2026 SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 24-26, 2026
Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, CA
🇺🇸 All Qualifying Teams Welcome 🇺🇸
Event Overview
🏆 The Premier School National Robotics Competition
The 2026 School National Championships will take place at the Ontario Convention Center from July 24th to 26th, bringing together the top qualifying teams from across the country for an unforgettable robotics competition. This high-level event is where students will showcase their skills, teamwork, and innovation as they compete for national titles and the chance to represent the United States on the US National Robotics Team.
More details on schedules, activities, and event logistics will be available soon as we get closer to Nationals.
Event Details
📅 July 24-26, 2026
Friday: Practice Day | Saturday-Sunday: Competition Days
✅ Who Can Participate
The 2026 School National Championships is open only to teams that qualify through one of the following pathways: part of a public school program that qualified at the USEL District Championships, or teams that competed at a regional district championship held by an Educator Tier Affiliate.
🚗 Parking: Parking cost is TBD. | ⏰ Registration: Invitations are sent directly to qualifying teams — check your email for your registration link and details!
📍 Location
Ontario Convention Center
2000 E Convention Center Way
Ontario, CA 91764
⏰ Event Timeline
The detailed event timeline is TBD and will be shared as we get closer to Nationals. A full schedule with check-in times, practice blocks, match schedules, and the awards ceremony will be published in advance of the event.
🎟️ Registration
Registration invitations are sent directly to qualifying teams. If you believe your team qualifies, check your email for your registration link and details.
Choose Your Challenge
Six 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.
Starter
An entry-level RoboMission-style challenge with simplified rules, designed specifically for new competitors to get their first taste of competitive robotics.
Starter Challenge
Simplified autonomous robot missions tailored for young beginners. A great way to build confidence before moving into RoboMission categories.
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.
Sumobots
Build, code, and battle with the USEL SumoBot Kit in exciting sumo-style matches. A thrilling head-to-head competition that tests both engineering and strategy.
SumoBot Battle
Program your SumoBot to outmaneuver and push your opponent out of the ring. Fast-paced matches that combine strategy, sensor use, and quick thinking.
🎥 2025 National Finals Highlights
Experience the excitement, innovation, and passion from last year's National Finals! Watch as teams from across the country competed for the championship and spots on the USA National Robotics Team.
📸 Moments from 2025 National Finals
Relive the incredible moments of competition, innovation, and celebration from last year's championship!
📋 Robot Guidelines by Category
USEL SumoBot
Head-to-head battles- Robots must follow USEL SumoBot rules for size, weight, and materials as published for the current season.
- Fully autonomous operation after the start signal; no remote control or external assistance during a match.
- Design should focus on pushing power, traction, and stability while protecting electronics and wiring.
- Robots may not include parts that can damage the ring, other robots, or create unsafe conditions.
RoboMission
Challenge field- Robot must fit completely inside a 25 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm starting area before each round.
- Hardware and software platform are open choice as long as they follow current WRO RoboMission regulations.
- Robot must be fully autonomous on the field; no remote control or tethered connections during a run.
- Design with reliable sensors and attachments so the robot can adapt to the randomized field layout each round.
RoboSports
Two robots per team- Each team brings two autonomous robots; each robot must fit within a 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm box at inspection.
- Maximum robot weight is 1.2 kg (including batteries) as specified in WRO RoboSports regulations.
- Hardware is open choice with controllers limited to approved LEGO or Arduino systems for the current game.
- Robots must be designed to play the official sports game safely and fairly against opponents.
Future Innovators
Project booth- The entire project, including robot and display, must fit inside a 2 m x 2 m x 2 m presentation booth.
- Free choice of hardware and software; teams may use any controllers, sensors, and mechanical systems that follow WRO rules.
- Robotic solution should address the official season theme and demonstrate a clear, real world application.
- Robots must be safe to demonstrate repeatedly for judges and visitors inside the booth area.
