COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 24, 2022) – USA Volleyball has selected Chicago to host the 2023 inaugural Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) for the 14-17 age divisions.
USA Volleyball recently announced it is splitting the Girls Junior National Championship beginning in 2023 and having one tournament for the 11-13 age divisions and one for 14-17. This creates more competitive opportunities for athletes and clubs and increases the number of venues that can host.
The tournament will be June 28-July 6 at McCormick Place Convention Center. In addition to a world-class venue, Chicago has many family-friendly attractions including Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, boat cruises as well as world-class theater, shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
“I am thrilled that we are bringing our Girls Junior National Championship to Chicago for the first time ever in 2023,” said Jamie Davis, president and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Chicago and its Midwest hospitality will be the perfect setting for our players, coaches, officials and fans to enjoy the GJNC 14-17 and all the excitement that the city has to offer. I want to thank the Chicago Sports Commission, Choose Chicago and McCormick Place for welcoming us and look forward to seeing USA’s best volleyball take place in the Windy City.”
“We are honored and beyond excited that USA Volleyball has selected Chicago for the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship,” said Kara Bachman, executive director of the Chicago Sports Commission. “We are looking forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches and their families next year in Chicago for an amazing tournament and tremendous overall experience in our great city.”
The GJNC is the United States’ premier junior girls club tournament and attracts college scouts from across the country. There are now seven competitive divisions for each age group in the 14-17 divisions and the 2023 tournament is expected to draw more than 1,200 teams.
Many of the nation’s top college recruits and members of the U.S. Women’s National Team have competed in this event as a part of their junior careers at the club level with several going on to compete in the Olympic Games. Among the U.S. Women’s National Team players who have competed at GJNCs are 2020 Olympic gold medalists Micha Hancock, Chiaka Ogbogu and Justine Wong-Orantes.
Upcoming National Championship Events
2022 Girls Junior National Championship: June 23-July 4 in Indianapolis, ind.
2022 Boys Junior National Championship: June 30-July 7 in Las Vegas, Nev.
2022 Beach National Championship: July 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2022 Beach Club Championship: July 29-31 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2023 Girls 18s National Championship: April 28-30 in Columbus, Ohio
2023 Open National Championship: May 26-31 in Dallas, Texas
2023 Girls Junior National Championship for 11-13: June 14-17 in Minneapolis, Minn.
2023 Girls Junior National Championship for 14-17: June 28-July 6 in Chicago, Ill.
2023 Boys Junior National Championship: June 29-July 6 in Salt Lake City, Utah
2024 Boys Junior National Championship: June 26-July 3 in Dallas, Texas
2025 Boys Junior National Championship: July 3-10 In Minneapolis, Minn.