| Workshop | These events can cover a variety of FTC and robotics-related topics. They are often hosted by vendors, Affiliate Partners, or teams. |
| Kick-off | Held each September, this event is when the new season’s game is revealed. Kick-off offers the opportunity to see the game reveal live, network with other FTC teams and strategize about the new season. |
| Scrimmage | A small event run by volunteers, usually a team or Affiliate Partner, good for practice and playing experience. These events can have anywhere from three to 20 teams and may not include judging and awards. These events do not qualify teams for championship tournaments |
| League Meet | A shortened competition without Judging, Alliance Selection, Semi-Finals, Finals, or Awards. Results from each Meet will be used for team rankings in the League Tournament |
| League Tournament | Each League in Illinois will hold one League Tournament. Each team in the tournament will start off with its ranking earned from the League Meets which it has participated in. All teams will be Judged and in the end, there will be Alliance Selections, Semi-Finals, Finals, and Awards. Qualifying teams from these events will advance to the Illinois FTC Championship Tournament. |
| Championship Tournament | At the Illinois FTC Championship Tournament, teams compete for a chance to qualify for the World Championship Tournament. Illinois teams are allowed to compete at Championship Tournaments held in other states but may be required to advance through a Qualifying Tournament structure. Championship Tournaments adhere to standards in format, judging, and awards. |
| World Championship | This event is the culmination of the season. To compete in this event, teams must win at a Championship Tournament. The 2021 FTC World Championship is April 24-28 in Detroit. MI. View the FTC World Championship page for details on advancement criteria. |
| Off-Season Events | Off-Season Events provide opportunities for teams to compete for bragging rights, socialize with each other, and practice their skills and try out their robots |
If an event needs to be cancelled due to weather or public-health related incidents:
League Meets are half-day events held monthly where teams earn points towards their initial placement in their League Tournament.
In order to make it to the Illinois Championship Tournament, a team must do well at one of League Tournaments held around the state.
The top teams from the League Tournaments shall compete at the Illinois FTC Championship Tournament. An intense two-day competition showcasing robots developed and operated by teams of students grades 7-12. Teams receive awards not only for their robot’s performance, but also for outstanding engineering notebook, robot design, innovation, community connection, team spirit, and programming. The Illinois FTC Championship Tournament is open to the public and admission is free!
Winning FTC teams from State Championship Tournament shall have the opportunity to compete against the top teams from around the world during the FIRSTWorld Championship event.
FIRST Illinois Robotics
First Lego League Jr
FIRST LEGO League
First Tech Challenge
First Robotics Competition
