Key Takeaways
- USA Judo will host the 2026 Youth National Championships in Wichita on March 14-15, marking the first national championship held in Kansas
- More than 600 athletes ages 5-20 are expected to compete for national titles and Team USA international roster spots
- The event will take place at Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II in downtown Wichita
- Wichita was named Best Sports-Event Host City at the 2025 SportsTravel Awards
- The championship represents a partnership between USA Judo and Visit Wichita
Wichita Secures First USA Judo National Championship
USA Judo announced that Wichita will host the 2026 Youth National Championships on March 14-15, making Kansas the newest state to host a national championship event from the governing body. The Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II in downtown Wichita will serve as the primary competition venue, with additional meeting and office spaces within the facility supporting event operations.
The Youth Nationals typically attract more than 600 athletes between the ages of 5 and 20. Competitors vie for national championship titles and the opportunity to represent Team USA in international judo competition.
Building on Wichita’s Sports Hosting Infrastructure
The decision to bring the event to Wichita follows the city’s recognition as Best Sports-Event Host City at the 2025 SportsTravel Awards. “Wichita is fast becoming one of the country’s premier destinations for sporting events,” said Corinne Shigemoto, CEO of USA Judo. “We’re looking forward to welcoming young judoka from around the country, as well as their friends and family, for what promises to be an incredible weekend, on and off the mat.”
Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita, said hosting the event reflects the city’s growing capacity for national competitions. “To bring a USA Judo national championship to our city and state for the first time is a testament to Wichita’s growing recognition as a premier host for national sporting events,” Howell said.
Youth Competition and International Pathway
The Youth National Championships provide a competitive platform for young judoka across five age divisions spanning 15 years. Athletes compete not only for national titles but also for selection to represent the United States in international events. This dual purpose positions the championship as both a competitive milestone and a pathway to elite-level competition for youth participants.
The event structure combines individual competition with the broader goal of identifying and developing athletes for USA Judo’s international programs.
Strategic Partnership and Regional Impact
The championship represents a formal partnership between USA Judo and Visit Wichita. The collaboration brings a national governing body event to a region that has not previously hosted USA Judo championships. The event is expected to draw athletes, coaches, and families from across the country to downtown Wichita for the two-day competition.
Century II’s Bob Brown Expo Hall will accommodate competition mats, spectator seating, and athlete preparation areas, while adjacent spaces within the complex will support administrative and operational needs for the championship.
Event Timeline and Next Steps
With the March 2026 event date set, USA Judo and Visit Wichita will begin operational planning for athlete registration, venue configuration, and local logistics. The seven-month lead time allows for coordination of competition format, scheduling, and support services for the expected field of more than 600 youth competitors.
Details regarding registration, competition divisions, and spectator access will be released as the event approaches.
via: Sports Travel Mag
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