📆 Raider Challenge 2026 Schedule

Date Location Event
2/23 Online Portal Registration Opens
3/30 Online Portal Registration Closes
4/16 Fort Knox, KY Team Arrival & Check-In
4/16 Fort Knox, KY Opening Ceremony & Division Briefings
4/17-4/19 Fort Knox, KY Challenge, Masters, Ultimate Raider Competitions
4/19 Fort Knox, KY Awards Ceremony & Departure
All times listed in Eastern Time. Division schedules and maps will be posted in the Welcome Packet.

🏅 Core Events

  • 🏃‍♂️ 5K Team Run: Endurance-focused team racing
  • 🪢 Rope Bridge: Quick-build tactical engineering
  • 🧯 Cross Country Rescue: Battlefield-style evacuation drill
  • 🛡️ The Gauntlet: Obstacle course of grit and strategy
  • 💪 Physical Fitness Test: Sandbags, tires, synchronized sprints
  • 🎖️ Ultimate Raider: Qualifying team event (swim, run, obstacles)

🎯 Why It Matters

  • National recognition for tactical skill & fitness
  • Real-time leadership under pressure
  • Showcase for local JROTC programs
  • Immersion into military traditions at Fort Knox

🛂 Fort Knox Access Info

  • Chaffee Gate: Open 24/7 during event
  • Wilson Gate: Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Thu to Fri)
  • Brandenburg Gate: Closed Sat to Sun
  • Visitors without military ID must apply for a 5-Day Fast Pass

📚 Quick Access Resources

JROTC National Events Hub

Explore premier competitions and leadership experiences that define the Army JROTC program. These events challenge cadets in academics, fitness, STEM, and citizenship—while building lifelong skills and connections.

Featured Events

  • Raider Nationals – April 16–19, 2026, Fort Knox, KY. Includes obstacle courses, rope bridges, strength tests, and first aid challenges.
  • JLAB – Leadership & Academic Bowl – June 2026, Washington, D.C. STEM activities, trivia competitions, and DC-area leadership experiences.
  • Drill Championships – May 2–3, 2026, Daytona Beach, FL. Armed/unarmed drill, color guard, and inspection events.
  • VEX Robotics Nationals – TBD 2026, Dallas, TX. Engineering and coding competition with REC Foundation.
  • Air Rifle Championships – Regionals Feb–Mar 2026; Finals Spring 2026. Sporter and precision marksmanship events.
  • CyberPatriot Challenge – Finals Spring 2026. Cybersecurity competition focused on securing virtual networks.
  • Archery Nationals – Spring 2026, Sandy, UT & Louisville, KY. Precision archery competition across two regions.
  • Drone Nationals – Spring 2026, TBD. New STEM event using RADC-approved drones.

Registration & Contact

Raider Registration
Vendor Registration (Email)
JLAB Registration

Note: All dates and details are subject to change. Refer to official OPORDs and the JROTC site for updates.

📆 Raider Challenge 2026 Schedule

Date Location Event
2/23 Online Portal Registration Opens
3/30 Online Portal Registration Closes
4/16 Fort Knox, KY Team Arrival & Check-In
4/16 Fort Knox, KY Opening Ceremony & Division Briefings
4/17-4/19 Fort Knox, KY Challenge, Masters, Ultimate Raider Competitions
4/19 Fort Knox, KY Awards Ceremony & Departure
All times listed in Eastern Time. Division schedules and maps will be posted in the Welcome Packet.

🏅 Core Events

  • 🏃‍♂️ 5K Team Run: Endurance-focused team racing
  • 🪢 Rope Bridge: Quick-build tactical engineering
  • 🧯 Cross Country Rescue: Battlefield-style evacuation drill
  • 🛡️ The Gauntlet: Obstacle course of grit and strategy
  • 💪 Physical Fitness Test: Sandbags, tires, synchronized sprints
  • 🎖️ Ultimate Raider: Qualifying team event (swim, run, obstacles)

🎯 Why It Matters

  • National recognition for tactical skill & fitness
  • Real-time leadership under pressure
  • Showcase for local JROTC programs
  • Immersion into military traditions at Fort Knox

🛂 Fort Knox Access Info

  • Chaffee Gate: Open 24/7 during event
  • Wilson Gate: Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Thu to Fri)
  • Brandenburg Gate: Closed Sat to Sun
  • Visitors without military ID must apply for a 5-Day Fast Pass

📚 Quick Access Resources