Future Engineers
Autonomous vehicle- Robot must fit inside a 30 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm starting box at inspection.
- Hardware and software are open choice, provided they comply with WRO Future Engineers rules for power and safety.
- Robot uses a steering drive (car style) configuration and must be able to navigate the official track autonomously.
- On board sensors are required for lane following and positioning; external tracking systems are not permitted.
🇺🇸 USA National Robotics Team
🏅 Represent the USA at the Next WRO International Finals!
How to Qualify for the USA National Robotics Team
To qualify for the USA National Robotics Team, your team must secure the top seeding in your respective category at the School National Championship tournament. This tournament is the best pathway for school teams hoping to represent the United States at the next WRO International Finals. The final location for the 2026 International event is San Juan, Puerto Rico. Achieving top seeding demonstrates excellence in engineering, innovation, teamwork, and competitive performance.
What Teams Get If They Earn a Spot
USEL and WRO USA will provide:
- 🎽 Official USA National Robotics Team Jersey
- 📜 Certificate of Recognition
- 🏆 Trophy and Medal
- 🌟 Recognition on USEL Website and more
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least 24 months prior to qualification
- Registration: Must have active National Registration before competing
- Age Group: Must meet WRO rules for appropriate age group
🌎 International Finals Requirements
- Pathway to Finals: Teams must achieve a top 3 spot in their category and age group at nationals
- National Scores: Teams need to meet WRO-USA score thresholds
- Team Structure: At least 2 members and one unique adult representative (coach)
- Travel Requirements: Coaches must accompany teams to international events
Note: Qualification spots vary by category as allocated by the WRO Association. USA will send the maximum allowed teams to the WRO International Finals once the official location is announced.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations
Delta Hotels by Marriott Ontario Airport
Address: 2200 E Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 975-5000
Located directly across the street from the Ontario Convention Center (approximately 0.1 miles). Offers modern rooms, on-site dining, fitness center, and excellent walkability.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport
Address: 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: (909) 937-0900
Situated about 0.2 miles from the Ontario Convention Center. Features outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining options.
Azure Hotel & Suites Ontario Airport
Address: 1945 E Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 390-7778
Located roughly 0.1 miles from the Ontario Convention Center. Offers spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.
Comfort Inn & Suites Near Ontario Airport
Address: 3333 Shelby St, Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: (909) 948-7000
Located about 2.6 miles from the Ontario Convention Center. Offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and a business center.
✈️ Airport Recommendations
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Distance: 2 miles (5 minutes by car)
Closest option with domestic flights and select international destinations.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Distance: 38 miles (40 minutes by car)
Convenient regional airport with excellent service.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Distance: 55 miles (approximately 1-hour drive)
Ideal for international flights and broader domestic options.
Transportation: Car rentals and taxi services are available at all airports.
🍽️ Dining Options Nearby
Ontario offers a variety of dining establishments to suit different tastes:
Market Broiler Ontario
Address: 4553 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764
Fresh seafood and steaks in a casual atmosphere
Black Angus Steakhouse
Address: 3640 Porsche Way, Ontario, CA 91764
Classic American steakhouse with premium cuts
Benihana Ontario
Address: 3760 E Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA 91764
Japanese hibachi-style dining with live cooking entertainment
El Torito Mexican Restaurant
Address: 3680 Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA 91764
Authentic Mexican cuisine in a family-friendly setting
Victoria Gardens shopping center offers additional dining options and is about a 15-20 minute drive from the Ontario Convention Center.
ℹ️ Additional Information
- 🚗 Parking: Parking cost is TBD.
- 📅 Detailed Schedules: Specific day-by-day schedules will be released closer to the event date
- ✈️ Travel Planning: Book flights with departure times that allow you to stay through the full awards ceremony on the final day
- 🏆 Awards Ceremony: Mandatory attendance for all teams seeking USA National Robotics Team qualification
