Rich Township High School will host the Olympia Fields, IL Rich Township Drone Competition on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Rich Township High School STEM Campus, located at 3600 W. 203rd Street, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. The event will take place in the Main Gym, with check-in at Door 5.
The competition will welcome middle and high school drone teams from across the Midwest, including schools from Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. At this time, 27 teams are registered, with additional spots still available for schools wishing to participate. Attendance is expected to range from 150 to 200 spectators, guests, families, and participants.
This year’s event will feature the 2025–2026 Aerial Drone Competition: Mission 2026 – Time Warp, where teams aim to score the highest number of points by guiding drones through time-themed, precision-based challenges in timed matches lasting 60 to 90 seconds. Students will demonstrate their skills in both autonomous and manual piloting, navigating gates and completing multiple phases that highlight strategy, teamwork, coding, communication, and flight control.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including:
All Around Champion
Teamwork Mission Champion
Skills Mission Champion
Communications Mission Champion
Coding Award
Airmanship Award
Judges Award
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with team check-in and inspections beginning at 8:00 a.m. Competition rounds and judging will continue throughout the day, followed by alliance selections, elimination matches, finals, and the awards presentation. The event is scheduled to conclude at 4:30 p.m.
The competition is hosted by Rich Township High School, and the event operates under the REC Foundation, the organization that oversees the Aerial Drones Competition program. Spectators are welcome to attend at no cost, and concession food will be available for purchase.
“This competition gives students an exciting opportunity to apply STEM learning in a live, high-energy environment,” said Mrs. Ontisar Freelain, RTHS Engineering Teacher and MER/Drones Co-Sponsor. “Events like this challenge students to think critically, work together, and showcase the innovation and technical skills they are building in the classroom.”
The public is encouraged to attend and support student competitors as they showcase their talents in one of the fastest-growing areas of STEM education.
For more information about the event, please contact:
Mrs. Ontisar Freelain; ofreelain@rich227.org
RTHS Engineering Teacher & MER/Drones Co-Sponsor