COMPETITIONS
THE PURSUIT OF VICTORY.
Special Olympics Illinois athletes engage in competitions at the local, state, national and global levels. From regional events to the World Games, they’re pursuing victory with everything they’ve got—spreading joy and making history every step of the way.
REGIONAL COMPETITIONS
Special Olympics Illinois serves all 102 counties through 11 regions, each managing local programming and competitions. Athletes compete in regional tournaments, with top finishers—typically gold or silver medalists—advancing to state tournaments.
Interested in attending a regional event? Click below to view our calendar to explore what’s happening in your area.
STATE Tournaments
Special Olympics Illinois hosts more than a dozen state tournaments each year, bringing athletes from across Illinois together to compete at the highest level. Athletes qualify by earning a top placement at their regional tournament, typically a gold or silver medal.
Learn more about each of these tournaments below.
WINTER GAMES
Held in February in Galena, featuring alpine skiing and snowshoeing.
IHSA UNIFIED BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT
Takes place in March in Champaign-Urbana alongside the IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament.
STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Held in March in Bloomington-Normal, featuring team basketball and individual skills for Young Athletes.
IHSA UNIFIED TEAM TRACK AND FIELD STATE TOURNAMENT
Takes place in May in Charleston, alongside the IHSA Boys State Track & Field Competition.
SUMMER GAMES
Hosted in June in Bloomington-Normal, featuring athletics (track and field), Unified cornhole, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, and gymnastics.
STATE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Held in August in Bloomington-Normal, featuring traditional and Unified tennis, plus individual skills.
STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Takes place in September in Forsyth-Decatur, with traditional and Unified golf competitions in 3-hole, 6-hole, and 9-hole formats, plus Young Athletes skills.
STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Held in September in Springfield, featuring team softball and individual skills for Young Athletes.
FALL GAMES
Hosted in October in Rockford and Poplar Grove, featuring equestrian, volleyball, Unified volleyball, and individual skills competitions.
STATE FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Held in November in Peoria, featuring traditional and Unified flag football competitions.
STATE FLOOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Takes place in November in Chicago, featuring team floor hockey and individual skills.
STATE BOCCE TOURNAMENT
Held in November in Springfield, bringing together featuring a day of competition in both Unified and traditional bocce.
STATE BOWLING TOURNAMENTS
Held in December in both the northern and southern pars of the state, bringing together bowlers for a day of competition.
USA GAMES
The Special Olympics USA Games brings together athletes from across the country for elite competition every four years, celebrating their accomplishments and promoting inclusion on a national stage. Cheer on the 54 athletes and Unified partners, 14 coaches, and nine support staff that will proudly represent Illinois at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games next June 20-26 in Minnesota. Click below to meet the delegation and follow their journey.
