Season Schedule

Spring before Season: Challenge theme released

May: FIRST LEGO League Explore national registration opens (rolling registration though mid-spring)

May: FIRST Illinois Robotics registration opens (rolling registration though mid-spring)

August 1: Global Challenge Release

Late July/Early August: Materials begin shipping for registered teams

Mid-Spring: FIRST LEGO League Explore national registration closes

Mid-Spring: FIRST Illinois Robotics registration closes

Season Specifics

Teams can start their FIRST LEGO League Challenge season at any point during the official season, running August through April/May. It's recommended that teams target and build their season around Festivals offered in their area. If a team doesn't have a Festival in their area, they can create and run their own Festival open to other teams. Alternately, teams can share what they have learned with family, friends, their school or their community.

Teams can meet as often as the team needs. The majority of non-school based teams meet 6-12 times, for 1.5-2 hrs each meeting.