Kick Off Events

Kickoff is the first event of the FTC season, occurring in September each year.  It offers the opportunity to see the game reveal, network with other FTC teams and strategize about the new season.  There is an international broadcast of the game reveal, as well as local events that can be attended for local networking as well as the opportunity to see a field and field elements up close.  A local Kickoff event can also feature roundtable discussions and workshops for building skills.  Check this page for information about the Illinois Kickoff events around August of each year.

Chicago Area FTC Kick-off

Sept 10th, 2022 8:00AM- 1:30PM

Wentz Science Center 
North Central College
322 E Van Buren Ave 
Naperville, IL 

Online IL FTC Kick-off

Sept 10th, 2022 8:25AM - 12:15PM

Portions of the Chicago area kickoff will be streamed online.  Highlights include:

  • 8:25 - Live Feed Starts
  • 8:30 - Seminar: Prototype and design 
  • 9:05 - Seminar: Thoughts on judging from IL Judge advisors, and a World Championship judge.  
  • 9:40 - Seminar: Intermediate programming with Road Runner
  • 10:10 - Seminar: What to expect this year, grants, and advice from Jonathan Weiland
  • 10:30 - Keynote Speaker - North Central College
  • 11:00 - Official FIRST FTC Kickoff videos / Game Reveal
  • 11:46 - Game review and rules Q/A with State Head Referee

YouTube Recordings of sessions

Western IL / Eastern IA FTC Kick-off

Sept 10th, 2022 9:00AM- 1:00PM (tentative)

Augustana College
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 

Southern / Central IL FTC Kick-off

Sept 10th, 2022 9:00AM-1:00PM

Southern Illinois University @ Edwardsville (SIUE)
School of Engineering building
61 Circle Dr. Edwardsville, IL 62026

Planned events:

  • Snacks during checking!  
  • Portfolio showcase (share yours, learn from others)
  • break out sessions, TBD
  • Viewing of Illinois live stream available
  • Game video release viewing
  • Full FIeld reveal and time to explore the game elements
  • Tours of SIUE Engineering including Mechatronics facilities

Peoria Child League FTC Kick-off

Sept 10th, 2022  Caterpillar tours at 9:30,9:45  Kickoff at 11:00AM

Caterpillar visitor center tours (Must register to attend) at 9:30AM and 9:45AM
110 SW Washington St
Peoria, IL 61602
Peoria Riverfront Museum livestream kickoff
222 SW Washington St,
Peoria, IL 61602