FEB 27 - MAR 1, 2026
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CLOSING CEREMONY LINK ATTENDEE GUIDE
ABOUT THE EVENT
HackIllinois is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's premier collegiate hackathon. Prospective attendees can register by the priority deadline on January 4, 2026 to be entered into a raffle to win an iPad, or the final deadline on January 27, 2026.
Participants can work individually or in teams to submit projects to a specific track for a chance to win prizes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hacker, HackIllinois offers workshops, mentorship, and an inclusive environment for everyone to learn and create.
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Introducing
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FAQ
Who is eligible to attend?
HackIllinois is open to all current college students and recent graduates (within 1 year of graduation). You do not need any prior coding experience - we welcome students of all skill levels! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hacker, there is a place for you at HackIllinois.
Where is HackIllinois located?
HackIllinois 2026 will be held in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We'll provide more detailed location and parking information closer to the event date.
Will overnight hacking space be provided?
Yes! HackIllinois will provide overnight hacking space for attendees this year. This dedicated space allows you to work on your project throughout the night in a safe environment.
Will there be reimbursement?
Yes! HackIllinois will offer only travel reimbursement this year to attendees that submit a qualified project. You can view details on how to qualify for reimbursement and how much you may be eligible for here.
What prizes will be offered this year?
This year, we’re expanding our prize lineup! Alongside Best General Project and Best HackVoyager Project, we’re introducing new awards that celebrate creativity, design, and fun, such as Best UI/UX Design, Most Popular, and more! Additionally, attendees can earn points throughout the event and redeem them for items in our point shop. You can find more details about this year's prizes here.
How can I get help during the event?
We will have mentors available during the event to help with anything you need and there will also be workshops and tech talks for fostering new skillsets! HackIllinois staff will also be available on-site throughout the entire event to answer questions & provide guidance in addition to our online support channels for assistance!
ATTENDEE GUIDE PRIZE INFO GUIDE HOW TO HACK (BEGINNER)