Competition Teams
Local & National | Team Development | Year-Round Competitions
Competitive teams that represent Blaze Robotics in state championships and global competitions. Being part of a team offers students the unique opportunity to apply their skills in real-game scenarios, collaborate with peers, and compete at high levels. This experience not only enhances their technical abilities but also fosters soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Why Choose Blaze?
Proven Results. Blaze students have earned 160+ State Championship qualifiers and 50+ World Championship qualifiers, including winning the 2026 VEX World Champion. Hundreds of Awards. We are the #1 Robotics Academy in the entire Pacific Northwest.
Experience & Leadership. We have 20+ years experience in robotics education & competitive robotics; as the biggest Robotics Academy in PNW, we’ve hosted 50+ local/regional and international robotics events, and served 30+ local communities and schools.
Professional coaching team. For those who want guidance from the same coaching team behind our World Champion students. Full-time expert coaches with real technical and competition experience — not student coaches. Many of our coaches also serve as World Championship-qualified Head Referees and Judges, bringing a deep understanding of both competition performance and event standards.
Join a bigger ecosystem. Community, resources, and a network of teams pushing to improve together in a competitive learning culture.
Aside from the standard in-facility team program, we also offer highly customizable remote coaching packages, hybrid team programs and private team registration packages to suit your needs. Our coaching packages can be found here. Please contact us directly for more details.
New Season
2026-2027 VEX IQ Level Up
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC), presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), provides elementary and middle school students with exciting, open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.
Blaze VEX IQ Elementary Teams will compete at VEXIQ Robotics Competition Elementary Level. Students must be born after May 1st 2014, who are in 3rd to 5th grade this fall, or 6th grader who will be 12 or younger at VEX Worlds 2027.
Blaze VEX IQ Middle School Teams will compete at VEXIQ Robotics Competition Middle School Level. Students who are in 6th or 7th grade this fall or any 5th grader who wants to play up. Students must be born after May 1st, 2011 so they will be 15 or younger at VEX Worlds 2027.
The VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC), presented Global Robotics & Science Foundation, provides middle and high school students with exciting, open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.
VEX V5 Middle School Teams will compete at VEX V5 Robotics Competition Middle School Level. Students who are in 6rd to 8th grade this fall, or 9th grader who are born after May 1st, 2011, and will be 15 or younger at VEX Worlds 2027.
VEX V5 High School Teams will compete at VEX V5 Robotics Competition High School Level. Students who are in 9th to 12th grade this fall, who are born after May 1st, 2007, and will be 19 or younger at VEX Worlds 2027.
2026-2027 VEX V5 Override Through Ignite Robotics
VEX IQ Team Program Overview
With limited team application beginning now, we invite you to enroll in our new season of VEX IQ Competition.
Any student born after May 1st, 2014 can compete at elementary school level.
Any student born after May 1st, 2011 can compete at middle school level.
Regular Season 2026-2027: September 2026 to March 2027 (May if the team advances to the World Championship).
Early Season Summer Head Start: July 2026 to March 2027 (May if the team advances to the World Championship).
Prerequisites
Student can enroll if:
They were on a Blaze competition team previously, or
They’ve taken, are currently taking, or have registered to take the Competitive Robotics Fundamentals class (10-week version, 2-week Summer Intensive version, 5-week Summer afternoon version), or
They’ve taken, are currently taking, or have registered to take at least 2 of our RoboChamps series classes.
Competition Team Experience
Most Blaze Robotics teams consist of about five students working together throughout the season. Students begin by gaining a solid understanding of the current VEX competition game, exploring robot design strategy, and learning how to document their process in an engineering notebook.
As the season progresses, teams meet weekly to collaborate on:
Refining their overall design strategy
Conducting in-depth research
Brainstorming innovative ideas
Designing, building, and programming their robot
What’s Included in the Program:
20 team coaching sessions (3h/session) pre-State Championship with an experienced Blaze Robotics Coach
Coaching for teams if advancing to State/World Championship
On-site coaching during certain competition events, e.g. League nights, State/World Championships (if the team advances to that level), etc.
All required hardware and software for 1 complete competition robot
Official VEX Competition Team registration (approx. $200 value)
Team registration for about 4-5 League Nights (approx. $200 value)
Up to 3 in-state full day tournaments (approx. $400 value)
1 Blank Blaze Team Uniform
An additional $400 fee will apply if the student decides to participate in Early Season Summer Head Start teams.
Additional fees will apply if the student’s team advances to World Championship and they decide to participate.
Team tuition dues before the first day of practice.
What’s Not Included:
Personal tools or equipment that individual students may choose to use exclusively
Travel and accommodation costs for tournaments
Registration fees for additional tournaments beyond those included in the program (e.g. out-of-state events, Signature Events, State Championship, VEX World Championship, etc.)
Competition Prep Course Offerings
If your child is eager to dive deeper into robotics and enhance their skills, we invite you to explore the courses listed below to prepare them for future opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our team next year!
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Why Join a Blaze Robotics Competition Team?
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Proven Track Record of Success
As consistent state and world competition winners, Blaze Robotics sets the standard for excellence. Our teams not only compete but consistently emerge as champions on the biggest stages.
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Rich Heritage of Expertise
With a legacy that combines 20 years of experience in our high school programs and 6 years in elementary, our academy offers a rich, multi-level understanding of robotics. This blend of knowledge ensures all participants, from beginners to advanced, have the foundation and insights needed for success.
