2026 USEL AFFILIATE CUP
August 7–9, 2026
Northern Illinois University · Aurora, IL
Northern Illinois University — Altgeld Hall, DeKalb, IL. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress.
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 7–9, 2026
Aug 7: Practice & Build Day | Aug 8–9: Competition & Awards
✅ Who Can Participate
The 2026 USEL Affiliate Cup is open to anyone who has purchased an active WRO Season Pass, or competitors participating through an Event Organizer Affiliate or Educator Tier Affiliate.
💳 Season Pass: Required for individual registration. | 🤝 Affiliate Teams: Register through your Event Organizer or Educator Tier Affiliate. | ⚠️ Please note: The Affiliate Cup may have additional registration fees beyond the Season Pass.
📍 Location
Northern Illinois University
Aurora, IL
Additional venue details coming soon.
⏰ Event Schedule
Aug 7: Practice / Build Day
Aug 8: Competition Day
Aug 9: Competition & Awards
Full schedule with check-in times and match details will be published in advance of the event.
🤖 About the Event
The 2026 USEL Affiliate Cup brings together affiliate teams from across the region to compete at Northern Illinois University in Aurora, IL. This exciting multi-day robotics competition showcases engineering, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork across six WRO-style categories.
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 NIU Aurora: Approximately 40 miles (40–60 minutes by car)
The largest and most well-connected airport serving the Chicago metro area, with extensive domestic and international flight options. Rental cars, rideshares, and shuttle services are readily available.
✈️ Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Distance from NIU Aurora: Approximately 35 miles (35–50 minutes by car)
A convenient alternative for domestic travel, especially for teams flying Southwest Airlines. Rental cars and rideshares available at the terminal.
✈️ Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Distance from NIU Aurora: Approximately 60 miles (1 hour by car)
A smaller regional airport with limited domestic routes, but convenient for teams coming from certain areas. Less congestion than the major Chicago airports.
Transportation: Car rentals, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), and taxis are available at all airports. Aurora is also accessible via Metra commuter rail from Chicago.
Dining Options Nearby
Aurora and the surrounding Fox Valley area offer a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste.
🍽️ Two Brothers Roundhouse
Location: Downtown Aurora, IL
Cuisine: American, Brewery
A historic Aurora landmark and craft brewery housed in a beautifully restored 1856 roundhouse. Great food, beer, and atmosphere — perfect for a team dinner.
"Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Roundhouse and Locomotive Shop" by Teemu008 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
🍽️ Fox Valley Mall Dining
Location: Aurora, IL
Cuisine: Diverse — American, Asian, Italian & more
Fox Valley Mall and its surrounding corridor offer dozens of restaurant options including family-friendly chains and local favorites, all within minutes of NIU Aurora.
"Fox Valley Mall" by Nkon21 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
🍽️ Downtown Naperville Dining
Location: Naperville, IL (~12 miles)
Cuisine: Diverse — International, American, Farm-to-Table
One of the Chicago area's most vibrant dining scenes, Naperville's Riverwalk district offers award-winning restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops — a great evening outing for teams.
"Downtown Naperville, IL in January 2022" by Sea Cow is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
