Maccabi Games
Join Team Minnesota
Get ready for an unforgettable summer experience! Team Minnesota is heading to the JCC Maccabi Games® 2026, the world’s largest Jewish youth sports event. More than 3,000 Jewish teen athletes ages 13–17 from communities around the globe will come together to compete, connect, and celebrate Jewish life—Olympic-style.
Join Team Minnesota at the JCC Maccabi Games® 2026 in Kansas City & Toronto from August 2–7, 2026.
The World's Largest Jewish Youth Sporting Event
History
The JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sports competition, has been a cornerstone of Jewish teen athletics since 1982. Hosted annually by communities across North America, the Games have welcomed more than 180,000 teen athletes over the years. The 2025 event promises to deliver the same unforgettable experience, blending athletic competition with cultural enrichment and community service.
Competition
Each year, teens from over 100 JCCs and communities worldwide connect through this event, creating lifelong memories and building meaningful relationships that transcend borders. Athletes may compete in basketball, baseball, dance, ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track, star reporter, or volleyball. Athletes may apply for scholarships through the Minnesota JCC.
Beyond Sports
Although the central activities are sports and athletic endeavors, the broader context of the Games embraces Jewish expressions of pride, peoplehood, identity, and values. JCC Maccabi medals are awarded not only for sporting achievements but also for expressions of six core midot (values) that underpin all aspects of the JCC Maccabi experience: Repairing the World, Respect, Joy, Pride, Big-Heartedness, and Jewish peoplehood.
Pride and Tradition
The Olympic-style opening ceremony instills pride and excitement for all and always includes a moving tribute in memory of the Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Until 2022, the International Olympic Committee never paid tribute to the 11 athletes and coaches. Other components of the Games include JCC Cares, a community service-learning project; JCC HangTime, an opportunity to learn about Israel directly from shlichim in Israel’s Maccabi Movement, and time to socialize with fellow athletes, making lifelong Jewish memories and friendships.
Maccabi Alumni
JCC Maccabi alumni have achieved remarkable success in their fields, including Olympic swimmers Lenny Krayzelburg and Jason Lezak, actor Jason Segel, and American Idol finalist Brett Loewenstern. For many, the Games serve as a springboard to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games, professional sports, and beyond.