HackIllinois 2026
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Welcome!
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We have provided a manual to help our first time explorers on this exciting adventure! Below, you will find a guide on what events to attend to make the most of your time at HackAstra! For the best experience, we would recommend our Hackstronauts to review this alongside our Attendee Guide. Let's get to hacking!
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We hope this guide answers any questions you might have, but feel free to send a message on Discord or an email at contact@hackillinois.org if you have any additional questions! You can also visit hackillinois.org for more information such as our FAQ section, schedule, and mentor/judge bios.
Table of Contents
- Helpful / Skill-Building Events
- Fun / Social Events
- Help
- Project Submission & Showcase
Helpful / Skill-Building Events
02/27 (Friday) 3:00-5:00PM
Company Expo
Explore a career outside your occupation as a Hackstronaut and network with representatives from our sponsored companies in the Siebel CS Atrium!
02/27 (Friday) 5:00-6:00 PM
Opening Ceremony
Report to the mothership (Siebel CS 1404) for the mission briefing. Captains and Crew will set you on your maiden voyage, and you will receive tasks for the coming days of exploration.
BEGIN HACKING!!
02/27 (Friday) 7:30-8:30 PM
John Deere Track Intro
Stargazers on the John Cadets whose fate is Cosmic voyagers Hackstronauts Deere track… written in the stars involved with the working on the Report to with this track…
Report to Siebel CS 1302
Stripe Track Intro
Report to Siebel CS 0216
CAT Track Intro
Report to Siebel CS 2405
02/27 (Friday) 8:30-9:30 PM
Team Matching
Solo Hackstronauts do not fret! Report to Siebel CS 0218 to find your dream team!
02/27 (Friday) 9:00-10:00 PM
Project Development Workshop (Fulcrum)
For those needing time and space to plan … Report to Siebel CS 2405 and speak with mentors for guidance.
02/27 (Friday) 10:00 - 11:00 PM
Deployment Workshop (Women in CS)
In partnership with WCS, head over to Siebel CS 0216 to learn about the various deployment methods for your mission!
02/28 (Saturday) 11:59 PM
TEAM & TRACK PRE-CONFIRMATION FORM DUE
02/28 (Saturday) 1:30-2:30 PM
MLH GitHub Workshop
Get hands-on support learning GitHub and customizing your profile with MLH. Launch your GitHub journey in Siebel CS 0220.
Project Submission & Showcase
03/01 (Sunday) 6:00 AM
Submissions Due
Submit all of your hard work to DevPost. Congratulations Hackstronauts! Your mission is complete!
03/01 (Sunday) 9:00 -11:30 AM
Demos Begin at Siebel CS (ARRIVE BY 8:45)
For both Pro and General Track: Showcase your work in a Science Fair Style Presentation.
03/01 (Sunday) 12:00 - 1:30 PM
HackVoyagers Pitch
Top 7 HackVoyager teams will participate in a Shark Tank inspired showcase, streamed live so Hackstronauts can tune in from their stations.
03/01 (Sunday) 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
Report to the mothership in Siebel CS 1404 Captains and crew will debrief mission results. Winners will be announced. Attend for information on our raffle prizes!
Fun / Social Events
02/27 (Friday) 2:30-4:30 PM
Solar Search
Warm up your mind before the competition, and participate in our intergalactic scavenger hunt to help unravel some mysteries onboard at Siebel CS Atrium. Gain points to use in the point shop and redeem swag!
02/27 (Friday) 6:00-7:30 PM
RSO Expo
Report to the Siebel CS Atrium for our RSO Expo (UIUC Clubs).
02/27 (Friday) 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
IMC Poker Tournament
For those who signed up for a fun time… Report to Siebel CS 2405.
02/28 (Saturday) 1:00-2:00 PM
Cosmic CTF Challenge
For those seeking more points and a test of their capabilities… Report to Siebel CS 2405 for a mind exercise!
02/28 (Saturday) 5:00-7:00 PM
The Astral Exhibition
Come to the Siebel CS Atrium for some carnival activities prepared by the crew! Let your mind unwind with some exciting games!
02/28 (Saturday) 5:30-6:30 PM
Capital One Smash Tournament
Prove your worth in Super Smash Bros, open to all who signed up! Come to Siebel CS 2405 for Capital One’s exciting opportunity!
02/28 (Saturday) 9:00-10:00 PM
Code in the Dark w/Caterpillar
Report to Siebel CS 2405 for some vibe coding detox with a change in environment to get those minds running.
02/28 (Saturday) 10:30 - 11:30 PM
Clash Royale Tournament
To those who signed up for a breathtaking tournament… Report to Siebel CS 1404 for another opportunity to show off to your fellow Hackstronauts!
Help
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns during the event please feel free to reach out to us at contact@hackillinois.org, type @Help Desk in any of our Help Channels or create a ticket via Discord, or come to our in-person help desks at Siebel, located right outside of the ACM Office (1104)!
Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. For more details and the official event schedule, please refer to the HackIllinois website here. We hope you have an enjoyable time at HackIllinois 2026 and launch something stellar!