🤖 Unleashing Competitive Engineering: Meet iCode Peoria’s VEX IQ Robotics Teams!
Big things are happening in our robotics lab! Since launching our competitive program in July, eight determined young engineers have been hard at work designing, building, coding, and driver-testing custom robots.
This fall, iCode Peoria is officially stepping onto the competitive stage in the West Valley Robotics League!
We are thrilled to introduce our two official VEX IQ Competition teams:
-
🐍 The Copperheads (4-student team)
-
⚔️ The BlackKnights (4-student team)
🏆 The Big Moment: First Official Competition on October 17th!
After months of prototyping mechanisms, refining driver controls, and writing Autonomous code, both teams are heading out for their very first league event on Saturday, October 17th!
We are competing as part of the official West Valley Robotics League (RE-VIQRC-26-5368). Over the course of the season, The Copperheads and The BlackKnights will take on teams from across Arizona in Teamwork Challenges, Robot Skills Matches, and Engineering Notebook judging.
🗓️ West Valley Robotics League Season Schedule:
Mark your calendars and help cheer on our young innovators as they progress through the league sessions running from October through January:
-
📍 Session 1: October 17, 2026
-
📍 Session 2: November 14, 2026
-
📍 Session 3: December 12, 2026
-
🏆 League Finals: January 30, 2027
🚀 Why VEX IQ Competition Robotics?
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is world-renowned for transforming how students approach science, technology, engineering, and math. Beyond assembling snap-together mechanics, students develop real-world skills that set them apart for life:
-
Real Software Engineering: Students program their robots using VEX IQ code blocks or Python logic for precise sensor navigation and driver control.
-
Iterative Design & Failure Analysis: When a gear slips or an intake arm jams, students don’t quit—they analyze the failure, redesign, and test again.
-
Alliance Teamwork: VEX competitions pair two teams together in a shared arena, forcing students to communicate, strategize, and solve problems collaboratively.
-
Project Management & Documentation: Teams maintain professional Engineering Notebooks, documenting their design iterations and strategy logic for official judges.
🔒 An Exclusive, Invitation-Only Program
Because competitive robotics requires strong technical logic and high team accountability, VEX IQ Teams at iCode Peoria are invitation-only.
We build our teams from students who have demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, dedication, and teamwork in our prerequisite programs.
How Your Child Can Qualify for Future VEX IQ Teams:
To be eligible for an invitation to join our competition roster, students must complete at least one of the following prerequisites:
-
Complete the iCode White Belt Program: Master foundational coding, sensors, and hardware logic in our weekly Belt classes.
-
Complete a 5-Day Battle of the Bots Camp: Complete a full 5-day Spring Break or Summer Break Battle of the Bots Camp experience.
Students who show exceptional teamwork, strategic thinking, and passion during these programs are scouted for upcoming competition team rosters!
📣 Wish Our Teams Good Luck!
Join us in celebrating The Copperheads and The BlackKnights as they represent iCode Peoria at their debut event this Saturday, October 17th!
👉 Interested in preparing your child for competitive robotics?
Explore our Weekly Belt Program or check out our upcoming Camps Schedule to complete the prerequisites for next season!
👉 Questions? Contact Our Center Team or call us at (623) 250-0048.
