What:   GoRockford and Rockford Park District are pleased to welcome back the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All in Volleyball Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT) to the Rockford region on August 20 – 23. The tournament will fill an estimated 1,875 hotel rooms with visitors projected to spend $1.2 million.

OWT is the largest two-year college women’s volleyball tournament in the U.S. with teams comprised of athletes ages 18-21. The tournament will welcome 89 teams from 17 states, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Florida, and currently has a waitlist for additional teams. OWT is celebrating is seventh year, six of which have been held in Rockford. The 2026 tournament includes an extra day to allow more teams to play. The tournament uses a match-play format, with each match decided by the best of five games. Teams advance by winning three games.

"The continued growth of the Opening Weekend Tournament is a testament to the strength of sports tourism in Rockford," said Lindsay Arellano, GoRockford vice president of sales and service. "With the addition of a fourth day of competition, more participating teams, and a waitlist of programs eager to compete, this event continues to expand its impact. We're proud to welcome these athletes, coaches, and families to our community while showcasing why Rockford is a premier destination for championship sporting events."

“We are thrilled to return to the Sports Factory for the seventh annual Opening Weekend Tournament, which has firmly established itself as the nation’s largest and most competitive two-year college women’s volleyball event. Over the past six years, we’ve witnessed incredible growth, expanding to host 89 college teams from 18 states, a testament to the caliber of play and the premier destination this event has become,” said Kyle McCall, Head Volleyball Coach at McHenry County College.

When:  Thursday, August 20: Doors open 1:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.   

Matches starting at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 21: Doors open 7:10 a.m. – 9 p.m.        

Matches starting at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.          

Saturday, August 22: Doors open 7:10 a.m. – 9 p.m.   

Matches starting at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 23: Doors Open 8:35 a.m. – 4 p.m.     

Matches starting at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.

Where:  Sports Factory 305 South Madison Street, Rockford, IL 61104

Why:    This is the largest volleyball tournament in the country for community colleges. BallerTV will be streaming all the courts.

Other: Advanced-purchased tickets are $15/day for ages 12 and older, $8/day for seniors, and children under 12 are free. General admission at the door is $18/day for ages 12 and older. Concessions are available for purchase.

District Bar & Grill has been a part of this event since the first year and is offering a 20% discount for all teams, coaches, and families all weekend.

Additional partners include Lucha Cantina, KB Chiropractic, BallerTV, and Sports Recruits.