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The Ultimate 2025 Windy City Qualifier Guide: 7 Crucial Details Every Volleyball Team Must Know

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The 2025 Windy City National Qualifier (WCNQ) is set to be one of the most pivotal tournaments on the USA Volleyball calendar, kicking off the year with the 18s division in January and the main event for the 11U-17U age groups in April. As of today, December 25, 2025, the official dates and critical logistical details are confirmed, making immediate planning essential for clubs aiming to secure a coveted bid to the Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC). This year’s event, officially the adidas® Windy City National Qualifier, is a mandatory stop for competitive junior volleyball teams, drawing thousands of athletes, coaches, and college recruiters to the Chicago area for intense three-day competition.

The sheer scale of the WCNQ, hosted by the Great Lakes Region, requires meticulous preparation, especially concerning the strict "Stay to Play" housing policy and the two distinct tournament weekends. Ignoring any of the newly confirmed 2025 details could jeopardize a team's participation, making this comprehensive guide a must-read for every club director, coach, and parent.

Key 2025 Windy City National Qualifier (WCNQ) Tournament Profile

To establish a clear foundation for planning, here is a complete profile of the two major components of the 2025 WCNQ.

  • Official Event Name: adidas® Windy City National Qualifier
  • Sanctioning Body: USA Volleyball (USAV)
  • Event Host/Region: Great Lakes Region (GLR)
  • Main Qualifier Dates (11U-17U): Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20, 2025
  • Main Qualifier Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL
  • 18s Qualifier Dates: Saturday, January 18 – Monday, January 20, 2025 (MLK Weekend)
  • 18s Qualifier Location: Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL
  • Qualifier Status: Mandatory National Qualifier for USAV bids to the GJNC.
  • Registration Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025 (or until divisions fill)
  • Housing Policy: Mandatory "Stay to Play and Save" (RESERVE-AND-SERVE)
  • Recruiting Combine Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 (at McCormick Place)

The split-weekend format is a critical detail for 2025, allowing the 18s age group to compete earlier in the season before many athletes finalize their college commitments, while the main event occurs in the heart of the spring qualifying season.

7 Crucial Updates and Logistics for the 2025 Windy City Qualifier

The success of a team at the WCNQ often comes down to preparation off the court. These seven points cover the most important logistical and policy-related updates for the 2025 tournament.

1. The Mandatory "Stay to Play" Housing Policy is Strictly Enforced

The most important logistical rule for any out-of-town club is the Stay to Play and Save policy. This rule is non-negotiable and requires all participating teams traveling from outside the local area to book their hotel accommodations through the official housing partner, typically managed by a company like MCI or AES-approved vendors. The policy is put in place to ensure the best possible rates and room blocks are secured for the massive influx of participants. Teams that fail to comply with the official housing policy will not be permitted to compete, regardless of their registration status.

2. Two Distinct Weekends for Different Age Divisions

Clubs must be aware that the WCNQ is a two-part event in 2025. The Girls 18s National Qualifier is held separately in January in Schaumburg, IL. The main adidas Windy City NQ takes place in April at McCormick Place and hosts the 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. This split helps manage the venue capacity and provides a dedicated focus for the 18s recruiting window.

3. McCormick Place: Navigating the Massive Venue

The main April qualifier takes place at the colossal McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, a venue known for its size and complexity. Teams should plan for significant walking distances between courts, parking, and public transit access points. Familiarity with the specific exhibit hall locations (e.g., North, South, West Buildings) for the volleyball tournament is vital for minimizing stress and maximizing on-time arrivals. The sheer number of courts—often over 100—makes this one of the largest single-venue tournaments in the country.

4. The Recruiting Combine is a Key Pre-Event Opportunity

For athletes in the 15U through 17U age groups, the 2025 Windy City Recruiting Combine is scheduled for the Thursday evening before the main qualifier (April 17, 2025) at McCormick Place. This event is a critical opportunity for uncommitted players to showcase their skills directly to college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior College programs. Teams with recruiting-age athletes should budget for this optional, but highly recommended, pre-tournament event.

5. All Tickets Will Be Online-Only

In a continued effort to streamline entry and manage large crowds, the 2025 WCNQ will only offer Online-Only Tickets for spectators. There will be no on-site ticket sales. Parents and fans must purchase their passes in advance through the official tournament website or the specified ticketing platform. This is a crucial detail to communicate to all club families to avoid delays at the entrance.

6. The March 28th Registration Deadline is Firm

The deadline for team registration is Friday, March 28, 2025, or until a specific division reaches its capacity limit. Given the WCNQ’s popularity as a major National Qualifier, divisions are expected to fill quickly, especially the competitive 15 Open and 16 Open categories. Teams must ensure their registration is complete in the AES system (Advanced Event Systems) and all required fees are paid well in advance to avoid being shut out.

7. Understanding the USAV Bid Structure and Competition

The adidas WCNQ offers bids to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC), which in 2025 will be held in Kansas City (10-13s) and Dallas (14-17s). The tournament offers bids in the Open, National, USA, and American divisions, depending on the age group. Teams should be prepared for intense competition, as the WCNQ draws top clubs from the Midwest, Great Lakes, and other regions, making it a true national test of skill and endurance over three days of pool play and bracket matches.

Essential Entities and Keywords for Topical Authority

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the 2025 event, here is a list of the key entities and related concepts associated with the Windy City National Qualifier:

  • USA Volleyball (USAV)
  • Great Lakes Region (GLR)
  • Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC)
  • Advanced Event Systems (AES)
  • McCormick Place Convention Center
  • Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center
  • adidas® (Title Sponsor)
  • MCI (Housing Partner)
  • Capitol Sports Center (Event Management)
  • Stay to Play and Save Policy
  • RESERVE-AND-SERVE Policy
  • Windy City Recruiting Combine
  • Open Division (Highest Level Bid)
  • National Division
  • USA Division
  • American Division
  • Chicago, Illinois (Host City)
  • Schaumburg, Illinois (18s Host City)
  • Mideast Qualifier (MEQ)
  • Far Western Qualifier (FWQ)
  • Sunshine Classic Qualifier
  • 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U Age Groups
  • 18s Age Group
  • College Recruiting
  • Tournament Logistics
  • Online-Only Ticketing

The 2025 Windy City National Qualifier is more than just a tournament; it is a complex, high-stakes logistical puzzle. By focusing on the dual-weekend structure, securing housing through the approved AES block, and planning for the unique environment of McCormick Place, teams can maximize their performance and their chances of earning a bid to the USAV National Championships.

The Ultimate 2025 Windy City Qualifier Guide: 7 Crucial Details Every Volleyball Team Must Know
windy city qualifier 2025
windy city qualifier 2025

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