What is FTC?
On this page is an overview of the FTC program. For detailed information about FTC in Illinois and the Illinois FTC Championship, go to the IL FTC web site.
Note: While the IL FTC web site is under construction, you can contact Sabrina Fesko at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for information. Also, in the meantime, check out our video from the Illinois State Championship at IIT last December at:
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students (although we won't turn away advanced middle schoolers). It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.
FTC robots are medium sized (< 2 foot cubes) robots. They compete against each other in sports-like competitions on 12' x 12' playing fields. The Challenge kicks off in September, and the Illinois State Championship is held in December. Winners from the Illinois Championship are eligible to compete at the World Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Last year the Illinois Championship took place at IIT in Hermann Hall on December 12, 2009. Many observers came to see the competition, and admission was free. This year's state championship is planned for December 11, 2010.
2009 FTC Award Winners
Motivate Award 3758 (Aztec Eagles)
Community Award 2813 (Teen Girl Squad)
329 (Chicago Squires)
Rockwell Collins Innovate Award 3785 (HP Grainger Bots)
PTC Design Award 3529 (Scrap Metal)
Think Award 265 (Vikings)
Inspire Award 568 (Steelers)
Finalists 3507 (RoboTheosis)
3537 (MechaHampsters)
535 (Tobor)
Champions 111 (MiniStang)
568 (Steelers)
779 (Tri-Force Reloaded)
Key dates for this year's FTC season (fall of 2010)
5/3/10 Registration opens
9/11/10 Season Kickoff - FTC challenge announced
12/11/10 Illinois State Championship
For more information about FTC in Illinois and the Illinois FTC Championship,
Note: While the IL FTC web site is under construction, you can contact Sabrina Fesko at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for information. Also, in the meantime, check out our video from the Illinois State Championship at IIT last December at:
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