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Premier Event Partner:
Courses are taught by experts in the field, including competition team coaches, certified robotics instructors and seasoned robotics enthusiast. This ensures that students learn from individuals with real-world experience and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
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Dedicated Robotics Facility
Our robot house is a dynamic space tailored for passionate robotics enthusiasts. It offers extended access for practice, supporting our teams in their preparation for any challenge. While it may resemble a creative mess, it's equipped with everything needed to innovate and excel in robotics competitions.
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Supportive Community
Joining Blaze Robotics Academy means becoming part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Students can connect with peers, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, enriching their learning experience and building lasting friendships.
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Exceptional Alumni Success
Our alumni gain acceptance into prestigious institutions like MIT and top secondary schools, showcasing our program's impact. They continue to represent us with distinction, embodying the skills and values learned at Blaze Robotics Academy in their academic and personal achievements.
Why We Chose VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) and VEX Robotics Competition (VRC)?
After an in-depth evaluation of various robotics competition platforms, Blaze Robotics Academy proudly selected VEX Robotics for its unparalleled educational and competitive advantages. Our decision was driven by several key factors:
Rich Learning Experience: VEX competitions are designed around the engineering process, encouraging students to engage in design iterations, problem-solving, and teamwork. This mirrors real-world engineering challenges, making each iteration a valuable learning opportunity.
Frequent Competitions: As a REC Foundation VIP event partner, we host and participate in numerous local tournaments, more so than any other platform. This high frequency of events allows our students to quickly identify and address design or strategy issues, learn from observing high-performing robots, and continuously refine their designs. The result is a cycle of rapid improvement and innovation that keeps students motivated and engaged.
Community and Inspiration: The VEX platform’s extensive network of tournaments fosters a vibrant community where students can see the achievements of their peers, sparking inspiration and a drive to excel. This exposure is crucial for cultivating a competitive spirit and pushing the boundaries of what our students believe is possible.
Choosing VEX allows Blaze Robotics Academy to offer a comprehensive, engineering-focused program that prepares students for success in STEM fields. Through frequent competitions and a curriculum centered on continuous improvement, our students don't just learn to build robots—they become budding engineers, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A: Joining our team starts with participating in our courses or camps to build foundational skills. We also recommend attending an informational session or reaching out directly to our team coordinator for specific joining criteria and the application process.
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A: Yes, we typically look for students who have completed certain courses or camps that provide the necessary robotics and teamwork skills. A passion for robotics and a commitment to the team's schedule and goals are also important.
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A: Blaze Robotics Academy welcomes students from 3rd grade through high school to join our competition teams. Our program is designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring a productive and enriching experience for all members, from elementary students to high schoolers.
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A: Our VEX IQ teams typically meet once a week, focusing on a consistent and intensive learning experience. As the competition season progresses, we may offer additional practice sessions to further refine our robots and strategies. Please refer to each team level's description on our website for the most accurate schedule. Regardless of the season, our workshop provides extended access for those team members keen on extra practice time, supporting their dedication and drive to excel.
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A: Blaze Robotics teams actively compete in local, out-of-state, and world VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) and VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) events. Our commitment to challenging our teams and showcasing their talents takes us beyond local competitions; some of our teams travel out-of-state to participate in prestigious Signature Events. These varied competitive experiences, recognized by major robotics and STEM organizations, provide our students with a comprehensive platform to test their skills, innovate, and excel on a global stage.
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A: Yes, we charge an all-inclusive team membership fee that simplifies participation costs. This single fee covers everything the team needs for the season, including team registration, tournament fees, parts, tools, field access, and facility use. Our goal is to make participation as straightforward and accessible as possible, keeping costs manageable while providing everything needed for a successful competition season.
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A: With over 20 years of combined experience, access to a dynamic workshop, and mentorship by world-winning coaches, our teams are well-equipped for success. Our students not only excel in competitions but also represent Blaze Robotics Academy's values of innovation and excellence in their academic and personal achievements.
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A: Our competition season is segmented into three phases to maximize learning and competition opportunities:
*Early Season (June to August): This period is ideal for passionate returning students who wish to get a head start on the next season's game, which is released every May after the World Championship.
*Regular Season (September to February): The majority of our students enroll during the summer, with teams officially forming before the school year starts. The regular season is focused on preparing for and participating in local and out-of-state competitions.
*Post Season (March to May): Teams that advance to state or world championships extend their season into the post period, culminating their year either in March or at the World Championship in May.
This structured approach ensures that all students, whether new or returning, have a clear pathway from preparation to competition, with opportunities to extend their involvement based on performance and commitment.
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A: We understand that plans can change, and we've structured our refund policy to be as fair as possible:
Full Refund: Requests made within two weeks of joining the team are eligible for a full refund, provided the regular season has not yet started.
Partial Refund: Cancellations made after the initial two-week period but before the start of the regular season may qualify for a 50% refund, considering early administrative and preparatory expenses.
No Refund: Once the regular season begins, refunds are not available as the team fee will have been allocated towards registration for competitions, travel, parts, tools, and other essential team-related expenses.
Our policy aims to balance the academy's commitment to providing high-quality competitive experiences with the financial realities of organizing and equipping successful teams. For any refund requests or questions, please contact our administration team directly.