wro.buildfutureminds.org
